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emmat21's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thickthighs_no_lies's review against another edition
5.0
Breathtaking and heartbreaking all at once. I knew this book was going to be good just from all the reviews and recommendations it had had via goodreads, Facebook and Bookstagram but my god. I was not prepared to be so consumed with the characters and their lives. I am soft at heart as anyone who knows me well enough will say but the letters Kerry writes to her baby brother set me off from the start.
Keep some tissues to hand because I assure you that by the end of this book the box will be empty. Beautiful and delicately written.
Keep some tissues to hand because I assure you that by the end of this book the box will be empty. Beautiful and delicately written.
val0235's review against another edition
4.0
This book is floating around bookstagram so believe there is no need for introduction and I shall keep review this short
louisacarmichael's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
readwithkapz's review
5.0
‘Half A World Away’ by Mike Gayle
Book review:
Firstly, I’d like to thank @bookishhbabe_ for recommending ‘Half A World Away’.
I recently read ‘Lonely People’ by Mike Gayle, which I really enjoyed.
‘Half A World Away’ centres around the POVs of two people:
Firstly, Kerry Hayes, a single mother living in South London who works as a cleaner.
And secondly, Noah Martineau (Formerly known as James Hayes, who lives in Primrose Hill, has a wife, a daughter and works as a Criminal Barrister.
Mike Gayle. You’ve done it again.
The two main characters are actually related. Both characters are siblings who were separated when they were young: With Noah being adopted by a middle class white family and Kerry being placed into foster care.
Throughout the book, we are privy to Kerry’s attempts to reconnect with her younger brother Noah through a series of letters she sends as the years pass.
Honestly, this book is outstanding. The way Mike Gayle writes each chapter, going back and forth from the perspectives of Kerry and Noah is one thing.
But the way the ending of each chapter succinctly hooks you in and grips you. And I mean GRIPS YOUUUU.
One thing I really want to commend Mike Gayle for is the way he provides us with insights into the internal monologues of Kerry and Noah, allowing us to understand how each character feels, their thought processes and their struggles in opening up about their personal lives to the people around them.
One a side note, I hated Noah’s wife. In my opinion, she is very selfish and lacks any sense of empathy. Useless cow.
Mini rant aside, Mike Gayle has written a masterpiece of book here. If you enjoy contemporary fiction, I would highly recommend reading this and also ‘Lonely People’.
Book review:
Firstly, I’d like to thank @bookishhbabe_ for recommending ‘Half A World Away’.
I recently read ‘Lonely People’ by Mike Gayle, which I really enjoyed.
‘Half A World Away’ centres around the POVs of two people:
Firstly, Kerry Hayes, a single mother living in South London who works as a cleaner.
And secondly, Noah Martineau (Formerly known as James Hayes, who lives in Primrose Hill, has a wife, a daughter and works as a Criminal Barrister.
Mike Gayle. You’ve done it again.
The two main characters are actually related. Both characters are siblings who were separated when they were young: With Noah being adopted by a middle class white family and Kerry being placed into foster care.
Throughout the book, we are privy to Kerry’s attempts to reconnect with her younger brother Noah through a series of letters she sends as the years pass.
Honestly, this book is outstanding. The way Mike Gayle writes each chapter, going back and forth from the perspectives of Kerry and Noah is one thing.
But the way the ending of each chapter succinctly hooks you in and grips you. And I mean GRIPS YOUUUU.
One thing I really want to commend Mike Gayle for is the way he provides us with insights into the internal monologues of Kerry and Noah, allowing us to understand how each character feels, their thought processes and their struggles in opening up about their personal lives to the people around them.
One a side note, I hated Noah’s wife. In my opinion, she is very selfish and lacks any sense of empathy. Useless cow.
Mini rant aside, Mike Gayle has written a masterpiece of book here. If you enjoy contemporary fiction, I would highly recommend reading this and also ‘Lonely People’.
hotgirlfiction's review
5.0
Half a World Away follows the heartbreaking story of two siblings, Kerry and Noah, who are taken into care and live very different lives.
This is my second Mike Gayle book, and this one is a clear favourite. It was beautifully written; both characters immediately come to life, their personality completely throws itself at you on the page. Kerry is down to earth, lovable and endlessly caring, whilst Noah is extremely intelligent and kind-hearted. As the book progresses, I became overwhelmingly invested in their blossoming relationship and hoped for a sweet ending.
Somewhere in the middle, this novel turns into a heart-wrenching example of how easily life can fall away from you. Kerry's struggle hit very close to home for me personally, and the raw, vivid descriptions of her illness brought me to tears. This novel is a beautiful telling of the strength of family, and whilst making me cry, brought hope to my heart. It won't leave me for a very long time, and in my opinion is a must-read for everyone.
This is my second Mike Gayle book, and this one is a clear favourite. It was beautifully written; both characters immediately come to life, their personality completely throws itself at you on the page. Kerry is down to earth, lovable and endlessly caring, whilst Noah is extremely intelligent and kind-hearted. As the book progresses, I became overwhelmingly invested in their blossoming relationship and hoped for a sweet ending.
Somewhere in the middle, this novel turns into a heart-wrenching example of how easily life can fall away from you. Kerry's struggle hit very close to home for me personally, and the raw, vivid descriptions of her illness brought me to tears. This novel is a beautiful telling of the strength of family, and whilst making me cry, brought hope to my heart. It won't leave me for a very long time, and in my opinion is a must-read for everyone.
wkilgannon's review against another edition
5.0
A beautifully written story of siblings torn apart by circumstances beyond their control. The characters are wonderfully developed as the story progresses, and you can really understand why they’ve made the decisions they have.
heatherwh's review against another edition
4.0
I didn’t expect to feel this way about this book… the first half was slow but omg the second half had me sobbing. I was so caught off guard
roseymayreads's review against another edition
5.0
After reading this it’s come to my realisation I rarely read work by male authors, but after this I will definitely be broadening my horizons. This book was so moving I was in tears. It was so poignant yet so heartwarming. It makes you want to think about everything you have to be thankful for in life. I would definitely recommend. Real life. Real problem. Real feeling.
rejstone_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Lovely and an important reminder of what truly matters in life.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Alcoholism and Drug abuse