Reviews with content warning for Infertility - Half a World Away

I am so happy that I got round to reading this beautiful story. I had heard that it was an emotional one so I had some idea what might be about to happen whilst I was reading it however this did not take away from the plot and how deeply invested I was with the characters. It is a book that actually made me cry real tears and I feel like that is pretty amazing. 🥲

It intimately explores the idea that factors out of your control have such a profound effect on your life and where you end up. I loved the characters and their relationships which were shown at their best and worst. I particularly loved how it was written and for this reason I couldn’t put it down! I would highly recommend this book and already have to friends and family ❤️

Content Warnings

bookskatlikes's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

** spoiler alert ** I was warned by many when I started this book that I will require tissues to cope with the heartache it's about to give me. Yet, I wasn't quite ready to be so broken by the end of it. I sobbed for a good hour, no lie.

What I particularly liked (but also absolutely hated at the same time because it's just so unfair!!), is how true Gayle stayed to real life. There was no "sugarcoating"; no unbelievable happy endings because he simply could have just re-written Kerry's story to make it all pink and fluffy. But he didn't. I fell in love with all the characters and when I learned we are about to lose Kerry, and so soon after Noah and her reconnected I felt CRUSHED! My heart bled for Kian and the rest of the family.

Half a World Away is honest, raw and moving story about finding one's self, about family and about unconditional love and sacrifice.

It was everything I expected and more.

Content Warnings

theanxiousbookworm_'s review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Half A World Away was my first read of 2020 and boy did it take me by surprise.

TW: Cancer and Death

I was not aware of the trigger warnings before entering this book which is why I think this book received the reaction that it did. Having lost somebody I love to cancer I found that this book was a very difficult read, which I think I would have liked to have known about before going in. I still would have read the book but feel like I would have been better prepared. Having said that, the author deals with this theme in a very delicate way, giving it justice for the readers who may be able to relate to what is going on. I feel like if you are able to read this book with the trigger warnings considered then you should definitely pick up this book.

I liked the writing style adapted and the multiple POVs. I enjoyed getting to know both Kerry and Noah in their separate chapters. I feel like this was very important in order for the reader to build up the much needed connection with them both. I really enjoyed seeing their relationship come to gather and grow in a way I don't think I expected. I also liked getting to know other characters including Kian and Millie and how they adapted to the situations that they are given at such a young age. My heart broke for Kian so many times, I dont think I am quite over it yet. The only character that irritated me and I couldn't gel with is Rosalind, I'm not sure I was meant to like her but I got to the point where I couldn't stand her.

There are a few time jumps in this book where, chunks of the story are missing, this left me confused on occasions and I would have liked those gaps filled, if not just in a few pages so that it made a bit more sense. I also would have liked more regarding Kian and dealing with the death of his mother instead of the focus on Noah and Rosalind towards the end. That might be a biased opinion based on my dislike for Rosalind but I just feel like Kerry and Kian were forgotten about and I would have liked a little bit more for closure.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It made me cry and I dont generally cry when I read books so it was definitely impactful. What I will say is to take note of other reviews and trigger warnings before entering this book just in case it is not for you at the time of reading. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

Content Warnings

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