Reviews

In the late 1980's, a deadly car accident impacts the lives of many in a small Irish town. The accident involved 6 young people on their way home from the beach, among them a bride & groom who were to get married the next day. 3 died in the accident and 3 survived. The blame is cast on Connor, who was driving the car. He feels the accusation and emotion radiating on him from others in the small town. Connor runs from town in order to avoid the ill-will and escape his past. Eventually, of course, he has to face up to the secrets of his past.

This is the third novel by TV celeb Graham Norton, but the first one that I've read. I went into it not quite knowing what to expect. I ended up quite enjoying it. It has tragedy, secrets, judgement etc. at the center but it is all handled with warmth and a deep understanding of how small town politics can impact lives. Connor has carried on his life with this dark shadow hanging over him and we as the reader only want the best for him and for everyone to come to a better understanding.

Bonus: the audiobook is narrated by Graham Norton himself.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!

lindsayaunderwood's review

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4.0

I always love Graham Norton’s books. I’m always a fan of generational family tales and he never drags them on longer than they should be. He always includes some nice twists which I love!

thepagelady's review

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3.0

It is 1987 and a small Irish community is preparing for a wedding. The day before the ceremony, a group of young friends, including the bride and groom, are involved in an accident. Three survive. Three are killed.

The lives of the families are shattered and the rifts between them ripple throughout the small town. Connor survived, but living among the angry and the mourning is almost as hard as carrying the shame of having been the driver. He leaves the only place he knows for another life, taking his secrets with him. Travelling first to Liverpool, then London, he eventually makes a home—of sorts—for himself in New York, where he finds shelter and the possibility of forging a new life.

But the secrets—the unspoken longings and regrets that haunt those left behind—will not be silenced. Before long, Connor will have to confront his past.

Thank you HarperOne for sponsoring this Goodreads Giveaway giving me the chance to read Home Stretch by Graham Norton!

One thing I liked the most about this book is that you felt like you were reading a piece of the author’s own life, his own experience. It's amazing to hear the attitudes people had back then towards people just being who they are. It’s not as strong now but it’s nice to see that there have at least been some improvements. I am not gay but my sister is and I can remember some hardships that she went through as a young woman coming out in the late 80s. So it was an easy read and interesting to see how each person reacts differently to the lies, secrets, and heartbreak. I enjoyed the time travel; it added to the suspense. It was intriguing to see how the characters developed and their relation to each other. I enjoyed the book. Happy reading everyone!