A review by lizzillia
Half a World Away by Mike Gayle

4.75

Mike Gayle is becoming an author I turn to for a cosy, easy read that tugs at the emotions. This didn't disappoint. We have two main characters, Kerry and Noah, and the book is told in there alternate POVS. Kerry is a single mum to Kian. She is a cleaner who lives for her son and stirves to give him the best life she can, and to give him an upbringing that will make him a man she can be proud of. Noah is a successful barrister who lives in a big house in Primrose Hill with his wife, Rosalind, and his daughter, Millie. He has every thing, every opportunity that Kerry lacks. They are strangers to one another, they have nothing at all in common. But what Kerry knows and Noah doesn't is that they are siblings - Noah is Kerry's half-brother - who were torn apart as children when they were taken into care. So, when she writes to Noah, neither of their lives will ever be the same again. Throughout the book there are letters that Kerry has written to her brother and left with the adoption agency for him to read if he ever tries to find out his past and I loved hearing her voice and seeing her love for her brother. The two POVs bring bother characters to life. We see Noah's feelings about his past, growing up as he did as a black child in a white family. We see Kerry and the love she has for Kian, her strength and how hard-working she is. We also see the regard her clients have for her. The character arcs are beautifully written and I challenge anyone not to adore Kerry and her love of all things glittery - and Mariah Carey. This will have you reaching for the tissues but at it's heart it is full of love.