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Holding

The instant bestseller from the author of FRANKIE
3.83 goodreads logo

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( 34,695 ratings, 2,833 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Holding by Graham Norton unfolds in a small Irish village where a decades-old secret surfaces when human remains are discovered on an old farm. The local sergeant, known for his quiet life, finds himself embroiled in a significant investigation. The story blends gentle humour and poignant moments as the past's truths begin to unravel, affecting the lives of the village's residents.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you love a blend of humour and mystery set in a small Irish village. With its intriguing characters and hidden secrets, it offers a charming and gripping tale of how past events can shape the present, perfect for fans of crime and thrilling storytelling with a touch of heartfelt humanity.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The Sunday Times bestseller. Graham Norton's dark and masterful debut set in a remote Irish village, is an intelligently crafted story of love, secrets and loss.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
‘... one of the more authentic debuts I've read in recent years ... in such an understated manner, eschewing linguistic eccentricity ... in favour of genuine characters and tender feeling...this is a fine novel.’ John Boyne, Irish Times

'It's funny and wonderfully perceptive' Wendy Holden

'Poised and perceptive' the Sunday Times

'It is beautiful and yet devastatingly sad' Daily Express

'Deeply accomplished...brilliantly observed' Good Housekeeping

'... a deftly plotted story as moving as it is compelling.' Sunday Mirror

'Strenuously charming...surprisingly tender' Metro

'Heartwarming and observant' Stylist

The remote Irish village of Duneen has known little drama; and yet its inhabitants are troubled. Sergeant PJ Collins hasn't always been this overweight; mother of two Brid Riordan hasn't always been an alcoholic; and elegant Evelyn Ross hasn't always felt that her life was a total waste. So when human remains are discovered on an old farm, suspected to be that of Tommy Burke—a former love of both Brid and Evelyn—the village's dark past begins to unravel. As the frustrated PJ struggles to solve a genuine case for the first time in his life, he unearths a community's worth of anger and resentments, secrets and regret.

Darkly comic, touching and at times profoundly sad. Graham Norton employs his acerbic wit to breathe life into a host of lovable characters, and explore—with searing honesty—the complexities and contradictions that make us human.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Graham Norton's Holding is praised for its vivid characterisation and atmospheric setting, with elements of black comedy and pathos adding depth to the suspenseful narrative. Critics note its charm, authenticity, and unexpected tenderness, making it a compelling debut with a blend of emotional and tense moments.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781444791983

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 18 May 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Sceptre

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 205.0mm

Weight: 224g

Pages: 320

About the Author

Graham Norton is one of the UK's best loved broadcasters. He presents The Graham Norton Show on BBC1, has a weekly show on BBC Radio 2, and writes a column for the Telegraph. He is the winner of eight BAFTA awards. Born in Dublin and raised in West Cork, Norton now lives in London. Holding is his first novel.

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