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Half a World Away

The heart-warming, heart-breaking Richard and Judy Book Club selection
By Mike Gayle
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Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating. ( 25,365 ratings, 2,142 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
Half a World Away by Mike Gayle is a poignant tale of estranged siblings whose lives take different paths until fate intervenes. Set in contrasting London worlds, the story explores themes of family and reconnection, as the two main characters, one living a comfortable life and the other struggling, are drawn back together in a journey of understanding and love. The narrative combines emotionally rich storytelling with a touching exploration of social issues and relationships.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2499
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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 enjoy heartwarming stories about complex family dynamics and emotional reunions. It's perfect for readers who appreciate narratives that explore the themes of identity, belonging, and the power of hope and human connection. Prepare to be moved by vividly portrayed characters and their emotional journey.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

By turns funny and moving, Half a World Away is a story that will stay with you long after you read its final page.

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

DON'T MISS MIKE'S BRAND NEW NOVEL, A SONG OF ME AND YOU - AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW!

'His most accomplished and moving novel yet' - Lisa Jewell

'Emotionally high-voltage' Metro

*

Strangers living worlds apart.

Strangers with nothing in common.

But it wasn't always that way...

Kerry Hayes is a single mum, living on a tough south London estate. She provides for her son by cleaning houses she could never afford. Taken into care as a child, Kerry cannot forget her past.

Noah Martineau is a successful barrister with a beautiful wife, daughter, and home in fashionable Primrose Hill. Adopted as a young child, Noah never looks back.

When Kerry contacts Noah, the sibling she lost on the day they were torn apart as children, she sets in motion a chain of events that will change both of their lives forever.

By turns funny and moving, Half a World Away is a story that will stay with you long after you read its final page.

*

Readers love Half a World Away!

'These are people who matter, situations one can believe. Most readers will find themselves caring very much. A life-affirming read.' - Vine

'It isn't easy, it is heart-wrenching, but, oh, is it worth reading. I can't recommend this book highly enough.' - Vine

'How have I not read a Mike Gayle book before? I want to give this book all of the stars in the universe. I cried my eyes out at the end. It is touching, heart-wrenching, and thought-provoking.' - NetGalley

'This story is raw and beautiful and sad. It puts lots of things into perspective and makes you think about what is important in life. Beautifully written, easy to read, and will certainly bring tears to your eyes. A must-read.' - NetGalley

'This is a beautiful, beautiful book. It's about family, about class, about love, about choices and sacrifice. It's about letting go and learning to hold on. It's optimistic and heartbreaking and funny and emotional. It's the kind of book that will stay with you, long after you finish it. Buy it, read it, love it - and hang on to those tissues, you'll need them.' - NetGalley

Authors love Half a World Away!

'Mike Gayle has such a talent for delving into hearts, minds and contemporary issues. Half a World Away is supremely poignant, uplifting, and heartwarming in equal measure - as well as being a real page-turner.' - Sophie Kinsella, author of Surprise Me

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?

Half a World Away by Mike Gayle is celebrated for its poignant and uplifting nature. Reviewers praise Gayle's ability to create deeply relatable characters, making the story both heartwarming and a real page-turner. It's noted for its handling of complex issues with compassion, with many readers finding it heartbreakingly beautiful and hard to put down. The novel is described as a triumph, capturing the essence of fractured families and the enduring power of love.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781473687370

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 February 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Hodder Paperback

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 260g

Pages: 368

Collections

Best Sellers at Book Hero Education & Reference Fiction General Fiction In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books Literary Fiction Mike Gayle New Release Fiction

About the Author

MIKE GAYLE was born and raised in Birmingham. After graduating from Salford University with a degree in Sociology, he moved to London to pursue a career in journalism and worked as a features editor and agony uncle. He has written for a variety of publications including The Sunday Times, the Guardian and Cosmopolitan.

Mike became a full-time novelist in 1997 following the publication of his Sunday Times top ten bestseller My Legendary Girlfriend, which was hailed by the Independent as 'full of belly laughs and painfully acute observations', and by The Times as 'a funny, frank account of a hopeless romantic'. Since then he has written eighteen novels, including The Man I Think I Know, selected as a World Book Night title, and Half A World Away, selected for the Richard and Judy Book Club. His books have been translated into more than thirty languages. In 2021, Mike was the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Romantic Novelists' Association.

He lives in Birmingham with his wife, kids and greyhound.

You can find him online at mikegayle.co.uk and on Twitter @mikegayle.

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