A heartfelt read that I found both charming and thoughtful. The novel’s exploration of the unexpected bond between an elderly man and his great-nephew adds a touching layer to the narrative. Donoghue’s writing effectively captures the nuances of their relationship and their personal growth. However, I felt that some parts of the story moved a bit slowly and could have been more tightly woven. Overall, it’s a rewarding and reflective read, though it may not resonate equally with everyone.

I really enjoyed this book. I thought the age differences were covered really well and enjoyed the two differing characters. Really well written and highly recommended.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Akin is a novel by Emma Donoghue, published in 2019. The story follows Noah Selvaggio, a retired chemistry professor, who is contacted by a social worker in France. The social worker tells Noah that he has a 12-year-old son, Michael, who was abandoned at a train station. Noah travels to France to meet Michael, and the two of them embark on a journey to learn more about each other and their family history.

Akin is a slow-paced novel that focuses on the relationship between Noah and Michael. The two characters are very different from each other, and they have to learn to overcome their differences in order to form a bond. Donoghue does a great job of developing the characters and their relationship, and she creates a believable and heartwarming story.

The novel also explores themes of identity, family, and belonging. Noah and Michael are both searching for their place in the world, and they find it in each other. Akin is a moving and thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

The ending felt a bit rushed. I would have liked to see more of Noah and Michael's journey after they find each other.
The plot was a bit predictable. I was able to guess what was going to happen next a few times.
Overall, I enjoyed Akin. It is a moving and thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story about family and identity.

A beautifully written book. Really enjoyed reading this. Thanks to publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read

Another wonderful book from Emma Donoghue, so pleased to have read it! Such beautiful characters that stole my heart, I’m sad to have finished. Donoghue will be a go to author for me now!

Dnf at 29%

I'm sure I will pick this up again at some stage. I liked the relationship that is developing between Noah and Michael. The inter generational relationship is fabulous.

However, I just felt for me at this point that I have to put it down.

It's great to be in a position to recommend much more diverse books to our young people at school. Building the senior school library as a place where students actually come and find books that they want to read as opposed to books that teachers think they ought to read is an important responsibility and one we take really seriously.
Books like this are such a positive move as they will appeal to a broader set of readers than we are usually attracting. Dealing with modern issues in a clear and captivating way with a strong narrative voice and characters that the students can relate to is critical as we move forwards. This book is both an intelligent and compelling read that will hold even the most reluctant reader's attention and keep them turning the pages long into the night. It keeps the reader on their toes and ensures that you give it your full attention too. I found myself thinking about its characters and events even when I wasn't reading it and looking forward to snatching kore time with it and I hope that my students feel the same. An accessible, gripping and engrossing read that I can't recommend highly enough. Will absolutely be buying a copy for the library and heartily recommending it to both staff and students.

A lovely book exploring the relationship between an old man and a young boy. Well written and I really enjoyed the characters and the path they were forging it was a bit slow at times but that didn't detract at all

I adore the writing of Emma Donoghue! She tackles such diverse subjects and does well with all of them. This novel was full of emotion and the description of the tremendous difference between the life of a man living in Manhattan and widowed and his great nephew with whom he is forced to take care of as the only available relative. Their relationship is rocky to say the least, but Donoghue gives us a hint of the relationship that they will forge together. One knows that Noah and Michael will be good for each other.

Having loved "Room," I was very excited to see that Emma Donoghue had a new book out.

Noah is an old man going to Nice to celebrate his 80th birthday. Just before he leaves, he learns that his 11 year old great nephew needs a guardian since his father has overdosed. So, Noah ends up with a travelling companion who is as different to Noah as chalk and cheese.

It's a novel about family and the generational differences between the characters. A beautiful book, it's easy to read yet will make you think about the various issues it raises. It is quite possible there's another film to be made here...

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC without obligation.

The thing about a writer who had SUCH an amazing book is that you’re always going to be compared to that piece of work.
I did enjoy Akin, the premise of the elder Great uncle having to take responsibility for the young nephew and the emotional journey they go on to find common ground was well written and created empathy with the characters. The descriptions of Nice really took me back and I could imagine myself wandering along the promenade. For those interested in French history, you will also enjoy this book. Unfortunately, I was left thinking that it just wasn’t as good as Room.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to review this book.

This is a journey of discovery, a thought-provoking and captivating journey. Two very different people travel to a neutral setting, the where a lovely story about belonging, family and humanity unfolds.
My thanks to Net Galley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

A beautifully written book but it was slow in places. It was a really sweet story though and i think perfect for those looking for a gentler read.

Wow, I am becoming a huge fan of Donoghue! Her use of language is nothing short of stunning and I am always enthralled with her books! She weaves the language and plot so beautifully!

This book was very different to what I’d normally read but I was curious to read it as I’d heard a lot ably it. Well I am so glad that I did. It was utterly fabulous. I devoured it in one sitting.

Anything Emma Donoghue writes is always intricately plotted and her use of metaphors is incredible. I would definitely reccomend this book.

An easy to read and very well-written book. It does deal with some tough subjects. There is so much to think about and it does tug at the emotions quite often. Recommended.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was an really easy heartwarming read. I loved how we saw the friendship between the two characters develop and evolve.

This is the story of Noah Selvaggio, a retired professor living in New York, who is coming to terms with his widowhood whilst planning a trip to France. Suddenly into his life comes Social Worker Rosa with news of his 11 year old great nephew Michael. Through various twists of fate, Noah ends up taking Michael to Nice where he is trying to work out his mother’s role in the Second World War. Noah is a character whom the reader comes to love during the course of the novel, as we follow both his mother’s history and his developing relationship with Michael. A beautifully written novel which will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommended.