In this raw story of family dramas and revelations, a lot happens! It follows a family who emigrated from Bangladesh to the Brecon Beacons in Wales. It focuses chiefly on Nasrin and Sabrina, two sisters, though many other family members and relatives are included. The writing and immersive culture captivate and keep you motivated to read on. A terrific family saga with a multilayered, enthralling tale spanning four decades, the multitude of Bangladeshi terms used meant I needed to look up words in the glossary.

A delightful, sterling début that is as glorious on the inside as its striking cover, The Halfways is well worth your time.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from HQ via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

This books description really sold it to me, I usually enjoy a family saga and this had all the ingredients to be an excellent one.
After a strong start though I found the book difficult to get into. I think the format just didn't work well ( digital). I believe there is a glossary but I was unable to find it when reading. Ironically , at the halfway point on this one, I decided to give up, I was getting confused and losing interest.
I think there is a good book there and I want to know what happens but I need a paperback of this one.
I have ordered a copy and will return to it at some point.


I am pretty sure this is the first arc I have not read in full. I have never had an issue with reading format before, first time for everything.
I will update my review if possible when I read the paperback.

Interesting take on the family saga. I found the UK and Bangladesh stories more captivating. The impact of a pivotal member of a family is dealt with brilliantly
3.5/5 stars

The ultimate family saga, there is so much that happens within the pages of The Halfways. I was instantly hooked by the writing and then stayed along for the deep and raw story of family dramas, secrets revealed, and an eclectic cast of characters. While at times it can seem quite long, the gorgeous writing and immersive culture will keep you captivated through and through. Also, the ending is absolutely devastating. The emotions that you go through while reading this will have your head spinning, in the very best way possible. I absolutely adored this book.

This is a wonderful book to read and a first for my by this author. The story is one about differing opinions between family members. The family emigrated from Bangladesh to the Brecon Beacons in Wales. Their father has recently passed away and the sisters Nasrin and Sabrina have returned back to Wales from London and New York.

While the story focuses a lot on the two girls, the author has included other family members and relations. This was a brilliant way of giving different perspectives and it gave a better idea of the opinions other people had. Their parents wanted their girls to live and experience the ways of the West, but even on this they disagreed as their mother felt they should be more away of their home, religion, culture and heritage of Bangladesh.

The author has created an extremely poignant story of the differences between cultures religions, traditions and expectations. Trying to live your life between two different cultures does bring arguments and disagreements. While both sisters try to be modern and to be more like those around them, they are still aware that their skin is of a different colour. Both have compromised to be more accepted and this is shown through some very heart-breaking scenes.

Getting to know more about the the family and also the culture was so interesting and the author made it so addictive. The story is deep and moving and does explore the stigmas and perceptions of people, especially those within this family. Back stories are explored for the parents and for several others and this helps build a fuller picture.

I adored this story, it has some fun moments, but it is also very heart-breaking. A gorgeously told story with additional information in the glossary at the end. It is a family in turmoil, one that is struggling and trying to overcome the death of a father and husband and also trying to keep things together. They are trying so hard to keep things going and not everything goes to plan.

This is one for those who love to explore different cultures, religions and lives, a contemporary fiction as well as dipping into the past. Addictive reading and one I would definitely recommend.

The story of The Halfways is about the ties that bind us across geographical and generational divides with a focus on the importance of food and story. The contemporary Islam family are split across three continents and are brought together in Wales by the death of Shamsur , father to Nasrin and Sabrina. I enjoyed the story although I did find the time shifting narrative a little confusing in places. The characters' lives and moral/emotional conflicts were well described as were their fluctuating relationships with each other. At points in the story however I felt there were perhaps too many narrative threads going on and they were not all tightly controlled. I really appreciated the author's ability to weave Sylheti and English throughout the narrative and thought she had a keen eye for place, describing the Brecon Beacons, Bangladesh and Manhattan in great detail. My thanks to the publisher via Net Galley for a complementary ARC of this title in return for an unbiased review,

I really enjoyed this book. It has the family drama vibes that I think fans of Pachinko would enjoy, and the imagery is just beautiful. I loved the different settings and how this book brings in culture, including the language used. I love a good food scene too and this had plenty of those.

Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it to most readers.

I struggled with this one, long and hard. It wasn't the Bengali language, I could figure out some of that by the context. I just found it a bit tedious. Somehow I just wasn't fired up (even though there was quite a lot on the face of it to keep me interested.) Sorry, not for me.

A Father is dead..not just a Father, a restaurant owner, a husband , a role model, an Uncle. Three women gather in Wales at the family home. Afroz has come from Bangladesh, she wears a hijab but she’s uncomfortable with both her culture and marriage and longs for the freedoms she perceives the other women possess.
Sabrina flies in from New York. She’s a high flying financier but a lonely woman.. Nasrin arrives with her young son, Elias. She was forced to give up a career as a pilot when her epilepsy returned suddenly…She married outside her culture, her husband doesn’t understand her, her neighbour asks for warnings when she’s cooking spicy dishes..
The death of Shamsur has brought the women’s past and future head on as they confront their relationships with each other, their ambition and cultural identity and they try to understand what history led them to this point.
ThIs is an eloquently written story, full of the unique geography of the different settings, interwoven with the smells of cooking, the buzz of the restaurant and the beautiful words of the Sylheti language ..
I loved this story and in particular the wonderfully observed dynamics of the relationship between the three women ..I felt totally wrapped up in their lives and intrigued by their feelings towards each other. Where did the hostility between Sabrina and Afroz stem from. And there are other secrets..what is going on at Nasrin’s home, is Sabrina being set up at work ..

This is a wide ranging family saga spanning decades and continents, driven by a sense of belonging and identity, love and family. I loved it.
With thanks to Netgalley and HQ Stories for my copy

I’d describe this book as realistic fiction. The author has done an amazing job at creating imaginary characters and situations that depict the world and society. The characters focus on themes of growing, self-discovery and confronting personal and social problems. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

3.5/5.

When their father, Shamsur dies suddenly, sisters Nassrin and Sabrina return home to Wales to be with their mother and reluctantly step back into the stifling traditional ways, creating a clash of culture as old meets new. The tension rises when Shamsur’s will is read and the revelation of a long-held secret sends shockwaves through the family, tearing them apart and creating a rift that seems beyond repair…

An absorbing debut that is as beautiful on the inside as its striking cover, The Halfways is a kaleidoscopic family saga. Melodic, lyrical, vibrant and evocative, it is a glorious tapestry of a novel. Nilopar Uddin is a gifted storyteller who has crafted an atmospheric, layered, enthralling story filled with humanity. As she explores the many facets of family, culture, identity, belonging and forgiveness, Uddin leads you through the story gently, like a tranquil stroll on a summer's day. It feels light, yet bursting with imagery and emotion, dreamlike, with a stylish and cinematic edge that feels like you’re seeing the story vivid technicolour. This isn’t a book you simply read, but one that you step into.

The story is told by multiple narrators over four decades, taking us between London, New York, Wales and Bangladesh. Moving fluidly between narrators, places and timelines, the vignettes from the past offer us a glimpse into the history of this complex family, slowly revealing who they are and what secrets they have been keeping. The chorus of richly drawn, flawed, yet very different, characters draw you into their lives, allowing us to step into their shoes and feel everything that they do: their heartache, grief, struggles, inner turmoil and betrayal.

Tender, moving and heartfelt, The Halfways is a captivating and lingering debut from exciting new talent.

The HalfWays is a beautiful story about a family scattered across the world, brought back together after a sudden passing, after which secrets are revealed.
This story is beautifully told, well plotted, emotional, gripping and wonderfully cathartic. The characters brought to life in this novel are so incredibly human. They are frustrating and sympathetic, flawed and strong, full of spite and love and everything in between. This story is almost entirely character driven and as such lives and dies on the characters and personally I enjoyed every moment I spent with them.
I loved the descriptions of the locations in the book and I could imagine the hills of Wales, the rush in New York and the hustle and bustle of village life in Bangladesh. The references to food were also a delight. I also loved the use of a different language and how it talks about a different culture.
From the very first chapter this was a completely immersive novel. The writing is just superb. The story completely drew me in and I couldn’t put it down.
An absolutely beautiful cover and an engaging synopsis drew me into this book.
An enchanting family saga that I adored. Well written with a riveting storyline and well developed characters that I took to my heart. An incredible read. I highly recommend this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher HQ (@HQstories) for the opportunity to read the eARC of this book.

Intricate and poignant, this literary novel explores belief, culture, family, identity and love. The character-driven, emotional and gently paced tale immerses the reader in the lives of Nasrin and Sabrina. Their father's death brings them back to the family home and business in Wales and changes everything. The language and sensory imagery produce a lyrical story full of conflict, secrets and love. Moving between the various characters and time frames, the reader learns their history and why they behave as they do.

I enjoyed the originality, believably flawed characters and the emotional journey through the women and their relatives' lives.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

A truly epic & beautiful story about diversity , Family Secrets ,Love , Traditions & lives split across thousands of Miles between London, Wales, New York and Bangladesh, it is full of colour , lyrical verse & accents which blend together & carry you on an incredible journey that is full of emotions between sisters as their once seemingly smooth lives are upended when their father Shamsur’s passes & his Will is read! I would have given this Book more than Five *'s if that were possible & I highly recommend it . #NetGalley, #GoodReads, #FB,#Instagram, #Amazon.co.uk, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/358a5cecda71b11036ec19d9f7bf5c96d13e2c55" width="80" height="80" alt="100 Book Reviews" title="100 Book Reviews"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/ef856e6ce35e6d2d729539aa1808a5fb4326a415" width="80" height="80" alt="Reviews Published" title="Reviews Published"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/aa60c7e77cc330186f26ea1f647542df8af8326a" width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>.

The cover is what enticed me the most about this novel. Followed by the plot. With a interesting summary of having a family all over the world having to be together for a family gathering - not necessarily the happiest occasion but goodness comes in sad occasions or the ending of something sadly. Anyway, the novel itself the writing style I couldn’t agree with, usually if the author writes well in a particular way it makes for easy reading however, there was also a foreign language of Bangladeshi which not many are in the UK countries at least in terms of reading reviews and such the readers are English and depending on your market of customers why would you want to make it so difficult for English speakers as more buyers would be English? It’s common business sense to make a novel easier to read isn’t read of wasting our time with a big long terminology at the back of the novel! This is not a teaching novel it is to enjoy however this makes for hassle reading.

An absolutely beautiful cover and an engaging synopsis drew me into this book. A family scattered across the world, brought back together after a sudden passing, after which secrets are revealed - can they all accept and move on?

Sadly, I struggled with the style and the majority of the storyline. I read the book on a kindle, and didn't realise that there was a substantial glossary at the end explaining the multitude of Bangladeshi terms used throughout - having these to hand would have made it so much easier to read (and I suspect more enjoyable, as so much went over my head and I lost interest rapidly) I also felt that some of the individual story arcs were a bit rushed, as if the author didn't quite know where to go with a character so just popped in a shocking twist to conclude their part.

I did however love the descriptions of the locations of the book, I could imagine the hills of Wales, the rush in New York and the hustle and bustle of village life in Bangladesh. The references to food were also a delight!

An enchating family saga that I adored. Well written with a riveting storyline and well developed characters that I took to my heart. There is so much to this book that nothing I say will do this book justice. An incredible read.

Apologies but I’m struggling with this book. I had high hopes after reading the synopsis but it just isn’t flowing as a story for me at the moment.
Thank you for the opportunity to read the first few chapters.

Nasrin and Sabrina are two sisters, who on the face of things live successful and enviable lives in London and New York. When their father, Shamsur suddenly dies, they rush to be with their mother at the family home and restaurant in Wales, and reluctantly step back into the stifling world of their childhood.

I have to compliment the cover of this novel because it is stunning, which is what drew me to this novel in the first place. From the very first chapter this was a completely immersive novel. The author writes so beautifully, crafting the landscape in such a way it is meaningful to the characters and also representative of them. It is such a complex novel but once it has you, you have to complete it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I fell in love with the gorgeous cover then I fell in love with this well written and riveting family saga.
Great characters, well plotted and gripping. I loved the use of a different language and how it talks about a different culture.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine