This novel is a perfect blend of heart, humour, and profound emotional depth. Isaac, the main character, is beautifully written; his grief, vulnerability, and search for healing are portrayed so realistically, making it impossible not to become deeply invested in his journey. The addition of the quirky, mysterious egg adds a magical, whimsical touch that really elevates the story.

What truly makes this book special is how Palmer skilfully navigates themes of loss, healing, and human connection with such empathy and warmth. It’s funny, touching, and surprisingly uplifting, even in its most tender moments. The writing is captivating, and the emotional impact is lasting. If you’re looking for a heartwarming, thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page, Isaac and the Egg is an absolute must-read!

**Isaac and the Egg** by **Bobby Palmer** is a heartwarming and emotionally rich debut novel that explores themes of loss, grief, and the unexpected healing power of connection. The story blends humor, tenderness, and moments of surreal whimsy as it follows a man in the depths of despair, only to be unexpectedly pulled out of his sorrow by a peculiar and unlikely companion. Palmer’s writing is compassionate, insightful, and deeply moving, making this a novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with loss or found solace in the most unexpected places.

### Plot Overview:
The novel centers around **Isaac**, a man in his thirties, who is struggling to cope with the recent death of his partner, **Nina**. Isaac is adrift in his grief, unable to move past the tragic event that has shattered his life. He spends most of his days in a daze, avoiding friends, family, and the world outside. His grief is all-consuming, and he feels completely disconnected from his former self.

One day, while walking through a forest near his home in a haze of sadness, Isaac encounters a strange creature: a large, fragile **egg**, which seems to have a life of its own. The egg is confused, somewhat helpless, and in need of care, much like Isaac himself. Isaac, initially unsure of what to do, begins to care for the egg in the hope that it might provide him with some sort of distraction or purpose.

What follows is a quiet, yet profound, story about healing, self-rediscovery, and the unexpected ways in which life can surprise us when we least expect it. As Isaac tends to the egg, he gradually begins to come to terms with his grief and starts to open up to the possibility of a future without Nina. The egg becomes a catalyst for Isaac’s emotional journey, leading him to confront his pain and ultimately to reconnect with the world around him in ways he never imagined.

### Character Development:
**Isaac** is a deeply relatable and human protagonist. His grief is palpable, and Palmer does a wonderful job of capturing the suffocating weight of sorrow that consumes Isaac’s life. Isaac’s internal struggles are portrayed with subtlety and grace, making his journey of healing feel both authentic and emotionally resonant. While his pain is initially all-consuming, it is through his care for the egg that Isaac slowly starts to find a way forward. The transformation he undergoes—from an emotionally broken man to someone who starts to engage with the world again—is handled with both sensitivity and realism. The emotional beats in Isaac’s development feel earned and powerful, and readers will find themselves rooting for him as he finds his way out of the darkness.

The character of **the egg** is, in many ways, the novel’s most intriguing element. Though it is never anthropomorphized or fully explained, the egg serves as a metaphor for Isaac’s own fragile state and his desire for healing. It represents a quiet, unspoken connection—a creature that, like Isaac, is lost and in need of care. As their bond deepens, the egg provides Isaac with an anchor, a sense of purpose, and ultimately, a way to confront the deeper issues he’s been avoiding. The egg, though strange, becomes symbolic of the possibility of change and rebirth.

**Nina**, Isaac’s late partner, plays a key role in the novel even though she is not physically present. Through flashbacks and Isaac’s reflections, we learn about their relationship—one that was marked by love, but also by unspoken words and unresolved conflicts. Nina’s absence is a constant weight on Isaac, and Palmer does an excellent job of showing how grief often involves not only mourning the person lost but also dealing with the things left unsaid. Her memory lingers over the novel, shaping Isaac’s emotional landscape and motivating much of his journey toward healing.

### Writing Style:
Bobby Palmer’s writing is delicate and introspective, with a keen eye for emotional nuance. His prose is simple, yet evocative, capturing the everyday struggles of grief in a way that feels both specific and universal. Palmer doesn’t rely on heavy-handed symbolism or melodrama; instead, he allows the emotions to unfold organically, giving the reader space to connect with Isaac’s experience on a personal level. The pacing of the novel is steady and gentle, much like Isaac’s emotional journey, and Palmer never rushes through the healing process. The quiet moments of reflection and introspection are some of the book’s most powerful, drawing readers deeper into Isaac’s world.

The surreal elements of the story—chiefly the presence of the egg—are handled with subtlety and charm. Palmer doesn’t explain away the egg or try to give it a logical explanation; instead, he lets it remain a mysterious, almost magical presence in Isaac’s life. The egg’s interactions with Isaac add an element of whimsy to the novel, and this surreal quality provides a unique contrast to the otherwise somber, realistic themes of grief and healing. Palmer’s ability to balance humor, tenderness, and surrealism is one of the book’s standout features.

### Themes:
1. **Grief and Healing**: The central theme of *Isaac and the Egg* is grief—its suffocating presence and the difficulty of navigating life in the wake of loss. The novel explores how grief can take on a life of its own, distorting reality and clouding the way we interact with the world. Through Isaac’s journey, Palmer shows that healing is not a straightforward path; it is messy, complex, and often involves taking small steps toward acceptance. The egg becomes a vehicle for Isaac to face his grief, and the novel ultimately suggests that healing can come from the most unexpected places.

2. **Connection and Purpose**: One of the most powerful aspects of the story is the way it examines the importance of connection. Isaac, in his sorrow, is cut off from everyone and everything around him, but through his bond with the egg, he begins to re-engage with life. The novel suggests that sometimes we don’t need grand gestures or profound solutions to heal—we just need a small, meaningful connection to pull us out of the darkness. The egg, with its fragility and need for care, becomes a reminder that even the smallest things can make a difference.

3. **The Absurdity and Beauty of Life**: The presence of the egg introduces a surreal, almost absurdist quality to the story, which is a perfect complement to the book’s exploration of grief. Life, in its fullness, is both beautiful and absurd, and Palmer uses this balance to bring lightness and warmth to an otherwise somber narrative. The egg’s mysterious appearance in Isaac’s life is a reminder that the universe sometimes throws unexpected surprises our way, and those surprises may lead us to a path of healing or self-discovery.

4. **Letting Go**: At its heart, the novel is about letting go—not just of the people we’ve lost but of the pain and guilt we carry with us. Isaac’s journey toward healing involves accepting that there are things in life we can’t control and that sometimes, moving forward means releasing the past and allowing ourselves to grow.

### Emotional Impact:
*Isaac and the Egg* is a novel that tugs at the heartstrings. While it addresses the deep sadness of grief, it also offers hope and comfort in equal measure. The novel is a quiet meditation on the healing process, and Palmer’s careful, empathetic writing makes Isaac’s emotional journey feel deeply personal and moving. The surreal elements of the egg add a layer of whimsy and wonder, creating an uplifting balance to the heavy themes of loss.

The emotional payoff of the story comes from the gradual sense of progress Isaac makes. The bond between Isaac and the egg is moving in its simplicity, and as Isaac begins to heal, so too does the reader’s sense of hope for him. It is a slow and steady journey, but one that ultimately feels rewarding and satisfying.

### Final Thoughts:
*Isaac and the Egg* is a beautifully written debut novel that explores the depths of grief, the power of connection, and the surprising ways in which healing can unfold. Bobby Palmer has crafted a story that is both emotionally resonant and uniquely quirky, with its blend of humor, tenderness, and surrealism making it an unforgettable read. The novel will appeal to readers who enjoy introspective, character-driven stories that delve into the complexities of grief and personal transformation.

This is a book for fans of novels like **Fredrik Backman’s *A Man Called Ove*** or **Haruki Murakami’s *Norwegian Wood***—stories that explore human vulnerability, the intricacies of emotional healing, and the quiet, unexpected ways life can offer us redemption. *Isaac and the Egg* is a moving, uplifting tale of how the smallest things can help us find our way through the darkest of times.

A unique, clever and powerful read. Not my usual read but I certainly enjoyed it and it certainly made me feel human.

I’ve thought a lot about Isaac’s egg. In many ways, the egg is an extension of Isaac. It cannot communicate properly, and the egg has no clue about its new world. Much like Isaac is learning how to be a human again, so too is the egg learning what it means to live in this new strange world.

The egg, simply named Egg by Isaac is able to communicate that it is trying to get home – Wawoo. The term seems to mean many things to Egg – it home, family, friendship, and love. All of the things Isaac feels he has lost.

this one had the sweetest underlying message! not much in terms of plot really - it felt quite repetitive. would recommend for an easy read! the writing style was so easy to follow along with

I wanted to love this book - the description given really made me believe this would be one of my best reads. I don't know if I just had too high expectations, or if the book simply fell flat, but in some parts I was bored and disappointed. I can't pinpoint exactly what made me feel that way so it could truly be that it was not the right time for me to enjoy this book.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to experience this book.

Bobby is an absolute talent when it comes to writing. He manages to create the most unique and heartfelt storylines that leave you both heart warmed and yet sobbing too. I went on a real rollercoaster with this book and felt so many things. I laughed, I cried, I felt it all. Which I think is a sign of a really good book. I cannot wait to read Small Hours!

I tried with this book. It’s intriguing and for others I’m sure it’s a winner. Sadly, I lost interest and have struggled to pick it back up.

Absolutely wonderful read, unexpectedly moving and could not put it down.

Isaac and the Egg are both wonderful characters. I adored reading about their journey through grief together. This was a heartbreaking read, but also really life affirming. Just wonderful all round.

The egg is quite funny. In my head I pictured it as this combination of a furby and a gremlin which ironically is how Issac goes on the describe it later.

There is a scene where the egg tries to make Issac breakfast and I just couldn’t stop laughing.

Issac’s depression is so realistic that I was able to fully connect with him. I feel like this was the perfect read for me to finish the year off with. Despite putting it off for some time, I’m glad I finally read it.

I wasn’t able to finish the book before it was archived and removed.Hopefully, I’ll get around to buying a copy and finish it.

what a strange book to read was ready to put down after first few chapters but managed it too the end to see want happened have a mixed reaction of tears and sorrow and a egg to help along the way

I have no words to describe this as I’d like, beautiful and compelling and emotional and just a true masterpiece of writing, god it had me laughing and balling and everything inbetween, what a quirky and unique beautifully written book this is…you MUST read it

Oh my! I'm not sure there are many words in my vocabulary that I can use to describe how I feel about this utterly all consuming novel and without spoiling things). It left me speechless, devastated and hopeful all at the same time and Isaac and his buddy Egg have left such a mark on my heart.

Isaac is depressed and ready to give up on life. He's closed the door to everyone trying to help him and has already ceased to exist in spirit and mind. Isaac is a character who just breaks your heart instantly. His perfectly imperfect relationship with Mary is lovingly crafted through flashbacks and this is how we learn about Isaac as he was too.

I'm not religious or spiritual but I'm a believer of seeking out the glimpse of good and Hope in terrible situations. This is what I believe Egg to be. Some sort of beacon of hope trying to break through the wall Isaac has surrounded himself with and shed a tiny amount of hope onto him. Egg appears when Isaac needs him the most and adds a little humour into a fairly dark story.

I adored Egg and his playfulness. I always got the feeling he knew and understood far more than he let on and knew that his purpose was to bring light back into Isaac’s life. Towards the end there is definitely more of a sense of this coming through. Egg’s development provides some light relief throughout and I loved how he was brought to life. I found myself chuckling out loud at his antics and Eggisms.

I was lucky enough to listen to some of this in an audio book and Johnny Flynn really does a fantastic job of narration. He conveys the emotional distress and numbness of Isaac whilst equally bringing the playful and mischievous Egg to lfe in stark contrast. He has the sort of voice I could listen to all day.

Isaac and the Egg is a beautiful story and Bobby Palmer tells it perfectly. In the beginning, it leaves you wondering what on earth is happening but by the end you will be completely smitten and in love. It’s unique, quirky and wonderful.

Wawoo!!

If only grief could be solved by finding an unruly egg in the woods and allowing it into your home, or is it an egg? Could it be a figment of Isaac's mind that he imagines as he wades through the grief? Or is it an alien, whose sole purpose is to help heal those who are suffering?

When Isaac who's grieving the loss of his wife, finds an oversize egg in the woods he has no idea what he's letting into his home. I loved Egg, he had such a presence and character as eggs go.

This fantastic debut is both heartbreaking and funny.

I absolutely loved it, and it's definitely a book I will re-read again in the future, and one to recommend.

Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.

Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Original, quirky, utterly compelling. These are the words that I would use to describe this book. However don’t be fooled thinking this is just a story about a cute little egg. While it is funny in places this is a book about grief, Isaac is in a bad place and his feelings are raw.

He is losing chunks of time, waking up in places unable to remember how or why he is there. His personal hygiene has taken such a back seat it’s now in the boot. He has become a self imposed hermit and family and friends are beside themselves with worry. Something drastic needs to happen before it’s too late and then along comes egg….

Is it an alien or is it a figment of Isaac’s broken mind? Whatever it is Isaac decides to take it home where it behaves like an unruly toddler. And something magical begins to happen….

To say anything else would spoil it but just know that this book will break and then heal you. It will make you look at loss slightly differently to how you did before and it may well put you off eating eggs! A special, one of a kind beautiful book.

I can't believe this is a debut! Such a wonderfully deep, nuanced tale. Thank you for this heartbreaking and beautiful ARC!

I found this book quite difficult to get into and decided to leave it and pick it up again at a later date. I am so glad I did although I still struggled a bit until I got into the ‘flow’ and then loved it. It is very profound and might not be to everyone’s taste. Bobby Palmer does have a wonderful way with words and I’m really grateful that NetGalley and the Publishers gave me the opportunity to read the ARC.

Strange, but enjoyable story...not exactly what I tend to go for.
Keeps you guessing throughout the story, right untill the end.

An odd little story on the face of it but as you delve deeper, you understand what the author is trying to convey, part science fiction, part grief counselling and part buddy story. Liked it a lot.