Member Reviews
Another wonderful novel from Mr Norton!
Carol is a divorced teacher living in a small town in Ireland, her only son now grown. A second chance at love brings her unexpected connection and belonging.
The new relationship sparks local speculation: what does a woman like her see in a man like that?
What happened to his wife who abandoned them all those years ago?
But the gossip only serves to bring the couple closer.
In the intriguing book Forever Home readers delve into the intricate world of complicated families, where love and challenges intermingle to create a gripping narrative. Written with depth and emotion, the story unfolds through the eyes of its diverse characters, each navigating their unique family dynamics with courage and resilience.
Forever Home captures the essence of familial relationships in a way that resonates with readers of all ages. As we journey through the pages, we witness the characters' struggles and triumphs, allowing us to reflect on our own experiences and relationships. There are some surprising twists and turns along the way, that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
Graham Norton skillfully weaves together themes of hardship, belonging, and forgiveness, creating a tapestry of emotions that will tug at the heartstrings of readers.
I would recommend Forever Home to readers who appreciate stories that delve into the complexities of family life. This book is a poignant reminder of the power of love and the strength found in unity, making it a valuable addition to any reading collection.
On a scale of five stars, Forever Home would receive a solid three stars, reflecting its engaging narrative. Be prepared to embark on an emotional journey filled with intrigue.
So wanted to love this but sadly I just couldn’t get in it. Not sure if it was the storyline or the characters but I struggled with it in places. There are so many excellent reviews so I know its just my view. Definitely worth a read.
Thank you Netgalley
.
I will read everything Graham Norton writes. He was such a wonderful literary discovery for me recently. I of course loved his show and other ventures, but the quality of his writing is unsurpassed and I was delighted to start reading his works. This book was no exception and it kept me guessing until the very end!
Thank you Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley - read in one day as couldn't put it down.
Graham does write a good book and I totally need him in my life.
Please more
I read the first chapter of this but sadly it didn't grip me enough to keep going. It's disappointing as I've loved two of Graham's other books.
So this is my first Graham Norton novel and I would usually not go anywhere near a celebrity author but liked the sound of this one and I wasn’t disappointed.
Set in Ireland (of course) Carol is a local teacher who is single and not really looking for love. The story turns from a love story to the laughter of her relationship with her parents to a thriller when a hidden lie is discovered. I really enjoyed the style of writing and the story flowed leaving you hooked from page one. I will definitely be looking for more Graham Norton novels.
As usual in my reviews, I will not simply rehash the publisher's blurb...instead, I recommend that you read this for yourself!
I did not realise that Graham Norton was an author until I received an ARC of this novel. I liked his writing style - great descriptions and insights into the minds of the characters, along with a generous helping of humour, made this a really enjoyable read.
In essence it's a "family saga" type story, involving two families - each with their own histories. The interactions between family members, and indeed the families, don't always run smoothly, so there are many undercurrents swirling around. More general observations of the wider population and how people behave are both insightful and amusing. A secret is eventually uncovered, and leads to some darkly hilarious shenanigans involving a midnight boat trip! An excellent twist in the tale genuinely surprised me.
I loved the characterisations - so well written that they leapt off the page and I could imagine the cast in real life. I'd love to see this novel made into a movie or tv series.
I'm looking forward to reading more by Mr Norton. Hats off to him for this enjoyable read!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
I am a fan of Norton's writing in general, especially the knack he has for portraying small-town Ireland and its people so astutely. While his observations of human behavior shone through again in this novel, the confusion between the two narrative directions detracted from the overall impact.
The story centered around Declan's failing health and the ensuing tension between his partner and adult children, leading to the unraveling of hidden secrets and fears. The characters' struggles to find security in their unexpected trajectory overshadowed the initially admired characterisations.
Not his strongest novel, in my opinion, but another decent title for his back catalogue.
My first read by Graham Norton, and it was fantastic, a really great,story and relatable realistic cast of characters. I read it almost in one sitting and wished for more,
I have enjoyed all of Graham Norton’s other novels but Forever Home just wasn’t for me. A family drama / saga, it centres around Carol is forced to leave the home she shares with her husband Declan (by his children!) when his dementia progresses. The characters were unlikeable, I include Carol in that, didn’t feel any particular sympathy for her! Overall dull and not one of Norton’s that I would recommend.
Such a fantastic read, a very moving story.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
#ForeverHome #NetGalley Definitely a book that I could not put down! a story of a dysfunctional family but darkly humorous at the same time. The characters were so cleverly written and a nice little plot twist of the end. I have loved all of Graham Norton's books but this was definitely the best so far. And I could hear him narrating the story in his lovely Irish accent!! I don't know if it was just a problem with my kindle copy but there were no chapter ends or beginnings - it just all flowed on from one another which took me a couple of minutes to realise we had moved on to another character. Nevertheless, it did not spoil my enjoyment and still worthy of 5 stars. I look forward to reading more from Graham.
I haven’t read any of Graham’s books before but will do now. Ironically being a teacher has delayed me reading it but once I got a moment I did so - and quickly.
Main character is a divorced teacher with an adult son - Carol - who lives in a small Irish town. She is the victim of small town gossip when she moves in with Declane who is much older than she is and has somewhat of a mysterious past and ex relationship.
I was drawn to the characters - they’re so well fleshed out and I was enthralled by the story.
I won’t give much away but I would recommend this book wholeheartedly.
My thanks to netgalley and publishers for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book begins as Carol, a previously divorced school teacher is being kicked out of her own home. Well the home she’s being living in with her partner Declan, the love of her life.
Declan was diagnosed with early onset dementia. In the early days after his diagnosis Carol was left in peace to care for him with no issues. When suddenly Declan’s children decide he would be better off in a care home.
They go one step further and decide to sell the house they’ve spent the last number of year together in. It’s her home.
Carol’s mother Moira is determined to step in and help her daughter. Resulting in them both getting involved in a situation neither had imagined.
This isn’t the book I expected from Norton. His stories are normally so quaint and idyllic. Don’t mistake that for me not enjoying the book. I loved it!
This is more of humorous fiction story, still set in a fictional Irish village. Another hit from Norton in my opinion!
When did Carol’s life falls apart she wonders what she did wrong? Having attempted to befriend her long tome partners grown up children she finds herself homeless when he is admitted to dementia care. Her mother welcomes her back home but home is stifling. When her father purchases her erstwhile home she thinks it could be a new beginning but there’s a mystery at the heart. Why did her partner’s wife leave him and where exactly is she? Why is her father so keen to buy the house and just what is her mother thinking?
Another imaginative and carefully observed dramady from Graham Norton. It’s intensely visual and will lend itself to being dramatised. The closest comparison I can make is with the crazy Scandinavian novels by Fredik Bachman.
Graham Norton really is a wonderful novelist. He has a quiet charm about his writing which is so infectious and endearing. You’d need a heart of stone not to be moved by this love.y book. .
I was so happy to be approved for this ARC. Thankyou so much Graham, Netgalley and the publisher.
I love Graham Nortons writing style, His books are always the right mixture of funny, easy to read and emotional.
I first got into Graham Nortons book by reading the quick read he released called the Swimmer, ive since bought all his books that i havent read yet. i will do soon!
I really enjoyed this book. I’ve read 2 of Graham Norton’s other books and found this one to be similar. I enjoyed the story as of liked the characters. I would recommend this book to others.
Lovely novel with a touch of dark comedy in the now typical style of Graham Norton.
Well written and the characters are all relatable.
Genuinely brilliant read.