⭐️ 3 ⭐️

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

I absolutely adored Isaac and the Egg, so I couldn’t wait to read Small Hours; unfortunately, it was a bit of a mixed bag for me.
 
There’s no doubt that Bobby Palmer is a talented writer; he certainly has a way with words and his lyrical, poetic prose is beautiful. I just wasn’t as invested in the characters and their story as much as I thought I would be.
 
I loved the detailed descriptions of nature and wildlife — the fox was actually my favourite character, but instead of gripping me, the story only held my attention loosely, and I found myself skim-reading parts of it.
 
Overall, Small Hours is beautifully written, but it just didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

Literally just finished this and feel I probably need to sit and think about it some more before fully reviewing the book. Never heeding my own advice though, here goes.

Like Issac and the Egg, Bobby has written another novel that captivates and moves the reader immensely. He's also beguiled us with another unusual character, this time a talking fox. Though I did find myself feeling the fox was supposed to be a metaphor for something, a tad more than I did with the Egg (despite how much I hate analysing literature), this feeling certainly disappeared towards the end when his plight was used to pull at the heart strings...a few tears were shed.

Centring on a family who, despite previous closeness, have grown apart as they've gotten caught up with their own unique journeys. Small Hours mainly focuses on first born Jack. Having 'run away' to London and become obsessed with being a success, his world is rocked suddenly when he loses his job. A chance meeting with a fox, sees him returning home and having to confront things he's been looking to ignore, as well as the disappearance of his mum.

Watching as Jack confronts the truth about his life and his familial relationships, we also follow his father Gerry. Finding the world ever more confusing and difficult to understand, Gerry takes increasing refuge in the natural world he loves and his cherished memories. The poetry style format use for Gerry's sections, seeks to add a sense of confusion sometimes, particularly as the stanzas sometimes change sides of the page. It also helps build the case that he's really a lovely man who's merely become a little lost and possibly trapped within himself, unfortunately with many regrets.

Regret seems to be a key theme of the book as both Hazel (Gerry's wife/Jack's mother) and Charlotte (daughter/sister) also suffer with regrets which while possibly never voiced, are capable of heavily influencing their lives too.

Though not containing quite as much laugh out loud humour as The Egg, Small Hours does have uplifting moments, both during some of the recollections of past events and towards the later half of the book, as the family start to reconnect.

Thought provoking and highly emotive, Bobby has once again written a beautiful novel which perfectly blurs reality and fiction with the aid of vividly descriptive and easily recognisable (and relatable) imagery.

Jack loses his job and then gets a call from his sister saying that his mum is missing and his dad is not well. Meanwhile Jack helps a fox who helps him to navigate the issues in his life.

This was a thought provoking, well written book with an interesting narrative and all a bit bizarre. Although I appreciate what the author was doing with this novel I found that I didn’t fully connect with the story and it dragged slightly. Saying that, I am glad I read it as it is definitely an original, intriguing story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in return for an honest review.

This is a really beautifully written book. It really does manage to get to the heart of family life and the complex emotions that exist between family members but despite everything there is always love right at the centre. Jack and his family find it very difficult to communicate with each other getting mixed up in their own feelings and then letting the moment pass but you can strongly feel that there is always love there. The way the fox and nature are used to describe feelings and to bridge the gap between family members is perfectly done. It is a beautiful mix of fable and fairy story. A really emotional read that will stay with me some time,

I loved reading this book. It is a beautiful story about loss, redemption, estrangement, but mostly love. Jack has been called home from the city, where he has been living with a job and life that he thought he wanted, but is no longer certain. His sister called him home, as their mother is missing. He navigates the broken relationships with his father and sister, while trying to work out what happened to his mother - all with the unlikely assistance of a fox.

I have so much that I could say about this book but don’t want give anything away. Gerry’s memories have been eluding him recently, and I found his inner monologue moving, poignant, and simultaneously tragic and hopeful. So many of the relationships in the story have been damaged by words unsaid, or things not done - but there is a strong thread of hope and love, and a desire to right wrongs, or at least come to terms with them, that runs throughout the story and binds it together.

As with Bobby Palmers previous book, “Isaac and the Egg”, this story touched me, and will stay with me for a long time.

Thank you #NetGalley and Headline Review for the free review copy of #SmallHours in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Bobby Palmer's 'Small Hours' is an exploration of family dynamics, nature, and self-discovery, framed through the unique lens of a man's unexpected journey following a chance encounter with an injured fox. The narrative blends the whimsical—evidenced by conversations with a talking fox!—with the personal struggles of protagonist Jack and his family as they navigate loss, misunderstanding, and the search for approval. Set against the backdrop of the family's quaint village home and the richly described natural world, the story delves into themes of connection, adventure, and the passage of time with sensitivity and a touch of playfulness.

Despite a plot that may seem sparse at moments, 'Small Hours' shines in its character development and the evocative use of nature as both setting and metaphor. The novel's strength lies in its ability to draw readers into its intimate world, where human and animal perspectives merge to reveal the complex web of relationships and the power of kindness. With a narrative that's both experimental and heartwarming, Palmer delivers a story that is as thought-provoking as it is enchanting, making 'Small Hours' a memorable read that earns its four stars.

Following the success of Isaac and the Egg, Bobby Palmer has done it again with a mixture of magic realism, allegory and the return of the prodigal son. After turning his back on family and a more natural life, for the lure of the city, Jack is called back to face the problems he is running away from. A missing mother, a distant and confused father and an angry sister. They are all in some way struggling with the disappointment of failed dreams, but this is no ordinary family saga, nature speaks to us and the father and son, in a charming and beautifully written way. We know there will be casualties on the way, but who?

Bobby Palmer has done it again! A thought provoking, memorable story that tugs at the heartstring.

As a reader, I got the sense that each character has lost their true self in a way. This takes different forms such as burying themselves in work and their own routine, being a dutiful daughter, or in the case of the mother, a previously adventurous women with dreams and ambitions who now has to act as a carer for her husband. In the case of the father, he has developed dementia and his internal and external worlds have become increasingly more confusing and frightening to him. He has also lost the sense of his true self.

Communication is also another key theme as the son doesn't fully know the extent of the troubles at home or that his Mum was planning on disappearing. The daughter also struggles to communicate and hides certain issues from her Brother. Whilst the Father wants to convey what he's thinking and feeling, he can't quite articulate this. The inclusion of the wonderful fox character is both a symbol of the father and sons past and current relationship and in a way acts as a connection between the two. The son has memories of seeing foxes with his Dad in his younger years and as they both here the fox talk at various points, they are able to say what they can't out loud, though the fox.

A hug in a book and a respectful portrayal of dementia and family dynamics.

I was sent a copy of Small Hours by Bobby Palmer to read and review by NetGalley. This is another sublime piece of writing by Bobby Palmer, the author of Isaac and the Egg, which I adored. This novel is moving, tender, heartfelt, and courageous, tackling difficult issues in a quiet and insightful way. I could go on giving reasons to read this book but the prose will speak for itself. Read it and enjoy!

I thank the publishers and Netgalley.UK for an advance copy of this book in return for a fair review.
Two weeks after finishing this book I struggle to tell what I thought of it. I should start by saying that I devoured the book, despite my misgivings, I found it very hard to put down and I really wanted to know what happened to all the characters. What were my misgivings? Firstly a talking fox [possibly!], secondly chapters consisting of random thoughts laid out in random fashion on the page. Both of these should have put me off but somewhow they did not. None of the four characters {five - if you count the fox] - were particularly attractive but they held my attention. The plot is fairly thin - but that did not really matter, It was still an absorbing read and I shall be very interested in other reader's opinions.

I've never read a book by Bobby Palmer before, but I was drawn in by the good reviews that Isaac & the Egg had.

I have my usual genres of books and this was a little outside of my comfort zone. It took me a little while to get a grasp of the different characters that the chapters focussed on, and the thoughts of the fox.

But in the end a heart-warming story about a man who is lost to his life in the city, a parent lost to dementia, and people around them who are lost to themselves.

Makes you self-reflect just a little!

This is a tale of love, loss, estrangement, thwarted dreams and new beginnings. Written in a captivating, lyrical style, it seamlessly blends fantasy with reality as it explores the effects of grief and diminishing abilities.

It reveals how the seemingly small hours we spend with loved ones, the time we allow ourselves to truly listen to them, and to become immersed in nature, to heal, is never wasted.

I was entranced by Jack’s growing relationship with the fox and how it’s instrumental in turning things around for him, even if they seem intractable at first.

Particularly moving parts of the book are the sections where the fox or the humans are thinking. They’re depicted in poetic type stanzas, similar to our own choppy thoughts. This technique really brings the immediacy of the inner life to light.

As the book opens, Jack’s feeling lost and hurt, abandoned by his work colleagues. The city’s golden edifice crumbles as he slinks home to rural life in response to an urgent phone call from his sister Charlotte.

Although Jack’s relationship with his father, Gerry, and with Charlotte is distant, they’re temporarily united by the fact that their mother, Hazel, has gone missing.

Parallel with the domestic narrative, filled with awkward conversations and things left unsaid, are the adventures of Hazel as she seeks to fulfil long neglected dreams. Yet home and family still tug at her heartstrings.

Will Hazel stay away? Could Gerry become more unwell and less sure of himself? Can Jack alter his way of living and become reconciled with his family? Only time will tell.

I adored this book and didn’t want it to end. It’s every bit as touching and charming as ‘Isaac and the Egg’ as it explores the joys and sorrows of relationships and the healing power of nature. Grateful thanks to Headline Review and NetGalley for the eARC.

This book by Bobby Palmer, was beautiful to read. Told Partly in poem part in prose, deep feelings within me as the characters became more and more developed.
This is a story about loss, even before the actual loss of family members, it’s about estrangement and loneliness, fear of rejection, fear of not enjoying life as you perceive it should be enjoyed.
The family are disjointed, and yet they are fundamentally important to each other, but have lost their way. Circumstances ensure that they need time to realise the importance of family.
This is a deep and beautiful book.
I very much enjoyed Bobby Palmer’s previous book, but this is two levels above and is really a Great Read.

Bobby Palmer's writing is really wonderful. It makes you take a step back and think about your life and Small Hours is no different. It is a really beautiful story of a father and son and I really emphasised with both of them.

It is a warm and quirky story, just like Isaac and the Egg, but also feels fresh and new.

Palmer has fast become one of my must-read authors.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc.

Bobby Palmer writes the most beautiful and emotionally charged novels, Isaac and the Egg hit me right in the feels but Small Hours left me in absolute awe of his talent.

Following one family, lost to one another in various ways, Palmer's second novel was an emotional adventure. It's a deep dive into the Penwick family, a son who believed he had everything he needed until he didn't, a Father losing his memory, a Mother failing to come to terms with the loss of her dreams and a daughter, trying her best to hold it all together.

With the help of a talking fox (yes, really!) we explore the family dynamics, the lost connections and tested paticence whilst witnessing a family fall apart but come together. It's a bittersweet novel, that truly sucks you in from the very beginning and leaves you feeling every possible emotion - I really enjoyed it. 🦊🌳

On the day that Jack Penwick is made redundant, he spots a mange-ridden fox. After cornering the fox he manages to contact a rescue centre. Just as the fox is being taken away Jack is convinced he hears it say “thank you”. Jack doesn’t have time to dwell on this as he then receives a phone call from his sister explaining she needs his help with their elderly parents. Returning to his childhood home he discovers that things are worse than he expected, and somehow the talking fox has followed him there.

Firstly, I want to mention the beautiful cover, the artwork is stunning. You get a sense of being in the countryside, with the city in the distance, on an early morning with the mist making everything hazy. The gorgeous colours would certainly attract my attention and have me crossing a bookshop to pick up the book to find out more.

One of my favourite books last year was Isaac And The Egg by Bobby Palmer, it was unique, emotive and uplifting. When I discovered that the author had a new book, I was very keen to read it. Unfortunately, Small Hours didn’t quite match the high standard set by Isaac And The Egg for me. It was always going to be a difficult act to follow.

There are a number of different voices narrating the story and it took me a little while to get to grips with this. Jack is the main character, he is an introvert, a numbers man and self-absorbed. As a teen he was desperate to escape from home, embarrassed by his parents. Having escaped he’s been reluctant to return, his contact with his family has been minimal. As a result of this, returning home is a shock for him.

Jack’s father, Gerry, is another of the narrators. We learn that Gerry has been living with dementia for a few years and the decline is gradually getting worse. The author does an amazing job at showing how the thought processes of someone with dementia might go; present one moment, convinced time has turned back thirty years in another, confusing a person with someone who has been dead for over a decade.

I liked the playful nature of the fox. I’m still not sure if the fox is allegorical. Is it Jack? Could it be Jack’s conscience? The fox was struggling to survive in the city, just as Jack was.

As Jack is trying to come to terms with what is happening with his parents we learn about how they met each other. I found the relationship between Gerry and Hazel to be the most endearing part of the novel. Two non-conformists, people who shouldn’t really “fit” together just click. This love story warmed my heart, the thought that the right person just “gets you” and knows what you need.

To me, the overall messages of the book are sacrifice and redemption. Parents sacrifice everything, wanting their children to have a better life than they did, and worrying about the wrong paths their children may take. And redemption because it’s never too late to change things.

I feel really bad giving "Small Hours" by Bobby Palmer 2 stars when many readers are raving about it and giving it 5 stars. I must have missed something in the plot or storytelling but I just didn't get it. I loved "Isaac and the Egg" as it was very unusual but it explained itself towards the end. This story had the same strangeness about it but didn't really follow through. Some nice bits but just not for me.

Bobby Palmer has written yet another wonderfully magical book. Small Hours follows Jack Penwick, who returns from his big-city job to his countryside childhood home after his mother goes missing. His father, Gerry, whom he has a awkward relationship with, is suffering from Dementia. This is dealt with beautifully and really depicts the impact of dementia on a person and their family.

The relationship between Jack and his new companion, a talking fox, was a personal highlight of the novel for me. Similar to Isaac and Egg, yet not at all a repeat. Fox enters Jack's life and helps to repair the fractured relationship between Jack and Gerry.

Another highlight was the thread of nature connection throughout this novel. I felt truly connected to the landscapes in this novel, because of Bobby Palmer's beautiful descriptions of the English countryside.

Anyone who was a fan of Isaac and the Egg will also enjoy Small Hours.

Bobby Palmer has done it again.
The characters within Small Hours are endearing, especially in their imperfections and foibles, which only makes them more human and more believable.
I love how he paints a picture of a ‘normal’ family; sibling rivalries, feeling let down by loved ones, role reversal and how the family copes with that - when parents stop being parents and become children and children become the adults.
Palmer does the extraordinary so well. Seeing the family dynamics from the perspective of Jack, but also from his father’s point of view whilst losing his memory and feeling confused. Also from the perspectiove of the fox who portrays an innocence that is really beautiful, but also with an understanding of humans that helps the reader to step back further and look at things objectively.

What I find really fascinating in this novel, is how Palmer threads several viewpoints throughout, to create an interactive literary experience.
There are poignant moments of conversation, for instance, between Jack and his father, intertwined with thoughts from the fox, as translator and therapist, for the two people who find it hard to express to each other how they are feeling.
Or a few short lines of prose, in italics, dotted throughout the pages, so you could just read those italics as a stand alone version or a declaration of fact, to help the reader stand back and reflect on the overall meaning of what is happening, from both a subjective and objective viewpoint. For me those moments communicate - life is both complex and transparent.
It made the reading so much more 3-dimensional, insightful and captivating.

I loved Isaac and the Egg so was very exited to read more from Bobby Palmer. Small Hours has similar qualities, with a fox playing a central role to the narrative, but there are more characters involved and it covers a wider range of issues. I particularly enjoyed the sections told from the father’s perspective and the writing style worked really well here.