I really liked Bobby's debut, ISAAC AND THE EGG, so I was really excited to hear about his new book, Small Hours. Thank you to the publisher for a physical proof and early access to the audiobook. I adore Bobby's lyrical, almost poetic writing style, which really comes to the fore in Small Hours. I have to say, I preferred this book to his debut and felt even more able to connect to the lovely family featured in the story than I did to dear Isaac. Jack and Jerry stole my heart and the beautiful connection they finally managed to forge through flora and fauna. The adorable fox, the majestic owl, the decrepit oak tree... all were just as important characters as the humans in this book. The audiobook is absolutely mesmerising and I think the story may work even better in this format than on the written page. And I would respectfully request that Stephen Mangan reads all my books to me forever more! What a wonderful narrator, he truly made this story come alive.

I adored this lovely book, I really really did.

A very intriguing premise. I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about a talking fox, but decided to run with it and see where it led me.

I didn’t like Jack; I found him self-centred and selfish, even when his family were clearly in crisis, and that made it difficult for me to care about what happened to him. However as the story progressed, I enjoyed his conversations with the fox, especially when they bickered!

I really enjoyed Gerry’s story, his inner dialogue was so well written and as his and Hazel's story unfolded, my heart broke for him. Gerry made the book for me and I felt sad that his family didn't seem to "see" him, beyond him being a slightly needy and annoying old man.

Slow in places and repetitive at times, but enjoyable enough and good to read something a bit different.

The narration by Stephen Mangan was excellent - he captured each personality and animal really well.

3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Bobby Palmer and Headline for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Having absolutely adored Isaac and the Egg, I was beyond excited for Bobby’s new book, Small Hours. How was he possibly going to follow Egg? What next? Well words aren’t enough to describe this story: beautiful, poignant, lyrical, mesmerising, heartbreakingly tender, just simply stunning.
You really can’t begin to describe the storyline without completely spoiling the magic for a new reader, so I won’t say anything other than that it’s a story of family, of being, of loss , and most importantly of love. It will resonate deeply with so many readers. This is going to be one of those books I’m shouting about to everyone I know. What a triumph!
I listened to the audiobook which is superbly narrated by Stephen Mangan. He’s just perfect! Mesmerising! So much that I listened to half the book in one afternoon. It really is a wonderful production.
I feel totally bereft now and want to go back to the beginning and read or listen to it again. The books I feel this way about are few and far between, but I know I’ll be back between the pages of this one again.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Headline for an arc in exchange for a review.

An extremely touching and emotive novel from the author of Isaac And The Egg, which I loved. It’s written in an equally beautiful way. This time with a talking fox (I’ve yet to decide if I think the fox is Jacks conscience or ego or if he’s simply just a character)

Jack, struggling to survive in the city, is called home to help his sister Charlotte care for his ailing elderly parents and he completely resents the fact that he’s dragged back to the place he couldn’t wait to escape. Jacks father Gerry is suffering from dementia, the author has written his thoughts and emotions, his internal timeline, if you will, so tenderly, and with such tenderness and care.

A beautiful story of resentment, family love and redemption. The narration is absolutely amazing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.