Maggie from BlackCountry Wench blog mentioned a while ago that she'd been listening to the audio book of All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle and that she'd enjoyed it. I really enjoyed Half a World Away by the same author which I read last year so I thought I'd give this one a go.
"In phone calls to his daughter in Australia, widower Hubert Bird paints a picture of the perfect retirement, packed with fun and friendship.
But Hubert Bird is lying.
Something has made him turn his back on people, and he hardly sees a soul.
So when his daughter announces she's coming to visit, Hubert faces a race against time: to make his real life resemble his fake life before he's found out.
Along the way Hubert renews a cherished friendship, is given a second chance at love and even joins an audacious community scheme. But with the secret of his earlier isolation lurking in the shadows, is he destined to always be one of the lonely people?"
The book switches between present day and goes back in time to explore Hubert Bird's life right from the time he arrived in the UK from Jamaica back in the 1950s. The characters are very likeable and I love Mike Gayle's writing style.
There's a huge twist which I never saw coming. I won't say any more as I'd hate to spoil it for anyone.
I've now read two books by Mike Gayle and enjoyed them both. I shall be seeking out more books by this author.
That sounds a very good read. I can well imagine that to be true his not wanting his daughter to know the truth of his life. I may search out the audio book, thanks for your review.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea for a book, something a bit different. Glad you've found another author to enjoy and thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteOh, I will tell friends . And i'll check it out too
ReplyDeleteI just loved Cold Sassy Tree and it sort of feels like that
Glad you enjoyed this book too, I didn't see the twist coming either.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting & I may have to go to the library & maybe this could be the one to start off a bit of reading during winter. Thanks Jo for the review, take care & big hugs from a cold, windy down under.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting. Made a note and will see if I'm able to get through my Library Libby app in audio format. Always good to find something interesting to listen to. Parents do hide things from the children. We went through that with Dad. It wasn't until several falls, we found out he wasn't doing as well as he let on.
ReplyDeleteSandy's Space
I do love a twist at the end of a story. Must put this book on my list. Thanks. Jean. x
ReplyDeleteThanks for the new author recommendation! I does sound interesting.💖
ReplyDeleteThis sounds an excellent book.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Sounds a good read, thanks for the review and enjoy your books xcx
ReplyDeleteThat sounds right up my street. I'll look out for it. Thanks Jo.xxx
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your book review, Jo, and believe I should try this author. Thanks, P. x
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