Breathtakingly beautiful

I'd heard so much about this book before I listened to it, I was expecting to sob my way from the first word until the last. I didn't cry, I did well up a few times but didn't actually shed a tear. Please don't misunderstand, this isn't because the book isn't intensely moving and highly emotional, it is both those things and more. It's the writing, which is so exquisite in its eloquence and lyricism I didn't want to miss a word. Mike Gayle's words are poetic, his writing possesses a rhythm so mellifluous I needed to imbibe every beat. As if the words themselves aren't enough of a gift, they are presented to us by the talents of Kayi Ushe and Joanna Brookes who made me feel as if Noah, Kerry and the rest of the cast were performing solely for me, in my own home. It wasn't just the depth of Mr Gayle's understanding of human emotions that was so moving, it was the manner in which he delivered that comprehension to us that has made such a lasting impression. Half a World Away is a paradoxical book, a heartbreaking and desperately sad tale, which left me feeling uplifted and revived. Mr Gayle has made a mark on my heart and my soul, which I imagine will stay with me for many years to come.

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6 people found this helpful

Great book

Moving story that is well written and performed. The characters are very likeable and real. Made me cry.

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Compelling!!!

Brilliant!! Another wonderful story by the talented writer, Mike Gayle. I just loved it. 👍🤗🤗

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Tear jerker

This audio book had me sniveling through the night as I listened to it. It was fantastically narrated and the two people's stories were so relatable that I thoroughly enjoyed. Sometimes a good cry is all you need and if you do then this is the book for you

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A Brilliantly Written Book

Really well done Mike Gayle for capturing the differences in social class and how these divides come crashing down through love and human connection.

This book is written so well. It reflects feelings we have probably all experienced in life. It made me laugh and cry, and kept me thoroughly entertained. The performance of the actors was great and showed their diversity in the voices of the different characters.

I thoroughly recommend this book to read or in Audiobook format. Well son Mike Gayle for a brilliant book. A treat for anyone in lockdown.

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Amazing

This book had me hooked from the first sentence and from then on I couldn’t stop listening.

I know I love a book when I feel as if I am in the world of the characters and not my own, and this book did just that! The narrators are amazing embodying the characters perfectly.

It also covers really important themes and is educational at times.

If I could I would give it 10/5 stars for everything

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a brilliantly moving, well written book

this book was heart warming in the midst of tragedy - the characters were well thought out and the narration was excellent.

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Great book and narration

Really enjoyed listening to this book, the story is really great a rollercoaster of emotion. The narration was brilliant really brought it to life and certainly added to the emotion of the story

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Sad but heartwarming story

Mike Gayle brings two very different worlds together in a story that sometimes is very sad, but ultimately is uplifting.
Excellent narration throughout, the perfect way to present the story

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This book broke my heart and put it back together!

I absolutely adored this book!!! It's the second book I have read by Mike Gayle, the first being The Man I Think I Know which was also amazing!! The characters were so likeable and I loved the unlikely pairing of souls!! There is depth in his books and this one certainly touched me and made me cry!!! Heartbreaking but heartwarming at the same time!! X

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4 people found this helpful