Half A World Away

 

It’s been awhile since my last blog post. There are a couple of reason for that. First, I had difficulty choosing the next book. Second, I eventually selected Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, a book that received mixed reviews. I got not quite halfway through and decided to put it down because much of it is mundane. I also found some of the characters to be a bit irritating as well. Fortunately for me, some of my readers (a.k.a. The Banterers) sent me some promising titles for future blog posts. Even more fortunate for me is that someone suggested Half a World Away by Mike Gayle.

Kerry is a hard-working, resourceful, single mother who cleans houses for a living. Admirably, she's instilling good values in her son. As the story begins, there are hints that Kerry has had some recent problems in her life – perhaps involving her health.

Then we meet Noah, a defense barrister (lawyer) with Caribbean heritage. He is currently experiencing marital problems that lead to a separation. He is distraught over the break-up.

So, we have 2 outwardly very different main characters. Telling their own stories, they are both at crossroads in their lives. What will their eventual connection be? Let’s see where this will go.

And, oh yes, there is a connection. Looking back in retrospect, I should have realized exactly what it is from the beginning. All the clues are there.

Despite her history with heartache, Kerry is a delightful character with interesting insights regarding her clients and life in general. Noah, on the other hand, is more polish and serious, but fair-minded. There are some truths about his early childhood he needs to know about, even though he's the type of person who doesn’t like to reflect on the past. His relationship with Kerry and marital difficulties will force him to do so in manners he hasn’t done until now. Likewise, Kerry needs Noah in a way he could never imagine.

Half a World Away draws you into the lives of these individuals. They are so very different, and yet, so accepting of each other. It’s very inspiring. This book takes you on Kerry and Noah’s personal and shared journeys of discovery and rediscovery, and I for one, was happy to be part of it. This is the second novel Maria's Book Banter has featured by Mike Gayle. He's quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

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