Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader's Reviews > The Half Moon

This book. Wow. The writing is flawless. The raw emotions of a failing marriage captured in their purest form. When The Half Moon published in hardback last year, I desperately wanted to read it, but absolutely could not. At the time, I had way too far to go and could hardly breathe. It was too close. Now with some space, I could read this one, and wow, could I ever feel it. Right to the bone. Even if Malcolm and Jess’s story was not my story, there was more than enough there to tether me in close.

The book begins with Malcolm and Jess having separated. It dips back in time to their happy and hopeful beginnings and then springs forward to the melancholy and uncertain present. It delves into their journey to having a baby that did not end as expected, but instead, has torn them further apart. The story also involves the bar they own; really, it’s Malcolm’s baby. The bar is a passion but comes with a heavy weight and burden, something sinister lying underneath all the time. Also woven are a couple of light mysteries; one involving Malcolm’s father, and the other a patron at the bar. These were well done and kept my interest piqued with the suspense.

Overall, I absolutely loved The Half Moon. There was not a spare word. Some describe the story as slow, but I didn’t find it so. It’s a deep exploration of these characters’ lives, and especially their marriage. The side characters add a lot to the story as well. I felt like I lived in Gillam, like I could be invited over to a party at Patrick and Siobhan’s house, and like I witnessed the the falling apart of Jess and Malcolm. Huge kudos to the author for how she wrapped up their story with a realistic but hopeful resolution. One of my 2024 favorites.

I received a gifted copy.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader