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mixingrealitywithfiction's review against another edition
5.0
I won’t lie, this is a heavy book for such a short, quick read. It’s the type of book that will have you tapping away at your kindle desperate to know more.
I think for me it set of that eerie scene very well, the characters and how they were portrayed along with the tragedy and mental health aspects to this book just added to my reading journey.
It was more about the unknown, how does grief affect these characters & their mental state. I was on edge and despite my anxiety levels increasing, I just couldn’t stop reading.
I think I just need time to process my full thoughts about this book in order to leave a full review but I think you get the jist.
I think for me it set of that eerie scene very well, the characters and how they were portrayed along with the tragedy and mental health aspects to this book just added to my reading journey.
It was more about the unknown, how does grief affect these characters & their mental state. I was on edge and despite my anxiety levels increasing, I just couldn’t stop reading.
I think I just need time to process my full thoughts about this book in order to leave a full review but I think you get the jist.
bookbloggerjanine's review against another edition
4.0
A Parent Apart by Gary Wright
I give this book 4.5 stars
In Beachbrook, on a trip to the beach Andrew had a choice to make. A decision no parent should have to face, but one that sets in motion a tragic series of events.
With the decision came a dark secret, one that Andrew thought he could keep hidden from his family, his friends and the police.
Two families collide as grief-fuelled recriminations expose the human flaws that haunt us all. The protection of self, the security of family and the fear of losing it all.
This is such a powerful and heartbreaking well written debut novel.lt is cleverly narrated by all the main characters so you get the different points of view to one tragic event and the consequences and devastation that occur afterwards as a result of that split second decision.Once l started it l just couldn’t put it down.l was totally gripped in what unfolded,an extremely thought provoking and emotional read!
I give this book 4.5 stars
In Beachbrook, on a trip to the beach Andrew had a choice to make. A decision no parent should have to face, but one that sets in motion a tragic series of events.
With the decision came a dark secret, one that Andrew thought he could keep hidden from his family, his friends and the police.
Two families collide as grief-fuelled recriminations expose the human flaws that haunt us all. The protection of self, the security of family and the fear of losing it all.
This is such a powerful and heartbreaking well written debut novel.lt is cleverly narrated by all the main characters so you get the different points of view to one tragic event and the consequences and devastation that occur afterwards as a result of that split second decision.Once l started it l just couldn’t put it down.l was totally gripped in what unfolded,an extremely thought provoking and emotional read!
amongstchaosshereads's review against another edition
There is no greater pain than losing a child. There is no greater torment than knowing it was avoidable.
Firstly, Big thanks to the Author for sending me a digital copy of this fab book.
When Gary messaged me to see if I would like to read and review his debut novel I jumped at the chance! I was on a nightshift that night and it sounded like the perfect compelling read to keep me awake and I was absolutely right!! ... I loved this book!
It was gripping, it was addictive, it was perfectly paced, it was emotional (Yes a few tears were shed) and it had me on the edge of seat, wide awake all night!!
A parent apart is such a heart wrenching and thought provoking read. Each character so real and emotions so raw that I resonated with each of them - Linda's character in particular made me blubber so much, I felt her pain and actions so deeply. Honestly the emotional depth in this book was amazing!
Such a brilliantly written book!
Huge congratulations to Gary on this amazing debut novel - I can not wait to read more of your work!!
Firstly, Big thanks to the Author for sending me a digital copy of this fab book.
When Gary messaged me to see if I would like to read and review his debut novel I jumped at the chance! I was on a nightshift that night and it sounded like the perfect compelling read to keep me awake and I was absolutely right!! ... I loved this book!
It was gripping, it was addictive, it was perfectly paced, it was emotional (Yes a few tears were shed) and it had me on the edge of seat, wide awake all night!!
A parent apart is such a heart wrenching and thought provoking read. Each character so real and emotions so raw that I resonated with each of them - Linda's character in particular made me blubber so much, I felt her pain and actions so deeply. Honestly the emotional depth in this book was amazing!
Such a brilliantly written book!
Huge congratulations to Gary on this amazing debut novel - I can not wait to read more of your work!!
mmarlborough's review
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I enjoyed the plot of this debut novel (and think it could be adapted to the screen easily) but I struggled with the writing.
Andrew is a devoted father looking after a friend’s son as the kids play on the beach. The weather is rough and the kids are suddenly adrift. Andrew tries to rescue them both, but prioritizes saving his own daughter. His split second decision impacts his family, his friends’ family, and the community as a whole. Will the truth come out about what Andrew did?
I read this quickly as the plot was engrossing, but it was written more like a script than a novel. It was all telling instead of showing, jam packed with action without emotional depth IMO. There is definitely a big fan base for books like this and recommend it for fans of this type of book.
✨Trigger Warnings: Death, Child Death, Alcoholism, Cancer, Death of a Parent, Suicide
chapter1_page1's review against another edition
3.0
⭐️ 3 ⭐️
Huge congratulations to Gary Wright for publishing his debut novel!
Gary certainly knows how to create a real sense of atmosphere, I could feel the tension and the bewilderment building throughout the book.
The characters are well-written and relatable, their dialogue is natural and always believable.
A Parent Apart is a good solid read. It is heartbreaking and certainly makes you think about what you would do in the same devastating situation. I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
Many thanks to Gary Wright for the eBook in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Huge congratulations to Gary Wright for publishing his debut novel!
Gary certainly knows how to create a real sense of atmosphere, I could feel the tension and the bewilderment building throughout the book.
The characters are well-written and relatable, their dialogue is natural and always believable.
A Parent Apart is a good solid read. It is heartbreaking and certainly makes you think about what you would do in the same devastating situation. I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
Many thanks to Gary Wright for the eBook in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
mollpaigew's review against another edition
5.0
Whaaaaaat!!!! That is my reaction after finishing this book. It was done and researched so well, fast paced plot, twists and turns everywhere and that ending??? Omg! Insane
empalmer09's review against another edition
5.0
I have seen this all over the gram with amazing reviews!
Well, this book was INCREDIBLE.
The unnecessary lies which followed the accident, the revenge, the emotional rollercoaster (it's a hell of a ride!), it was non stop throughout the whole book.
I felt for a majority of the book, I was on the fence and couldn't pick a side. Hmm, as you get a good way through, I definitely picked a side, all the secrets were coming out. The last section of the book, was just something else, I didn't expect how far it would all go! Speechless.
I don't know if I can truly put into words how brilliant this book is (well, it's being commissioned for TV, so maybe that speaks volumes!) I really need a follow up, as I need answers!
Also, a final note, I am grateful for the topic of riptide/current to be explored and explained. This is such a hidden killer on the beach and really needs to be highlighted more. Thank you, Gary for allowing me to read this incredible book.
Well, this book was INCREDIBLE.
The unnecessary lies which followed the accident, the revenge, the emotional rollercoaster (it's a hell of a ride!), it was non stop throughout the whole book.
I felt for a majority of the book, I was on the fence and couldn't pick a side. Hmm, as you get a good way through, I definitely picked a side, all the secrets were coming out. The last section of the book, was just something else, I didn't expect how far it would all go! Speechless.
I don't know if I can truly put into words how brilliant this book is (well, it's being commissioned for TV, so maybe that speaks volumes!) I really need a follow up, as I need answers!
Also, a final note, I am grateful for the topic of riptide/current to be explored and explained. This is such a hidden killer on the beach and really needs to be highlighted more. Thank you, Gary for allowing me to read this incredible book.
myevergrowingbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
I couldn’t put this book down! From the very beginning with the descriptions of being in the sea under those horrific circumstances, they were so visual it felt scary. And I was hooked. I won’t lie, it’s an emotional read, I think I spent 60% of the book reading with my eyes welled up with tears, and there were certain moments where I was silently bawling my eyes out, in fact for one whole chapter I don’t think I stopped.
It’s a parent’s worst nightmare, I read it mainly at night and at every other page I kept turning and looking at the baby monitor to look at my daughter. It was heart wrenching, at points it was unpredictable, it was such a fast paced read.
I gave it a 4 stars, but tbh it was so close to a 5 stars from me, I just wanted that bit more, but rumour has it a sequel is on its way so I might just be getting that bit more I need in the future!
It’s a parent’s worst nightmare, I read it mainly at night and at every other page I kept turning and looking at the baby monitor to look at my daughter. It was heart wrenching, at points it was unpredictable, it was such a fast paced read.
I gave it a 4 stars, but tbh it was so close to a 5 stars from me, I just wanted that bit more, but rumour has it a sequel is on its way so I might just be getting that bit more I need in the future!
sambooka23's review against another edition
5.0
TW: CHILD DEATH, SUICIDE, MENTAL HEALTH, DEATH AT SEA & VIOLENCE
Wow, I am speechless. I don’t have words for what I read and the topics included in the book. I don’t normally use TW but here I feel its a must.
This book was absolutely heartbreaking
Wow, I am speechless. I don’t have words for what I read and the topics included in the book. I don’t normally use TW but here I feel its a must.
This book was absolutely heartbreaking
_treatyoshelves_'s review
4.0
In Beachbrook, on the south coast of England, Andrew had a choice to make. Save his daughter, or save her friend. A decision no parent should have to face, but one that sets in motion a tragic series of events.
With the decision came a dark secret, one that Andrew thought he could keep hidden from his family, his friends and the police.
Two families collide as grief-fuelled recriminations expose the human flaws that haunt us all. The protection of self, the security of family and the fear of losing it all.
This book was so tragically sad and yet intensely gripping at the same time! I am still amazed at how Gary managed to write such a sad story when he has young kids of his own!
The writing is brilliant - it keeps you hooked and always wanting to find out what happens next! I wasn’t expecting the amount of tension that we got, but I’m certainly pleased about that because I love a bit of tension and drama! There were twists I didn’t see coming, and dark truths unveiled!
I don’t have kids myself, but I know that a lot of the people in our readalong chat who have kids did struggle with this read, but still enjoyed it (see trigger warnings below).
I could really envisage every scene in this book, and Gary had some very exciting news recently that A Parent Apart has been optioned by a production company in London, so could be appearing on big screens in future!!
With the decision came a dark secret, one that Andrew thought he could keep hidden from his family, his friends and the police.
Two families collide as grief-fuelled recriminations expose the human flaws that haunt us all. The protection of self, the security of family and the fear of losing it all.
This book was so tragically sad and yet intensely gripping at the same time! I am still amazed at how Gary managed to write such a sad story when he has young kids of his own!
The writing is brilliant - it keeps you hooked and always wanting to find out what happens next! I wasn’t expecting the amount of tension that we got, but I’m certainly pleased about that because I love a bit of tension and drama! There were twists I didn’t see coming, and dark truths unveiled!
I don’t have kids myself, but I know that a lot of the people in our readalong chat who have kids did struggle with this read, but still enjoyed it (see trigger warnings below).
I could really envisage every scene in this book, and Gary had some very exciting news recently that A Parent Apart has been optioned by a production company in London, so could be appearing on big screens in future!!