This was something completely different from Linda Green, an author I really enjoy reading. The book is told from the perspective of a ten year old boy who is a little different than everyone else.
When Fin experiences family problems, his solace comes in the form of an older lady called Kaz whom he meets by chance. It turns out that meeting was meant to be and both their lives changed forever.
The book is told in two parts, before and after, but we don't find out what the changing event is until the end of the book.
An enjoyable read.

The characters in this novel will stay with me for some time. Finn, a quirky 10 year old is about to head to Secondary school. I own my own quirky 10 year old and I found this character realistic, engaging and warm. Kaz looks after her brother Terry, a diagnosed schizophrenic. I found their story touching and horrifying. I don’t doubt that their fictional circumstances have happened to real people and it’s abhorrent.

This book can be a touch confusing with the before and after chapters, but I think it would be easier to flick between and remind yourself of the plot if you we’re reading an actual book rather than a kindle version.

I loved this story. It was hard hitting in places, but very well written. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy.

I've just finished One Moment, and I feel like I've experienced something very special. Linda Green has woven an incredibly compelling and timely story which made me laugh, cry, fume with anger and nod in agreement so many times. By the end, I was in pieces.

The story is narrated alternately by ten-year-old Finn and fifty-nine-year old Kaz, and they are both incredibly endearing characters. Finn is different from other boys (for one thing, he loves gardening rather than football and his hero is Alan Titchmarsh) and suffers at school accordingly - his mum, Hannah, is his most steadfast supporter and source of comfort. Kaz works in a café and cares for her brother Terry, who has schizophrenia (and an obsession with Matthew Kelly). Kaz's voice in particular, as an older working-class woman and informal carer, felt like one which is rarely heard in fiction (or elsewhere for that matter) and she was a brilliantly realised and entirely admirable character who shows great bravery and resilience.

My heart broke for both of them at times, but particularly Finn, because how could it not? Kaz and Terry's situation too was incredibly well described and entirely believable. I very much appreciated the sympathetic and sensitive treatment of Terry's mental disorder, but the story also serves as a scathing indictment of an uncaring benefits system and the impacts of austerity.

Issues of bullying, poverty, marital breakdown, a mental health crisis and more are dealt with realistically and unflinchingly, but there is more than enough humour and humanity to ensure the tone is never too dark.

The story alternates between "before" and "after" segments (the turning point being an unspecified horrific event, the general nature though not the details of which is quickly apparent) and the structure did confuse me a little at times, particularly as "before" got closer to "after", but only a little. I suppose the suspense of Kaz and Terry's situation "before" was lessened slightly as we already know more or less what happens to them "after". But honestly, there was quite enough suspense elsewhere for this really not to matter.

Wonderful in so many ways, but most especially in the relationship between Finn and Kaz. An interesting end note from Linda Green remarks that "Finn needed a friend, and in Kaz, I like to think he found one of the best". Oh, he did.

I knew from page 1 this was going to something special! An outstanding novel, written with heart and joy. I love Linda’s writing; she can skilfully write in many genres. Amazing book!

A stunning read !!!
This is an absolutely wonderful, amazing, incredible book that I loved it so much and really can’t find words enough to give it the praise it deserves. Heartbreakingly sad at times and filled with compassion this is a read that deals with some difficult subjects bullying, mental illness and yet the book is filled with such hope and love, written in such a way that many times my eyes were filled with tears and it was a read that I didn’t want to end.
Many times I put my kindle down and took a deep breath as I was overwhelmed by the incredible writing and depth of feeling that the words made me feel, sometimes with anger at the total injustice of the DWP system but then also full of love for these superb characters that felt so very very real.
Don’t get me wrong though this is a read that is not all sadness it’s very funny in parts it’s also full of positivity and has a wonderful cast of characters with Kaz who is one feisty individual that I loved and brave Finn who is a very special boy..... Linda Green a big thank you you have written a book that I will never forget.
More than highly recommended and all the stars and more please don’t miss this one it truly is an amazingly brilliant read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book was a slightly different read to other Linda green books as it was told from the child’s point of view, Finn is a slightly different little boy with long red hair and a passion for gardening and Alan titchmarsh, this means he doesn’t conform to the stereotypical image of a boy as he detests sports, doesn’t have any male friends and is far happier gardening! Finns school days are hard as he is bullied and teased, however his life gets harder still after a traumatic event which leaves him without his biggest supporter and source of comfort. Help appears in the form of kaz a middle aged lady who cares for her schizophrenic brother terry, kaz understands Finn and together with his dad they start to help heal Finn through his love of gardening and all things nature! This book tackles subjects such as bullying and mental health in a sensitive thoughtful manner and I’m sure will make a positive read for those affected and those helping them, a brave thought provoking read.
Thank you net galley for this early read.