Written against the backdrop of Brexit, it is clear that division forms much of the basis of this novel which is told from two very different perspectives: that of a well-educated white middle-aged woman with a good career and a directionless young black man with an insecure income. Against all odds these two embark on a romantic relationship and so, a middle-aged divorcee hooks up with a young Idris Elba lookalike – what’s not to like? Well sadly I was left wondering why the pair were together as there was very little in their portrayal that suggested they were into each other that much, which seems such an awful waste of opportunity for a novel that explores how two very different people can bond.

Otherwise, there’s a lot to like about this ‘relationship novel'. Tony Parsons’ humorous prose is peppered with observations about contemporary urban life and there are some hilarious scenes conveyed through his skilful use of dialogue, such as Lucy’s conversation about ‘hit-and-miss’ on a date and Joseph’s many awkward texting moments (best of which was on a packed train to Dorset!). Had I been more convinced about the Lucy/Joseph relationship I would have marked more highly but I was left frustrated by their seeming lack of spark.

Nick Hornby’s contemporary comedy of manners novels are often more than merely entertaining. In ‘Just Like You’ there are some serious topics under discussion, not least Racism and Brexit. Nevertheless, much of said discussion feels shallow and inconsequential, perhaps because it is difficult to believe in the vehicle for these themes, namely the relationship between attractive fortyish mother of two divorcee, Lucy and handsome butcher/sports coach/ wannabe DJ, Joseph.
However, some of Hornby’s minor characters really do come to life. Lucy’s sons are funny, cheeky, lazy and perceptive; Joseph’s mother is aware of the pitfalls awaiting her son whilst also being sensitive to Lucy’s position. Hanna is clever, witty and self-aware. Even lauded middle-aged writer Michael is credible. Whilst appearing, initially, rather too pleased with himself, he is human enough to admit he is past his prime, and he’s kind too.
If Hornby had moved past the obvious in his depiction of the relationship between Lucy and Joseph perhaps their conversations, their motives and their decisions would have been more credible. Whilst this is a readable tale – Hornby is a natural storyteller – it never feels as if the writer is truly at ease in the shoes of Joseph or Lucy and, so, ultimately neither of them develops into more than a creative exercise.
My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review.

This book tells a story that feels very real and at the same time is a contemporary fairy tale. The main character, Lucy, is 42, recently separated, mother of two young boys, witty and reflective, very relatable. The book is about her relationship with a younger man, Joseph. Throughout the book, each of them reflects in their own way on age, race, Brexit, forgiveness, love, belonging, in the new and unexpected perspective given by their relationship.
This is Hornby at his best: well rounded characters, interesting story perfectly woven into the recent political developments, great narrative, not overly descriptive. I enjoyed every word. Highly recommended.

Thanks to the publisher for giving me an advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is a rewarding read. Lucy and Joseph’s relationship may defy social norms but if it works, does that matter? The story is told in a sensitive style but acknowledging how difficult relationships can be. There is very clever use of national and international events as the background to the various relationships going on in the novel. Brexit, political events, racial tension all influence personal lives. The writing is sensitive, sympathetic but realistic too. It makes an enjoyable read and I recommend it.

I always enjoy settling down to read a Nick Hornby book. He has a very special way of weaving real life stories of people you don’t know in to your own world so you end up feeling like the characters are your friends, people you know so well. I love the honesty and humour in this book- I won’t give too much away, but challenge anyone to not enjoy escaping into someone else’s life, just for a change.

A three-part story based around pre-, during and post-Brexit. It's an earnest and sprawling effort, using two generations to unveil layers of class, culture, age, and political perspectives.
I have previously read and enjoyed Nick Hornby novels; I do not rate this as highly as his previous books.
I thank NetGalley, Penguin General UK - FigTree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business and Nick Hornby for a pre-publication copy to review.

I absolutely loved this book - Nick Hornby on top form. Brilliant as ever about relationships, and also so clever and funny about the current political landscape.

I found this really difficult to get into. I don’t understand why because I usually like thIs writer.
I think the content, the characters, the social niceties in the story were so out with my own experience that I struggled to empathise with the characters.
I liked Jospeh but could not understand what a 22 year old would see in a 40 year old mother. The relationships were just too strange. Joseph tales Hana to stay in Lucy’s house and expects Hana to be okay with it?

This is well written and as I skimmed through, thee were scenes that really came to life and others which went right over my head. Perhaps the sexual mores of millennials are beyond me - or I am simply old fashioned.
Sorry this is not for me.

Lucy is in her forties, divorced and bringing up two boys.
This novel set in Brexit Britain, tracks her as she embarks on an unlikely affair.
Hornby has a deft comedic touch and I found parts of the novel very funny.
I found the discussion of Brexit a bit more contrived and it felt a little like an adjunct to the real story.
But this is a sweet novel that treats important themes such a racism and class with assurance and humanity.
It flows well and has a good pace, and I read it in one day.
A little different from Hornby’s previous novels but recommended as a compelling story with a little more heft than you might think.

My rating: 3.5/5

While on the surface Nick Hornby’s ‘Just Like You’ is a romance, it’s far more complicated book than a premise may suggest.

The romance between Lucy, 41-year old (almost) divorcee with two sons, and Joseph, a 22-year old, working multiple different jobs is set nicely against the political and economic climate of Britain on the verge of Brexit referendum. Their different backgrounds as well as their age difference is what drives the story and causes complications between them.

I liked how the setting made the story more complex, with people views and beliefs, often misguided by the lies and agendas spread by various politicians, coming into play and influencing the unfolding relationship between Lucy and Jonathan. For a person like me, essentially immigrant living in London, it brings a lot of painful memories with the attitudes of many people suddenly becoming so much worse and aggressive towards you. Despite that, I have enjoyed following Lucy and Jonathan’s story as they struggle to defeat their differences and figure out what really is between them.

‘Just Like You” has been slow-paced read, not unnecessary underlying any drama, and as a result making the story more down-to-earth and more believable.

Without spoiling the ending, I absolutely loved it. it was very real, and underlined the importance of now, and not trying to focus on what the future may bring. Overall, ‘Just Like You’ has surprised me positively, bringing more complex issues on the table than expected.

I normally do not read this type of novel, however I like to give some a go every so often, and I still love Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity all these years later. I have enjoyed much of his previous work but wasn’t completely enamoured with this book.

Lucy and Joseph's story was relatable albeit repetitive at times. I could sympathise with the characters and would enjoy picking up where my reading had left off. The ending was good, and I feel that I should ensure I read all of Hornby’s work that I may have missed over the years.

I was captivated by the first part of Just Like You. Lucy was spunky. Joseph was handsome and thoughtful . Their burgeoning relationship felt vivid. As I continued to read, my feelings shifted. it felt as though the colour was slowly fading from the story. The tension between Joseph and Lucy just wasn’t there. I wanted to like this. I wanted to feel something powerful. Anger, disgust, giddiness, joy... Instead, I was left with a beige feeling of blah.

This might be a good book for when the world feels too intense. Interesting enough to read but not poignant enough to make me force it upon all who I encounter.

Just Like You by Nick Hornby is about an age gap relationship complicated by racial differences and differing political opinions.

I loved Just Like You by Nick Hornby. It is warm, funny and insightful. It is the story of Lucy and Joseph who, despite having nothing in common, find a way to connect. It is set against the backdrop of London during the Brexit referendum and its aftermath and is so sharply observed – I recognised so many of the characters and their relationships and interactions were so realistic. Issues of race, class, education, difference in political beliefs, middle class privilege and the danger of echo chambers are all touched on in the story.

There seems to be a trend at the moment (in the books I have been reading recently) to make the main characters quite unlikeable. I am happy to say that this is not the case here. Lucy and Joseph are completely different characters but I really liked both of them. Irrespective of whether the story was dealing with them together or separately, I was rooting for each of them throughout. It is easy to see why Nick Hornby is such an accomplished screenwriter when you read this book because during scenes where the characters are conversing, it feels like you are watching them having a conversation rather than reading it. I could easily imagine this story adapted for the screen. At several points in the story, I found myself smiling while reading it. Needless to say, I loved it and would highly recommend it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin UK for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

I found this book really quite shallow. None of the characters came to life, neither those in the story's central relationship, nor those surrounding them.

There were some interesting topics lurking: race, politics, alcoholism,. drugs, parenting, but from every point of view I felt that Hornby only just scratched the surface.

Quite often in the dialogue I lost track of who was speaking so had to count back 'him, her, him, her' to make sense of it.

Given how respected this author is, this novel is a big disappointment.

I have got to say i found this book hard work! Not half as enjoyable as Nick Hornby other books, and i agree with others this would make a great TV Drama i just didn't enjoy it that much in book form, It will not however put me off reading Nick Hornby in the future.
Was given an advanced copy for an honest review by netgalley.co.uk

I have enjoyed Nick Hornby's previous fiction but this one left me wanting more. Or less (about BREXIT). It is very much a novel of its time and I don't think it will be one that is still being read in years to come like High Fidelity and Fever Pitch. Lucy and Joseph's story was well related but a bit to repetitious for me. I liked the ending. But it really did leave me wanting more from this author. With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Really good read. Would recommend to friends and family. I could sympathise with characters (important for any fiction novel!) and looked forward to picking it up and reading the next few chapters! Interesting plot line and a good ending. Will look out for more novels by the author. Thank you.

I really like Nick Hornby's work but this wasnt my favourite of his book, but that is my personal opinion.

Lucy is in her early 40's, other of two boys and the Head of English and Hornby navigates her story along Joseph (not Joe) black, early 20's and who works a multitude of part time jobs including babysitting for Lucy.

Although the love story was lovely - everyone loves a love story.
BUT my main reason for not 'loving' Just Like You is the constant references to Brexit and politics.

Great writing from Nick.

I found myself more skim reading this book as I just couldn't get into it. It might be more suited to being a film/TV adaptation so you can invest more in the characters and the emotions behind the text you are reading.