3.5 stars
I was expecting to love this. I have loved Nick Hornby's books in the past and was thrilled to be sent this one. I read the whole book and enjoyed elements of it, but it mainly left me cold. The age difference was icky, no matter what spin was put on it and despite knowing that it was set with Brexit as a backdrop I wasn't expecting so much of it – at times the story seemed to be secondary to Brexit. Maybe that was the idea, that Brexit had taken over all our lives, which was true, I suppose, but that doesn't mean I want to live through it again! Maybe it's just too soon.
I'm interested to hear what other fans make of this one...
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

"Lucy and Joseph are opposites in almost all ways. Can something life-changing grow from uncommon ground? Nick Hornby's brilliantly observed, tender and brutally funny new novel gets to the heart of what it means to fall headlong in love with the best possible person - someone who may not be just like you at all."

This is the first book that I have read that was set in the run up to and aftermath of the Brexit Referendum (and I'm sure it will not be the last), but it also covers a lot more ground including racism, divorce, age gap relationships and even addiction. It follows Lucy (42) and Joseph (22) who come together after he becomes her babysitter. Overall I found it a very easy enjoyable read and would recommend to friends and family.

This was not for me unfortunately. I felt like it was a bit "try hard". It was more social commentary than romance, and was very politics heavy. Set against the backdrop of the 2016 brexit referendum, a love story between a 40 something white divorcee and 20 something black guy. There were some funny moments throughout but it fell flat for me.

Joseph is a twenty-something black working class man, Lucy is a forty-something middle class white woman and she’s the same age as Joseph’s mother. It’s summer 2016 and the divisive Brexit vote is looming. Joseph and Lucy live in different worlds - she is an English teacher and he’s a D.J, - does it matter that he doesn’t understand Shakespeare and she doesn’t know how to dance to the music that he makes? Their relationship shouldn’t work and they both know it can’t last forever, but somehow, despite everything, it just seems to be right – could the only explanation be that it must be love?

I thoroughly enjoyed this modern romance - it works on so many different levels, the characters, the social observations, the highly relatable comedy, even the peculiar nostalgia for those times when all we had to worry about was Brexit.

A really lovely book. Many thanks to Penguin, to Nick Hornby and to NetGalley for let me read and review it.

Why on earth had I never read anything by Nick Hornby before this?! If this story is anything to go by, I have been missing out!
This is a fresh and modern take on the boy meets girl story - this time it's a 22 year old young black man (Joseph) meeting a 42 year old white woman with children and an ex-husband (Lucy). When the two unexpectedly fall for each other against the backdrop of the Brexit campaign, they have to overcome their differences and forget everything they've ever expected about falling in love.
Hornby has created something so relevant with this story - given the current political landscape and the Black Lives Matter movement, this love story couldn't be more timely and shows real insight and thoughtfulness on Hornby's part. He shows a real understanding of human behaviour and how the landscape of relationships has changed so much - it's no longer always about settling down, getting married and having children. I love how raw and honest this story felt, and I even find myself laughing out loud a bit too!
This is a great, contemporary read which tries to heal some of the divisions which seem so prevalent lately - I really enjoyed it. Actual rating 3.5.

Joseph and Lucy meet one afternoon while Joseph is working at her local butchers. They soon develop a friendship which quickly escalates into more. So what right? Well Lucy just happens to be a good 20 years older with two children. We follow them as they try to navigate the day to day struggles of their relationship.

As far as contemporary novels go, I did enjoy this. The pacing was great and really easy to follow.

It was also interesting to rear about a non stereotypical romance. This focused on different economical backgrounds, age and interracial dating.

However, this is very politically heavy. There are numerous conversations about Brexit which I did feel took away from the plot slightly.

I also found some of the conversations a little but abrupt on occasions.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin for providing me with a copy to read.

Any new Nick Hornby is an event and Just Like You is a real treat. The writing is of a very high standard, the characters beautifully drawn and the problems of a somewhat unconventional relationship amusingly and tenderly portrayed.

I haven’t read any books by Nick Hornsby before, although I loved the film about a boy.

I loved this book, although, given the current world climate it was depressing at times reliving the brexit referendum!

The book tells the story of Lucy and Joseph. Two very different people who live in the same village and end up falling in love.

Lucy is old enough to be Jacob’s mother and has 2 boys of her own. The book is a story of living in the moment, of accepting life for what it is, not what it might be, and about realising that everything is not always what it seems.

It is a long time since I have read a Nick Hornby novel. Having checked, it was 2001's "How To Be Good". I didn't like that one, I can't remember wholly why but I know that it was something to do with the female protagonist and the way it was written. This too is written (well partly) from a female perspective so I was a little trepidatious going into it but I'm pleased to say that mostly I was pleasantly surprised.

The book centres around the relationship between two quite disparate characters: Lucy - a white, 42 year old, single mother, English teacher and Remainer. and Joseph - a black, 20 something, part time DJ, football coach, butcher shop worker and fence sitter.

Lucy who is recently divorced frequents the butcher shop where Joseph works and eventually asks him to babysit for her two boys. Eventually the two end up in a relationship which leads into a novel about class, race, awkwardness and embarrassment. Both protagonists are keenly aware of the age gap, neither one wishing to introduce the other to their parents. Both see a difference in class - Joseph from a lower social class than Lucy, something that is made clear when they both attend the theatre to see As You Like It, or an awkward dinner party (which turns out not to be that awkward after all) Race plays a part too, from the highly visible - there is an altercation where a neighbour phones the police whilst Joseph waits outside Lucy's front door - to the perceived - an unthinking Lucy makes an assumption about that could easily be conceived as being racist.

That is the main conceit of the novel but threaded through it is the hideous spectre of Brexit. Hornby does a good job of highlighting the arguments and fallout in the immediate aftermath of the vote, that us and them mentally, which ties in to the central themes of alike and not alike of the overarching novel. It's done fairly well, in shades of grey rather than painting one side as a better choice than the other (Joseph votes for both) but it doesn't really say anything new, or perhaps anything at all, beyond the fact that the vote caused friction between people and brought out the worst in some, particularly in those tending toward jingoism and xenophobia. It feels like it's there to make the point that people can have different opinions and feelings and still find common ground, or vice versa, but since that' already being covered by the main relationship in the book it feels unnecessary.

The writing in the first half of the book is great, Hornby is at his best here when talking about people's attitudes to sex, or what it's like to be alone again after a long time, but it peters out in the second half as we draw towards the end. Much like the Lucy and Joseph the book gets stuck in a rut, and there's an event that feels out of place near the end which feels like it's only there to spice the plot up a bit. Which is fine, that of course is what happens in books, but it feels cheap and the characters reaction to it feel out of place. The book also ends without ever finding a conclusion or really fully saying what I think it's trying to.

There is quite a bit to enjoy in this book, there's some amusing writing and some nice insight on the human condition, but it feels like it says less than it means too, and the characters action and motivations don't always ring true, but it is a fun and easy read, and I'm glad I gave Nick Hornby another go.

Controversial opinion perhaps, looking at the other Goodreads reviews, but I really didn't enjoy this. It was my first Nick Hornby novel, and almost definitely my last.

Reading this, I couldn't help but wonder exactly what was going through Nick Hornby's head when he decided to write it. He's writing from the point of view of a single mother in her forties, and a black man in his 20s, and I don't think he manages to do either particularly well. There's also a lot thrown in about Lucy's making casual comments that could be construed as racist (although I don't think the main one, when she says he must know lots of singers, is a particularly valid one. Surely she just meant because he is supposed to have a love of music?) There's also a lot about Brexit in there, which wasn't fun to read about. It just wasn't interesting! (For a novel that handles Brexit really well, try Summer by Ali Smith).

I think my main problem with this book, and it's a pretty major flaw considering it's supposed to be a romance, is that I just couldn't see how the two MCs worked together. There was nothing leading up to their relationship forming that made me think they particularly liked each other, and when they were in the relationship it wasn't clear what on earth was holding them together.

Probably 1.5 stars, rounded down.

It seems a long time since I’ve had the pleasure of reading a Nick Hornby novel. It also seems a lifetime ago that the whole country was swept up in Brexit fever, given the unusual circumstances we’ve all found ourselves in this year. So it’s almost like reopening old wounds when embarking on this love story set in a period of time leading up to the referendum and beyond. Forget hearts and flowers, cute, chic-lit type romance as this author treats the reader to an intelligent, tender, often hilarious insight into a relationship that defies ‘normal’ societal boundaries.

I came to this novel, having some personal experience of a relationship defined by a huge age gap (except the other way around!) as well as having had a brief ill fated inter cultural marriage. I felt therefore this story may resonate with me, that I would have sympathy for the characters involved, understand the hurdles they face in terms of their ages, differing political and cultural backgrounds and the narrow mindedness of others. Our female protagonist is Lucy, white, middle class,early forties and head of English at a state secondary school. She is separated from alcoholic and drug addict husband Paul, albeit someone who is struggling to get clean and lives in North London with their two sons Al and Dylan. This wonderfully entertaining tale begins with a rather strange scenario in the queue at the local butchers, with Lucy’s friend Emma discussing the lack of a sex life and questioning Lucy’s current state of affairs in that department, much to Lucy’s horror and amusement of others in the queue. So the humour is present from the outset; think of Emma as a desperate housewife, a middle aged cougar ready to pounce on poor unsuspecting Joseph, our male protagonist. However Emma’s crude innuendos only serve to embarrass Joseph who has eyes only for Lucy. By contrast he is twenty two, works Saturdays in the butchers, lifeguards a few shifts at the leisure centre, is also a part time football coach, does a spot of babysitting and occasionally indulges his passion for music as a DJ. This young man, therefore quite literally has his fingers in lots of (pork)pies!! He is black, attends church every Sunday morning with his mum, whom he still lives with. All in all, these are two people who are complete polar opposites, presumably with nothing in common apart from that lightening bolt of attraction, sparked over the meat counter and fully ignited over babysitting duties, keeping an eye on Al and Dylan whilst Lucy half heartedly engages in the dating game. Just Like You charts the ups and downs of a relationship that for the most part stays firmly behind closed doors.

Who would have thought Brexit, of all topics could provide a great analogy for this relationship? With the referendum preoccupying the thoughts of the nation at a time when Lucy and Joseph are tentatively embarking on a relationship, both believing it to be finite, Hornby has cast a beady eye over proceedings, his observations tender, astute and comical. Against the backdrop of a divided country, heated debate is taking place in every household. Just as opinion over the nation’s future in Europe is dividing friends and family both Lucy and Joseph believe if their relationship is acknowledged outside of her home, they will then have to deal with unwanted opposition and plenty of raised eyebrows. I could understand their reluctance to openly admit to their relationship for fear family and friends will not be accepting since in all honesty it would appear to be a romance doomed from the beginning. I really liked that the author has chosen an unusual but highly effective way to draw parallels between the disparities in Lucy and Joseph’s romance and the political climate at the time. It might sound like an odd comparison to make but it really works!

I absolutely loved the humour and circulatory dialogue that occurs between many of the characters in this book. Conversations between Lucy and Joseph highlight their many differences yet prove that a connection can transcend all of these, even though the relationship may, or may not be be short lived. Although there are other men who theoretically are a better match for Lucy, namely the author Michael Marwood, whom she meets at a friends dinner party, the author explores the strange phenomenon that is mutual attraction, rendering shared common interests irrelevant. To me it felt futile denying their feelings for one another, wanting their relationship to survive their obvious differences, yet knowing they faced an uphill battle. Whilst there is much to laugh at throughout the whole novel I found the dialogue featuring Al and Dylan particularly amusing. Their young voices are like a breath of fresh air, their obvious immaturity at odds with their intuition regarding this supposedly secret relationship.

This is a narrative devoid of angst or bitterness or recriminations which is unusual in a love story, even when there are hurdles to overcome. The characters are emotionally continent, so that Lucy is calm, efficient and pragmatic , both in dealing with the separation from husband Paul and her feelings for a much younger man. Joseph, in all fairness is not your typical 22 year old, displaying an unusual amount of maturity for example when dealing with an unexpected visit from Paul yet still able to indulge his immature side with his interactions with the boys and his (hilarious) way of casting his vote. There are no tears and tantrums to be found amongst these words, just a simple acceptance that this is a relationship that is ‘a parenthesis for both of us’ (Lucy). Hornby’s intelligent style of writing means descriptions of this relationship are realistic and profound and sometimes beautiful. That ‘there is not a lot of room in their bubble..not much air to breathe’,suggests this isn’t a relationship that will stand up to the scrutiny of outsiders or stand the test of time. In order to avoid this unwanted criticism, Lucy and Joseph do their upmost to avoid the usuals paths along which relationships meander, instead hiding behind closed doors, afraid to expose something that may be too delicate to withstand the realities of normal life. Theirs is a relationship that ‘provides all the nutrients but it’s not a healthy diet’,is such a realistic unemotional way to categorise their romance.

I found this easy to read, able to engage fully with Lucy and Joseph’s predicament, wanting and urging them to be brave enough to test their relationship outside of their own self imposed restraints. I read of their progress as a couple, assuming there was only ever going to be one outcome yet appreciating the lack of any real drama that can make love stories overly sentimental. The storyline raises serious questions about society’s acceptance of relationships between individuals from opposing backgrounds and whether such divisions between religious, cultural and political beliefs can truly be bridged but are addressed with a humorous touch that compels you to read on. Can this fictional couple survive these obstacles, meet in the middle and allow their relationship to flourish or will their romance blossom then simply fade and die? To find out the answers, make Just Like You your next read!
My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.

I love Nick Hornby and was really excited to read this book. I really enjoyed the storyline and engaged with it, based on the current climate however I did feel the racial aspect of it could have been explored more.

A gréât love story with usual twists and turns. Like other reviewers, I did feel that the racial aspect of the story was understated

I’m not sure how I feel about this book. It’s a sort of love story & social commentary rolled into one. Lucy, a forty something, divorced teacher mum of 2, white has a relationship with Joseph, a twenty something, aspiring DJ/butcher/sports coach, Black. Brexit is discussed, a lot. Racism is sort of mentioned but not fully explored. And the ending is a bit flat.
I did enjoy it, there are some funny moments & interesting points raised but I feel like I wanted more from it.

Lucy is a middle aged, separated Mum and schoolteacher. Joseph is in his early twenties and working out what he wants to do with life (and learning that it doesn’t have to be a 9-5 office job).

Nick Hornby is great at drawing characters, and giving them distinctive voices. He doesn’t often have heroes – all of his characters are flawed but somehow, that makes them more human. High Fidelity, I’m looking at you. The newest novel, “Just Like You”, is out at the end of September and has all the Hornby hallmarks plus a Brexit thread though the narrative. If nothing else, at least the last four years has given our artists something to talk about.

In one of Joseph’s jobs, as a butcher, he serves Lucy regularly and realises he looks for her on Saturdays. In the other part of the narrative, we know that Lucy also looks forward to seeing Joe, and is ashamed at how flirty and brash her friend/fellow Mum is.

Their relationship ticks along nicely and a babysitting job (thinly veiled, I have to say) turns into something else. I really liked this part of it, the chapters switch easily from the two and it was interesting to see their distinct points of view, their inner thoughts and feelings, on the same experience. Their combined agonising over the wording of a text message, and the subsequent reply, is particularly amusing.

They don’t just have to navigate the age gap, that Joseph is closer in age to her sons than to Lucy, but potential perceptions and judgements around their race – Lucy is white and Joseph, Black. There’s also something of a class gap, felt most keenly by Joseph’s Mum, who is worried about this middle aged woman stealing her son (and any hope of grandchildren), closer in age to her than her son.

This takes place over the run up and aftermath of the referendum, and all points of views are examined with Joseph in the centre, as he can’t make up his mind. The reveal of how he voted was not my favourite part, and that felt a bit too neat. Hornby does a good job trying to represent ‘both sides’, and showing that we are all human, and we should just get along. While the political hurricane is still ongoing though, it’s hard to step back and acknowledge this – the future is still too uncertain. I did enjoy looking through other people’s eyes though, if only for a short time.

A pleasing story, good characters and I was surprised by the ending too, although not unsatisfied by it. It’s been five days since I read it and while I haven’t been thinking about it, really, it’s a worthy addition to any fans, and actually, a good book club pick – plenty of different views to discuss.

This is another great read by Nick Hornby. I really like the writing style. Lucy and Joseph’s relationship feels real. The book is funny in places and I did laugh out loud a few times. 2016 seems so long ago. It was interesting to be reminded about the feelings surrounding Brexit and the vote. It made the story seem more real. I could visualise the characters and their lives and I felt that I was there, witnessing events.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

Set in London 2016 during the lead up to the Brexit referendum. Lucy is a white, 40 something, single mother of 2 looking to start dating again after splitting from her alcoholic husband. She meets Joseph, a black 20 something with numerous part time jobs, which includes babysitting Lucy’s 2 boys. The couple then start seeing each other. What follows is how these two overcome the age difference while having different political views.

For me this was a ok read, however I could have done with less politics. I liked both the lead characters and was happy when they finally got together, however there could have been more passion. Lucy’s boys seemed intelligent and offers some light relief. The other characters were annoying. Overall I don’t think this one will stick with me.

Thank you to Penguin General UK for this advance copy.

I’d like to thank Penguin General UK, Viking and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Just Like You’ by Nick Hornby in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Lucy is an English teacher, the mother of two boys and separated from her husband. She tries to support her high street by shopping at the local butcher’s shop where she meets Joseph who works there on Saturdays. They have nothing in common as Lucy’s 44 and white while Joseph’s 22 and black, yet they have an attraction for each other that defies logic.
Will they put their differences aside and fall in love?

‘Just Like You’ is a cleverly written novel about two people who need what each other brings to their relationship. Nick Hornby has an amazing ability to write a novel that deals with the question of age, colour and class, not to mention what’s happening politically in the UK and USA, with astuteness and a terrific sense of humour, making me laugh out loud as I was reading. I loved the style of writing and the descriptions of the characters, and the conclusion was heart-warming and uplifting, a perfect ending to a lovely story.

Lucy is a 42 year old white woman who is separated from her druggie husband and has 2 boys. She meets Joseph a 22 Year old black man who works in her local butchers (amongst other things). She hires him to babysit her kids as she starts venturing out to have a normal life. One thing leads to another and they start having a relationship.

First thing the relationship on the surface is unusual and would be highly improbable even now, so I thought it would be interesting to see how the author tackled the underlying issues of race, age and politics. I think he got the voice of Joseph really well. He was relatable and his inner monologues were believable. Lucy less so - she’s a nice enough person but I don’t think the author fully captured the essence of 42 year old woman with kids. The race issues are handled very deftly and are nuanced. The issues with the age difference are a little cringey. The politics felt like an add-on to show how different they are and the divides between their friends/backgrounds/communities.

The writing was a little slow in the beginning but picked up in the middle. They have a lot of sex without Hornsby ever writing about it - we just get told they have a lot of sex. Just like we get told about their feelings or emotions without experiencing it with them. This made it a little hard for me to relate or but into their relationship until the end.

This is really a 2.5 stars but I’m rounding up because it got better towards the end and I actually finished the book.

This is the first Nick Hornsby book I have read and I’m kind of torn as to what to think of it.

This tells the love story of Lucy who’s 42 and Joseph, who is around 20 years younger...
the characters were relatable and I found this book funny in parts, but for me it was lacking that certain something.


Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for allowing me to read in return for an honest review
3 stars