Anton has gone through more in his 18 years of life than most people his age. But things start to look up when he meets and helps rescue his neighbor, Edith, from her abusive husband. But the age difference proves too much, especially considering it was the ‘60s. So while Edith goes into hiding, Anton doesn’t initially handle the loss well. He spends the next 15 years doing his best and trying to get by, never once forgetting Edith and the time they spent together.

I’ve read two books of Catherine’s before I requested this one from Lake Union Publishing and I enjoyed them all, though perhaps this one less than the other two. For me, things often went too smoothly, and I felt the book rushed through the second half when we are 15+ years into the future. I appreciate the heavy subject material that was weaved in with the storyline, and I absolutely believe family is often the one we make for ourselves. I’m not a huge fan of half stars, so I am rounding my review up to 4 stars. I can’t wait to read more of her work.

Another beautiful novel by this amazing author. More than just a love story. There is tragedy, heartbreak, abuse, triumph and love. A truly unique story that will touch you down deep in your soul. Highly recommend !

What a beautifully written poignant book. Thoroughly enjoyed this right from the start. Really felt that I knew the characters as it felt so real. An emotional read with some real inspiring moments.

Well deserves 5 stars and highly recommended.

Thank you Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley.

Thank you to Net Galley for an Earc of My Name is Anton. Catherine Ryan Hyde has done it again! This time it’s a love story for the ages! Engrossing characters whose positivity for life’s challenges with boost your pandemic mood in 2020! Real people with real relationships that address many if society’s social issues in a straightforward manner! Read this at the start of your Holiday Season to spread good cheer through the Universe of Anton and Edith! #MyNameisAnton #NetGalley

This was a beautiful book and possibly one of my favorites by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Many authors do a terrible job of telling the whole story through dialogue because they are too inexperienced to be able to balance out the conversations with setting and character development,, but somehow Hyde manages to do it effortlessly. I think the best part of this story is that you keep expecting things to go a certain way because that's what other authors do, and then Hyde does something completely different -- so many times. Lovely, lovely book.

What a wonderful story! The characters were easy to connect to and I loved the theme of unselfish love. Watching Anton and Edith transform throughout the book over many years and many trials, was captivating. It was refreshing how they did the right things, even when difficult. I would highly recommend this book!

4.5 stars. This novel, which spans the course of more than 55 years, begins by focusing on 18-year-old Anton at Christmas time in 1965, as he is trying to get over the loss of his brother as well as one of his hands. After his parents decide to go on vacation in South America for three weeks, Anton uses a telescope that he received as a Christmas gift and sees a neighbor being abused by her husband.

This novel is simply a stunning view into Anton’s life from that day forward, including his victories and losses and everything in between. You will love Anton, and you will root for him and cheer him on as he develops from a young adult dealing with a family tragedy into a mature man with a family of his own. You should also find yourself smiling a lot as you read this heartwarming story about relationships, love and family. What a wonderful, feel-good read!

Anton has been through a lot in the last year when he meets Edith. At that time, he is 18 and taking a gap year to deal with his life and the change he has gone through. Edith is 33 and is dealing with an abusive marriage. They end up spending a few days together and each is transformed. They part at the end of this time. Almost two decades later, they have a chance meeting that leads into the future together. I like that this book is divided into two different parts: the before and after of the meeting. I though Anton was a well written character and there was such realism in the emotion and trials that he goes through. This was a coming of age of sorts, but also but finding that one person that makes life complete. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.

This is another warm, well crafted novel from Catherine Ryan Hyde. She really does write superb character driven tales where the characters are not only well developed but flawed in very real and human ways. Somehow she manages to touch on so many issues in this novel - domestic abuse, mental illness, suicide, disability, adoption and child protection. However, an overarching theme of love and selflessness makes this a positive tale of what it means to really love someone and belong to a family.

When we first meet Anton (who is going by the name of Anthony) at the age of 18, he has in the last seven months lost his beloved grandfather Anton, as well as his right hand when he tried and failed to prevent his brother shooting himself. On top of that, his self absorbed parents, who seem to lack any empathy at all for what he has been suffering, have left him on his own for the Christmas holidays. It's at this point in his life that he meets Edith, a married woman in her thirties. His kindness to her at a time when she most needs it, changes both of them and has repercussions down the years.

Catherine Ryan Hyde has created a very special character in Anton. Not many people are as considerate and selfless as him, especially as a young man, but he feels very real and seems to possess an inner strength that drives him. His grandmother and uncle are also wonderful characters who save him from being destroyed by the neglect of his parents. Both romantic and suspenseful, and at times bittersweet, I had no idea where this novel would end up but it all made for a wonderful read.

My Name is Anton
Author: Catherine Ryan Hyde
Genre: General Fiction

Catherine Ryan Hyde is an author who knows how to write about interpersonal relationships. And she shows that optimally in this book.

The eponymous Anton is an 18 year old when the story begins. He is going through an extremely traumatic period with three intense personal losses within a year and apathetic parents to boot. He happens to chance upon 33 year old Edith who is caught in an abusive marriage. With an instant connection between the two, he decides to help her escape her marital hell. In the process, he discovers his own suppressed mental struggles and begins the healing process. Fifteen years later, Edith is back in Anton's life through another chance encounter. What does destiny have in store for them both this time around?

The book spans a period of 55 years and in that long duration, we get to see some really strong characters. Other than Anton and Edith, Marion the grandmother and Gregory the great uncle will end up leaving their memories in your heart. In spite of its length, it is a very quick read.

The first half of the book pans out slowly and beautifully. Though taking her own sweet pace to move the story ahead, Hyde gives us a fabulous insight into the horrors of repressed mental struggles. The second half of the book is equally slow-paced but somehow, I couldn't connect much with the overtly saccharine picture being drawn. I would have preferred a continuation of the flawed humans idea rather than showing picture perfect adults. Not that it takes away from the story in any way, but there's a marked difference in the change of intensity you feel in the first and second halves of the book. Overall though, it is still a wonderful story with a wonderful ending, though not my personal favourite Hyde work. I'd definitely recommend this as a pleasurable read when you want a slow book to savour.

My rating: 4.25

I received an advance review copy of the book from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Catherine Ryan Hyde writes with such thought and heart. In My Name is Anton, Anton's grandmother wisely explains how to know if a love is true. She tells him, "Love is when you can make the following statement, and mean it: 'What's best for her, even if it doesn't include me.'" Selfless acts of love occur more than once in this beautiful story and I was drawn in from the first page.

My sincere thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read My Name is Anton and give my unbiased opinion of it. I look forward to recommending this book and reading more books by Catherine Ryan Hyde in the future.

I love Catherine’s books and this one was outstanding! I just fall in love with all her characters! Highly highly recommend!

Thanks to Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.
Wow! Catherine Ryan-Hyde will captivate her readers with this beautiful heartfelt story.
I’m not sure any review could do this book justice. It is filled with so many emotions, loss, trauma, first love, family, abuse, heartache, mental illness, hope and dreams.
It’s powerful and reminds us that anything and everything is possible.
All that needs to be said about this book is - pick me up and read the amazing story of Anton and Edith. So well written, I could feel Anton’s many different emotions throughout.

I love to read books by Catherine Ryan Hyde. I can always count on great storytelling, character development, and lessons in life that leave you thinking how to do better in your own life. In this story we meet 18 year old Anton who has had a terribly tragic year of pain and loss. However, as his character is developed, we learn that there is much more to his pain than one specific year. We meet Edith, an older married woman who lives across the street....and is a victim of domestic abuse, which Anton inadvertently witnesses when his star-gazing telescope swings out of control. Anton is an unlikely hero, but he sets about to help Edith. We also meet his (unlikeable) parents, his grandmother and his aunt and uncle. Who we don't meet but learn from, is his deceased grandfather, for whom he is named. All play an important part in the telling of Anton's story. . The story that then develops around this particular action and these two people covers decades and revolves around the premise of the story.....doing the best for people, even if its not the best for you. I enjoyed the fact that the author shares her love of and knowledge of astrophotography and "star-gazing" as an important part of Anton's story. I definitely recommend this as a great read and a continuation of the talented writing of Catherine Ryan Hyde. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in return for an honest review, which this has been.

This heart-warming story begins with Anton Addison-Rice receiving the present that he had really wanted from his parents for his 18th birthday in 1965: a powerful telescope that would enable him to study the planets in the night sky. His parents were in a hurry to leave, as they had a taxi waiting for them ready to take them to the airport. They were deserting Anton over the Christmas period to go travelling. Who would believe it? Anton is still traumatised both physically and mentally by a tragic accident. He has been in a bad place for more than a year since one fateful day he lost both his older brother and his hand in an attempt to save his brother. He was unable to forgive himself and was still paralysed by flashbacks and terrifying nightmares fuelled by guilt.
It was while he was setting up his telescope one night that he accidentally witnessed a neighbour, who lived in another block opposite his. She was being severely abused by her husband. He worried about what he has seen all night before devising a cunning plan to meet her and protect her. He and Edith became friends, meeting occasionally for lunch in a nearby café, until Edith decided she had had enough abuse and turned to Anton for help. She escaped and stayed with Anton until she could arrange to stay with a friend far away. Their friendship was intense as Anton and Edith found that they got on really well, despite an age difference of 15 years. Never-the-less she would not tell him where she was going, knowing that if her husband suspected Anton knew and was complicit in shielding Edith he would beat him up until Anton told him what he wanted to know. It was the best ten days in Anton’s short life as they celebrated Christmas day with his Grandma and Great Uncle who provided the food. These were the only people Anton trusted and they supported him unconditionally. In this short time Anton falls deeply in love with Edith, but they must separate to keep Edith safe. He makes the sacrifice gladly knowing that Edith will have a new life and be safe from abuse.
More than a decade and a half later they accidentally meet on a train journey. It is such a happy coincidence and the two of them immediately feel their connection once again. This time there is no holding back for Anton and so the relationship deepens. This is their story and what a beautiful story it is. They have twin souls and are always there for each other. They both feel truly blessed.
I loved the characterisation of both Anton and Edith. It was so obvious that they were made for each other with Anton taking on his pledge to make their new life together the very best he could. I loved their tender romance and how their lives immediately felt complete together. Catherine Ryan Hyde wrote convincingly of their love of stargazing, their love of dogs and horses and of each other. These are some of the things that Catherine loves most in her life as well and their shared passions made the novel authentic and so enjoyable. Catherine writes wonderful stories but not usually romances. Her natural empathy shone through. This is my 4.5* review.
I received this book through my membership of NetGalley and from Lake Union Publishing in return for an honest review. Thank you sincerely for my copy. These are my own thoughts and ideas. This novel hits my Highly Recommended criteria for all of the reasons I have given. I loved that the issues were relevant for our modern day lives and how Catherine managed her story so charmingly and left me with a true corker of a gorgeous ending. I am so pleased that she is a prolific storyteller.

Anton, or Anthony as his family insists on calling him, has had a very difficult year. He is 18, and a terrible tragedy took place that also took his hand. His parents' marriage is in trouble, and they decide to take a trip out of the country during the holidays, leaving Anton home alone. Moments before leaving for the trip, his parents give him a Christmas gift, a telescope that he wanted. That telescope turns out to have an impact on the rest of his life.

The book takes you through Anton's life, starting that holiday period and continuing for the next 55 years. He meets a wonderful woman, and they lose contact with each other due to circumstances. I don't write spoilers, so if I'm sounding evasive, its hard to tell Anton's story without the details. Trust that his journey is complex, emotional and heartwarming, and read this book.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

The author knows how to tug on your heartstrings, and certainly succeeds in this book. Anton is a troubled young man after suffering a terrible family tragedy. Anton encounters Edith when he is attempting to use his telescope to aim at the sky, but ends up seeing her being abused by her husband. Anton contacts Edith to make sure she knows she has somewhere to go. The relationship develops throughout the book, defining love and making you care deeply about the characters. I had a hard time putting the book down, and thank NetGalley for the ARC.

Anton, or Anthony as he prefers to be called, has had a very rough year. His much loved Grandfather has passed away. His brother has also passed away tragically. In addition, his right hand had to be amputated because of horrendous damage. It is taking all he has to cope. To make matters worse, his parents are taking a trip to South America and leaving him home alone for the holidays. Thankfully, they bought him the telescope he was wanting as a gift for Christmas. At least he would have something to keep him occupied besides his thoughts.

While setting up his telescope, he inadvertently witnesses domestic violence in the apartment across the street from him. He calls the police to report it, but when he watches the police leave without the perpetrator, he invents an excuse to go check to ensure the woman is okay. Thus begins the relationship between Anton and Edith. For fear of her safety, Anton must let her go even though he has quickly fallen in love with her.

This is a very moving and inspirational story. The family dynamics were very realistic. I especially admire Grandmother Marion. I had a very hard time putting the book down. I found myself laughing out loud and requiring more than a few tissues while reading it. There are a couple of curse words in the book, but nothing vulgar. Sex occurs in the story, but it is not graphic. I highly recommend this book to the adult reader who enjoys a good story about overcoming difficulties.

Catherine Ryan Hyde is a "must read" author for me. I've read many of her back library and loved every one of them. She writes stories that connect the reader to the characters emotionally, you love them or hate them, there is no middle ground. In MY NAME IS ANTON, we meet Anton Addison-Rice, 18 and emotionally and physically traumatized, not sure where he fits into life any longer. After his parents decide to vacation over the holidays, Anton finds himself alone and lonely. While star gazing, Anton will witness a young woman's abuse by her husband. He makes decisions which will find him helping the young woman leave her violent home life and the city, leaving behind any and every thing that could lead her husband to her

The story at this point jumps forward 15 years where we learn what life has become for these two people and how it will bring them back into each other's lives. If you are not sniffling by now, it's a miracle.

If you are not familiar with Catherine Ryan Hyde, she is the author of PAY IT FORWARD. This book was developed into a movie which started a fantastic trend and an organization promoting the act of paying forward. When someone does something good for you, you pay it forward by doing something good for someone else. This concept is one that should be practiced at every turn.

Where to begin??? I truly enjoyed this book. It was a little slow to get moving but after a few chapters it flowed nicely. The main character Anton was just an all around likeable person who had initially, a very tragic life. Living an equally tragic life, we were introduced to Edith, also very likeable. The story basically begins with how the two meet, under much less than perfect circumstances. It goes on to show us how they are separated and then reunited. This is a book about love, loss, family, abuse, suicide, mental illness, tragedy, and happy endings. Yes, this book has all the feels.

I would recommend to my friends and family and anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction.

Special thanks to #NetGalley and the publishers for giving me an advanced review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.