The Journey

Simon apparently has it all - an expensive home, a second home in France and is the owner of a luxury car dealership and whose clients are the rich and famous. The novel opens after Simon has apparently lost it all and is driving north to the Lake District. His wife has died in a tragic accident, there is an investigation into his tax affairs, and he feels his life is unravelling. The Journey should tell of a journey, physical and emotionally, and it does - by its end Simon has found new love, a new career and a new relationship with his family. None of this is in doubt as the novel opens - it is the Journey that matters.

What to say of the impact of all this? The first half of this novel I found difficult to connect with Simon. I would avoid a man like him in the pub. The second half, in the Lakes, I engaged more with him and his situation, but still moments of the almost repellent figure of the first half shone through. I hope the author intended to satirise this type of man and did not in fact find him likeable. There was a moment near the end of this novel, after he has professed love to the new love of his life when he has an erection whilst an old (but very young) flame is trying it on again. This tells me the man has not changed, that The Journey was for naught.

Which is a shame, as Nicholas Hill can clearly construct a story, and the writing is fine (bar an odd cliché). I think ones enjoyment of this novel will be down to how they feel about Simon.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley galley for the ARC.

I requested this book as I liked the looks of the cover & the title intrigued me & I’m glad that I did. I really enjoyed it. I would never normally have chosen a book that involved car garage business, however, I’m glad that I did!

This book is about a family dealing with business troubles, loss of a loved one & finding their way on their healing journey. The characters were likeable and I could see the individuality of them, which is exactly how families can be.

I was surprised with how quickly the characters could move on after experiencing their loss, although I know that some people can achieve that. Everything seemed rushed with the moving on process in my mind.

I think the end of the book confirms my thoughts on the moving on being rushed. It takes time to heal and truly know what you need & want. It is definitely worth the read and then you’ll be able to make up your own mind.

Thanks so much for allowing me to read and review this book.

Such a well crafted novel, compelling enough to pull you through and very quick read. I enjoyed it so much from the first page till the end. A good story like this needs a quiet afternoon, a sofa and a warm blanket.