The Marriage Gap Year was one of the rare books that took me longer to read, only because I wanted to hang on to every sentence. As a woman in her early 20's, it was nice to read a romance (?) book based off of an older couple who decides to take a break to find themselves after years of being in a complacent relationship. The author heard the saying "IKEA is where relationships go to die" and ran with it lol. We get to see our couple diverge into different ways of self discovery, and finding who they really are with and without each other. I enjoyed the premise, writing and even the ending.

The Marriage Gap Year is a wonderfully heartwarming read. Taking a year off from the marriage rather than jumping right into separation or divorce is a great idea that more people should partake in. There were some hard topics and overall the book was pretty relatable.

I just finished The Marriage Gap Year. I can’t say enough good things about this book. It was funny and heartwarming and I loved it!

THE MARRIAGE GAP YEAR is both a funny and poignant story about a couple who has been together well over twenty years taking a year off from their marriage for the chance for Emma to connect back to herself and her freedom and to gain clarity of what she wants and whether that includes her husband or not. This book felt very real and relatable and I'm not even married. I enjoyed the humor but also the serious reflection and portrayal of what it means to be human.

Thank you to Further Publishing and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Such a lovely story about a couple who have lived so many years as a couple, raised a son, and now are just kind of stuck in a weird place in life and in their relationship. The wife proposes a year off of their relationship, the husband doesn’t want this but agrees. First off I wouldn’t be able to handle this if my partner wanted this so I think seeing how this played out was really important for me to see and relate to some of the things they were going through.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

What a great romcom!! This is a first for me by this author but will not be my last. It was such a cute story! The writing style is great and I loved the characters chemistry.

This was a page turner for me and I finished it in one sitting. Watching this couple struggle after decades of marriage is easily relatable to those that have been in long term relationships. We see how each handles their year apart, how they evolve slowly. It has some some funny parts but there are a lot of hard topics sprinkled throughout, including alcoholism and drug abuse. Definitely not a lighthearted read and the label dramedy is fitting.

I was given a copy by the publisher via NetGalley (thank you!) and all opinions are my own.

4.5 ⭐️

"The Marriage Gap Year" by Yannick Thoraval is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of relationships and the pursuit of personal happiness. This was my first introduction to a book by this author and I loved every second of it. I just couldn't stop reading.

The story follows the lives of Emma and Rob, a married couple who embark on a year-long break from their marriage (the "marriage gap year"). As they explore their own desires, passions, and dreams, the couple faces a series of unexpected encounters and situations that test the strength of their relationship.

One of the highlights of this book is its exploration of the complexities of human emotions and the dynamics of relationships. The author skillfully portrays the internal struggles and conflicting desires of the main characters, allowing readers to empathize with their situation. The characters are likable, funny and relatable, making their journey all the more compelling.

Thoraval's writing style is engaging and relatable, effortlessly capturing the essence of the characters' emotions and experiences. It also made me reconsider some of my life choices, so sometimes it was even like I was in a therapy session myself. Apart from that, the book is written with a lot of humor as well and made me giggle a lot.

Another noteworthy aspect of "The Marriage Gap Year" is its exploration of societal expectations and the pressure to conform to traditional norms. The book challenges the conventional notions of marriage and prompts readers to question what truly makes a relationship successful and fulfilling.

Overall, it is not your typical romance book, but the author gives us a refreshing, more serious take on the genre. I highly recommend this fast paced, funny, relatable and refreshing book - it's definitely a must read!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Further Publishing for sharing a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a nice book! It was a good idea to have the couple take a break from marriage rather than just jump to a divorce. It was cute and heartwarming and I love the way the individual partners are connecting to themselves again and getting that sense of individualism. overall it was great!!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

I'm laughing immediately while reading chapter 1! This book was funny and authentic. I liked the dialogue style the author chose. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I think it is important to note that Emma chose to stand up for herself in a way that she felt confident and deserving of attention. Yes,Rob grew up in a family that didn't express emotion but he spoke more wood than his relationship with Emma and Will. The year was necessary to figure out which she wanted and even though Rob felt they were meant to be together, it doesn't mean that she doesn't love him as a person. They can both be great parents and supportive of Will despite them being not together. A reader has to applaud Emma in her actions regarding her her progression as to whom she became as is indicative of her work as well as her friend she was to Kendry. As the book progressed, she certainly became stronger and a person who knew what she wanted..

This is a great book. I love the concept of the story. I felt a few different emotions from anger to sadness. This story was well written and focus on how things are in real like. I liked that the couples focused on figuring out what they want in life. But I was also sad with the ending. I definitely recommend this book!

I have not read a book like this, and I loved every page! It was just such a sweet story of the journey of love and the honesty of what that all means. Yannick, you wrote a beautiful story! Thank you for this incredible book. Highly recommend.

The Marriage Gap Year is about a middle-aged couple, Rob and Emma, who, somewhere along the way, stopped communicating and stopped investing in their marriage. In a last-ditch effort, Emma decides they need to spend a year apart with no contact. The story is told in Emma's and Rob's POV. We follow Emma as she sets out in search of something more as Rob does what he can to just hang on. This story was relatable and had me cheering for a comeback. If you like second chance romance, this book is for you.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I actually really loved this book. Can you imagine after years of marriage taking a year off to find your happiness and potentially come back to your person. What a wild ride this couple took in their gap year. There were a lot of funny moments+ awkward moments in this book and also some emotional ones. You honestly have no idea what the end has in store and I feel like there could be a sequel potentially on what’s next. I love how their opinions of their sons non traditional path changed over time too. Really good, and loved the writing style :)

I really enjoyed this book- made me think about my own marriage and things we sometimes wish we could change (however for me it reinforced that I don’t want things to change). I also appreciated that it wasn’t incredibly predictable. The one part that lost me though was the music festival. The whole thing just seemed to happen really fast and I couldn’t follow when she was there then popping in the woods then back at the hotel. Otherwise I was able to easily follow everything and really enjoyed it!

Thank you Netgalley and Yannick Thoraval for an advance ebook in exchange for my honest feedback.

I was very excited to read this book. Another reviewer suggested sitting down with a glass of wine to read this, which is exactly what I did!

I looooovvvveeee the opening scene!! There's a couple, having an argument at IKEA? So. Incredibly. Relatable. I felt like I was there, inside the argument and feeling both sides. Usually, I despise novels that have these sorts of conversations but there's just something about the way it's written that makes it charming and relatable, not cringeworthy.

I love the sassy and sarcastic dialogue. It's believable, and the characters show depth. They actually have a backstory and logical thought processes and a complex social web between each character.

There's funny bits, too. I don't want to give away the whole novel in my review, but there was a few times where I laughed out loud (literally) at things in the novel.

I like the way this is written. The descriptions of different places that really make you feel like you're there. It's also fantastic that it's set in Australia. There's not many great Aussie authors and there's so many beautiful parts of our country to describe.

I also love the juxtaposition between the two characters. Emma and Rob really are so different.

The blurb mostly matches the novel, except that it is absolutely nothing like 'Elinor Oliphant is completely fine'. It's not a depressing novel about a self-hating alcoholic. I didn't enjoy that one, not sure why the author compared himself to it. It is much more similar to Funny Story by Emily Henry or the Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella. It's upbeat despite negative life events.

Overall, I enjoyed this novel and would be keen to read other work by the same author.

The premise of this novel is quite the hook - Emma, frustrated with her marriage, proposes a gap year to husband Rob, allowing them each to experience a different life, away from each other.

Told from alternating perspectives, the story follows the progress of their year apart, as they both undergo quite different changes. Though on occasion I found both protagonists a touch frustrating, ultimately I was rooting for them both, whether together or individually. The frustration actually only serves to highlight just how accurate a reflection of a relationship it is - neither of them is perfect, neither is willing to admit their flaws, and yet, you want the best for them.

This was my first Thoraval, I’m ashamed to say! With such a wonderful style of writing, I look forward to the next.

Thank you to Further Publishing and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I thought this book was well constructed, and overall very well written. Lots of humor and feel good moments. This is a very non-traditional rom com, but it sort of...worked?! I haven't ever read this author before and I can tell he's a person who enjoys not just the good OR the bad, but the in-between. I enjoyed this read, and will be interested to see what this author does next.

3.75/5.0

What a beautiful quotable book this was.

“Couples did things. They found workarounds, ways to enjoy the best of each other and avoid the inconveniences. They got bigger beds, or separate beds; they slept in separate rooms, or in separate houses. It was their marriage, after all, and they were free to make the rules.”

So. The marriage gap year explores the life of Rob and Emma and how their growing conflict in their marriage of 26 years prompts them to take a gap year from each other. Both explore their personal lives with fresh perspectives after Parting ways.

I didn't like the fact that Emma was having a physical relationship with Erik, a guy a lot younger to her. It was quite absurd and obnoxious as she was already in marriage with Rob and had just taken a break as a breather. Later I learnt in the book as to why she did that. But in my opinion it's still not justified.


Also I just don't know whether the ending was a cliffhanger because it was not clear whether they decided to part ways, however they did decide to live separately.

Coming to what I like about the book is that it highlights the complexities of marriage, how society perceives it. Both Rob and Emma were very determined towards their career choices despite their adult son who moved to study overseas. Also the book has a lot of wise quotable text thereby making it unputdownable.

I thoroughly liked it although it took me a little while to finish. I highly recommend this book to someone feeling low or has marriage troubles to go through this book. Hope you might have some help

I really enjoyed this book. It was a really interesting concept for a book, seeing their separate journeys they went on during their gap year apart. It was a little depressing, but that's life so it was relatable that her friend had an addiction issue or that they had issues at work. It wasn't all a nice tidy bow but I can appreciate that. I liked the character growth throughout the book. I would definitely read another book by this author.

During a cringey visit to IKEA, the store where relationships go to die, Emma finally blurts out to Rob that she is no longer happy in their 26-year marriage. It’s been decades of stagnation, boredom, frustration. Emma is desperate to get more than whatever this is out of life. She wants more meaningful work, connections, thrills, joy – and more passionate sex. It’s been ages. Rob knows their marriage isn’t perfect, but it’s good enough…isn’t it? He’s loyal, solid, a good provider. He’s been there for her. What more does she want, anyway?

As a last-ditch effort to salvage their sanity and maybe, just maybe, come back together happier, Emma suggests taking a Marriage Gap Year. Time apart, no calls, no texts. This feisty communications manager wants the comms switched off between them for the next 12 months. As Rob and Emma embark on their Gap Year, the sparkling Instagram-perfect expectations Emma envisioned don’t quite match the reality. But the more time they spend apart, the more Rob and Emma both begin to remember who they were before the kids, the jobs, and their endless responsibilities.

This book was brilliant. It reminded me of an early Taylor Jenkins Reid book called "After I Do," only better. Characters, plot, writing, humor, descriptions, relationships. They all come together seamlessly here and create a stunning experience. Well done!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

**Review of *The Marriage Gap Year* by Yannick Thoraval**

Yannick Thoraval’s *The Marriage Gap Year* is a delightful romp through the ups and downs of modern relationships, and it’s as refreshing as a glass of sparkling water on a hot day—only with more laughs and fewer calories!

Thoraval introduces us to a couple on the brink of crisis, embarking on a "gap year" that’s not just for students anymore. The premise is both clever and relatable, and you’ll find yourself chuckling at their misadventures as they navigate a world of self-discovery that’s hilariously chaotic. Who knew a year off from marriage could involve so much awkwardness, unexpected encounters, and a touch of existential dread?

The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the characters are so endearing you’ll want to invite them over for a coffee (or perhaps a glass of wine, given their antics). Each chapter offers a new, laugh-out-loud scenario that showcases Thoraval’s talent for turning the mundane into the absurd.

If you’ve ever considered a break from your own relationship—if only for a moment of peace from the remote control wars—this book will resonate deeply. With a perfect blend of humor and heart, *The Marriage Gap Year* is a reminder that sometimes, stepping back is the best way to move forward.

So grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and prepare for a journey that’s both entertaining and surprisingly insightful. You’ll laugh, you’ll nod in agreement, and you might just reconsider your own plans for the year ahead!

I absolutely loved this book. I read it in one sitting. It has great characters that were very relatable and a fast moving plot. It is laugh out loud funny but also has a strong soul and a pure heart that kept me reading. Just loved it. Want to see more from this author.

Yannick W. Thoraval's The Wedding Gap Year is a refreshingly authentic take on romance, offering a blend of raw emotions and real-life complexities that set it apart from the typical romantic novel. The character development stands out as one of the novel's strongest aspects. Both protagonists are multifaceted, with their personal growth woven into the story in a way that feels genuine and unforced. Their journeys are imperfect, marked by both beautiful moments and tough realities, which makes them relatable and human.

The romance itself feels authentic and grounded. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, with moments of tenderness and vulnerability that will resonate deeply with readers. Their connection is not just about the initial sparks, but about building something more meaningful over time, filled with bumps along the way. Thoraval doesn't shy away from the messiness of love—making the characters' relationship all the more compelling.

However, calling The Wedding Gap Year a straightforward romance is complicated by its ending, which doesn’t follow the typical "happily ever after" formula. The conclusion leans more into realism than fantasy, and while it may not provide the conventional closure that some romance readers might expect, it feels true to the story Thoraval has told. This nuanced approach leaves readers contemplating what love means in different stages of life, making it a more thoughtful and layered experience.

Overall, while The Wedding Gap Year may not fit neatly into the standard romance genre box, its emotional depth, character development, and authentic portrayal of love make it a standout read. If you're looking for a romance that feels real, with all the messy emotions and complexities that come with it, this book will definitely leave an impact.

Wow, this was very different from what I usually read. I thought the plot was very interesting because most people after they get married either are happy with some having their ups and downs, others who call quits and divorce, or those who just cheat. The plot of taking a gap year from their marriage like a gap year from school was for sure eye opening for our couple because they both learned about themselves and how much they truly if they want to be in this marriage still. If you are looking for a story that will make your think about your main characters on if they were make it through this arrangement, then this book is for you!

4/5 stars!

4⭐️

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the narrative it took on different relationships.
Starting the book off with an argument in IKEA hooked me in straight away.

I enjoyed being able to read Rob and Emma's journey through life as they take one year apart to look for new opportunities. This book was well paced and I found myself highlighting a lot of quotes.

I do recommend this book. I am not someone who has ever been married but being able to read about Rob and Emma's journey and their marriage actually taught me a lot.

Thank you Netgalley and Yannick Thoraval for my arc copy

I adore second chance romance and it's even better when the couple is older. We see the lives they live and it's just so heartwarming

This was such a unique novel. I loved following Emma fb Rob as they take a gap year from their marriage. This novel explores such deep aspects of human relationship, identity of self, and the complexities of desiring different things than your spouse. I flew through this novel. It’s was brilliantly written.

Yannick Thoraval's novel "The Marriage Gap Year" follows Emma, a woman who decides to take a year-long break from her marriage after 26 years. This "gap year" serves as a fresh start for Emma and her husband to reflect on themselves and their relationship, allowing them to explore what they truly want out of life. Thoraval combines humour with heartfelt moments, making the story relatable for anyone familiar with the ups and downs of long-term relationships.

The novel dives into themes like personal identity, friendship, and the societal expectations around marriage. As Emma explores life outside of her marriage, she faces questions about self-fulfilment and redefines what relationships mean to her. The Marriage Gap Year has received praise for its thoughtful and emotionally engaging approach, balancing comedy with the deeper issues of love and commitment. This blend of lightheartedness and introspection has made it a favourite among readers who enjoy stories about modern relationships.

I really enjoyed this book. There was complexities to the relationship that I found very relatable. I would definitely recommend to others

In The Marriage Gap Year, Yannick Thoraval presents a refreshing take on love, marriage, and personal growth, exploring what happens when a couple decides to hit pause on their relationship to rediscover themselves. This premise sets the stage for a journey that dives into identity, companionship, and the inevitable highs and lows of redefining a partnership outside traditional expectations.

Thoraval’s characters are vibrant, each with a distinct voice, making the reader invested in their struggles and triumphs. The “gap year” concept allows the couple to experience a year apart while still tethered to one another, creating tension and curiosity. Thoraval skillfully guides the reader through both partners’ inner worlds, and the alternating perspectives add layers to the narrative.

What truly stands out is Thoraval's nuanced portrayal of relationships. This isn't a typical romance novel; it's a raw, insightful look at the ways relationships evolve, regress, and ultimately force us to confront our deepest fears and desires. There’s a satisfying complexity here that feels realistic and relatable, particularly in the moments where the characters grapple with what they truly want versus what they’ve always been told to want.

The Marriage Gap Year is a poignant read for anyone interested in character-driven stories that examine life’s in-betweens. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the only way forward is to step back.

When you feel the marriage blues, just suggest a year off. It always looks greener on the other side. After 20 plus years of marriage Emma wants to take a break and see what else might be out there. So they decide to take a break, no calls, no texts, will they survive and come back stronger for this? Yannick Thorval is a new author for me thanks to NetGalley. I really enjoyed this one, it is a different spin on the rom com genre. 4.5 stars

I. Loved. This.

We have so many stories about love and two people meeting and falling in love and ending up living happily ever after. But so few stories of 20 years down the track when they’ve been married forever and have children and it’s actually hard work.

This is honest and a real representation of how a marriage can become “stale” and the result of a woman going “enough is enough”.

It’s an easy read but it’s nice to see the ups and downs of working out what you want as you get older and that actually a “happily ever after” might look different to how you expected.

I loved the idea, the execution, and just the entire book. Honestly, the perfect introduction to this author. I'm interested in what they write next,

For a debut novel I found myself enjoying this book more than I thought I would. I loved the way the book was broken down by season. While the couple did something very unconventional, it was fun to read about their relationships, their personalities and marriage in general. I thought the characters both showed a lot of personal growth, and I found this to be a heartwarming story. I would definitely recommend this book to other readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for then ARC.

Pros:
-Reminded me of a TJR book that I swooned for
-The prose is so gorgeous it should be studied for centuries
-We all know IKEA kills relationships so nice to see it here
-This feels so modern. This idea would have never existed years ago

Cons:
-I liked them better apart
-The humor was hit or miss, largely hit
-While funny, the initial premise of missed comms for twenty years is ugh

Overall, a fun read and I would def reccomend but more fiction than romcom - and that’s fine!

The Marriage Gap Year is a book I know I’ll think about long after I post my review. This book was insightful and brought me to really think about the lives we build and what makes us happy.

In the Marriage Gap Year, Emma is married to Rob. But the marriage isn’t turning out to be what she hoped for, or necessarily wants. She proposes a gap year to Rob, who is not keen about it. They rent out their house and each finds accommodations without the other. Their son, Will, is perplexed, but in his own world with his own issues. As the novel progresses we see what each spouse does with their gap year, their growth, their questioning and their journey.

What a lovely book and an interesting thought. I truly enjoyed this book and found the characters and the plot quite lovely. An enjoyable read throughout! Loved it.

Yannick Thoraval’s *The Marriage Gap Year* is a bold and introspective novel that explores relationships, self-discovery, and the delicate balancing act between individuality and partnership. It takes an honest, often unflinching look at what happens when a couple steps back from their marriage to rediscover themselves, offering a refreshing twist on the familiar themes of love and commitment.

The story follows Louise and Alex, a couple who decide to take a year-long break from their marriage in an unconventional attempt to salvage it. What unfolds is a deeply personal journey of self-exploration, missteps, and revelations, as both partners grapple with what it means to live apart while remaining connected. Thoraval’s writing is sharp and insightful, capturing the nuances of their emotional struggles with raw authenticity. This is not your typical love story—it’s a layered, thought-provoking examination of the choices that shape us as individuals and as partners.

What makes *The Marriage Gap Year* so compelling is its willingness to challenge traditional notions of marriage and selfhood. Thoraval asks difficult questions: Can a relationship survive when its foundations are shaken? How do we reconcile personal growth with shared commitments? And what does it truly mean to love someone while honoring your own needs? These questions linger throughout the novel, and while the answers are never simple, the journey toward them is rich and rewarding.

The pacing of the story is deliberate, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the emotional complexities of Louise and Alex’s lives. Their experiences apart—whether filled with awkward missteps, moments of triumph, or quiet realizations—are described with vivid detail, making their individual journeys feel as real and impactful as their shared history. Thoraval excels at crafting relatable characters whose flaws and vulnerabilities make them achingly human.

The narrative strikes a balance between humor and heartache, with moments of levity that offset the heavier themes. Thoraval’s prose is both sharp and lyrical, weaving together deeply introspective passages with dialogue that feels natural and engaging. The story is rooted in its emotional honesty, acknowledging the messiness of life and relationships while celebrating the hope and beauty that can emerge from difficult times.

*The Marriage Gap Year* is an insightful and emotionally resonant novel that will appeal to anyone who has ever questioned what it means to be part of a partnership—or simply enjoys stories that dig deep into the complexities of human connection. Yannick Thoraval delivers a narrative that’s as thought-provoking as it is engaging, making this a standout exploration of love, growth, and resilience. It’s a journey worth taking, full of moments that invite readers to reflect on their own relationships and the delicate art of balancing togetherness with individuality.

The Marriage Gap Year by Yannick Thoraval is a refreshingly honest exploration of love, partnership, and self-discovery. Thoraval masterfully captures the complexities of marriage and the personal growth that comes from stepping back to re-evaluate life’s most intimate bonds. Thought-provoking and deeply human, this book is a must-read for anyone curious about the challenges and beauty of relationships.

Rating: 3.75⭐ (rounded up to 4⭐)

Read if you enjoy:
- Stories about self-discovery
- Adult romance
- Exploring complicated marriages

I really loved the concept of this book! It dives into a relatable yet unique topic, told from an interesting perspective. I finished it in just three days, which shows how hooked I was!

The fast-paced plot and Emma’s journey during the marriage gap year were especially captivating. Watching her try out new things and navigate her emotions felt so relatable at times, making me want to see how everything would unfold between her and Rob.

The story is told chronologically, giving readers a clear view of the challenges and realizations the characters face during their year apart. Emma’s character stood out to me the most—her charisma makes her hard to forget, even though her stubbornness can be frustrating. She’s vibrant and dynamic, which made her journey enjoyable to follow.

That said, some of Emma’s decisions didn’t always make sense to me, but they felt intentional to drive the story. While I was thoroughly invested in her POV, Rob’s perspective fell flat for me. It felt more like a side note to balance the narrative than an essential part of the story.

Overall, I found The Marriage Gap Year fast-paced and engaging, with plenty of drama and tension to keep me hooked. While not every part resonated with me, I think it’s a solid read for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories about self-discovery and the complexities of marriage!