Carol’s mother and father are naturally concerned for their daughter and try to help her in anyway they can. Carol discovers that Declan’s past is full of secrets and the house they shared takes on a more sinister significance.

Forever Home by Graham Norton - Henpicked Book Club: Forever Home by Graham Norton - Henpicked

NORTON: Well, I suppose, in my head, it's sort of my quiet, happy place. It's the only thing I do that is sort of solitary - that doesn't involve a meeting... I really enjoyed the narration by Graham Norton; his easy-going voice and character kept the level of this mystery at the cozy level, infused with humor, deprecation, love, dislike, and general snarkiness. What's not to enjoy!? With a lighter tone of narration, it's not as dark as it could be and nothing is quite as tragic, even though a lot of deeper issues are uncovered. I don't believe anything is ridiculed by this lighter tone but you have to go into with it being a bit playful, maybe tongue in cheek, and therefore, a "cozy" mystery IMO.

The Sydney Morning Herald

SHAPIRO: ...What makes her so delightful - right? - is the - like, what are you doing here? Well, I guess you're here. I love Graham Norton's writing style - if you have read any of his other books then you'll love this one too. SHAPIRO: This novel, "Forever Home," unfolds from so many different perspectives. We see chapters through the eyes of different narrators. Was there one character who was your inroad to this story? NORTON: Well, she's kind of mine, too. And she changed the book, you know? She was the one who brought so much comedy 'cause she's just a funny woman. And so she turned something quite dark into a sort of dark romp, I would say.

Forever Home by Graham Norton: the intricacies of family life Forever Home by Graham Norton: the intricacies of family life

Where do secrets live? Carol is a divorced teacher living in a small town in Ireland, her only son now grown. A second chance at love brings her unexpected connection and belonging—and sparks a flurry of speculation. What does a woman like her see in a man like that? What happened to his wife who abandoned him and his children all those years ago? Carol and Declan know their relationship is the talk of the town, but the gossip only serves to bring the couple closer. Forever Home is a story of a family. A dysfunctional normal family. One that each one of us can relate to. It begins in classic Graham Norton style with beautiful writing around complex emotions. The author's writing is skilled and displays an innate understanding of human nature. His story encompasses many poignant moments and serious themes interspersed with his trademark humour. Although this novel was very readable and I did enjoy the story very much, I did feel that some of the character's actions stretched credibility. Believe me, if I was Carol, there is no way I would have reacted as she did...

Featured Reviews

Carol met and fell in love with Declan later in life, and unfortunately, he has developed early onset dementia, forcing her to move out of his house which she shared with him when his children move Declan to a nursing home and decide to sell up. In the ensuing months, some deep, dark secrets emerge from Declan’s past, which leave Carol questioning everything she knew about him. Enter Moira, Carol’s mother, to bring about a crazy resolution to the drama that’s unfolding 😅. Dark, funny, full of emotional intelligence and gripping from the start. ..beautifully written... Wonderful.' DAILY MAIL