What do you think?
Rate this book
Forever Home
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.
When Declan becomes ill, their relationship falters. His children are untrusting and cruel, and Carol is forced to leave their beloved home, with its worn oak floors and elegant features, and move back with her parents. Carol’s mother is determined to get to the bottom of things—she won't see her daughter suffer this way. It seems there are secrets in Declan's past, strange rumors that were never confronted, and suddenly the house they shared takes on a more sinister significance that affects them all.
When Declan becomes ill, their relationship falters. His children are untrusting and cruel, and Carol is forced to leave their beloved home, with its worn oak floors and elegant features, and move back with her parents. Carol’s mother is determined to get to the bottom of things—she won't see her daughter suffer this way. It seems there are secrets in Declan's past, strange rumors that were never confronted, and suddenly the house they shared takes on a more sinister significance that affects them all.
Paperback
First published September 29, 2022
About the author
Graham Norton
30 books2,169 followersGraham William Walker is an Irish actor, comedian, television presenter and columnist, known by his stage name Graham Norton. He is the host of the comedy chat show The Graham Norton Show and the BBC commentator of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,021 reviews
October 21, 2023
Forever Home by Graham Norton is a Blend of Family Fiction and Cozy Mystery!
I didn't expect Forever Home to be such a fun listen!
Two families living in a small-town in Ireland, with complicated ties, collide in the most interesting, over-the-top way. This sometimes dark, sometimes humorous story, provides a great build-up through detailed backstories in the first-half, that results in a suspenseful, thrilling, and a bit of a wacky second-half.
An unexpected twist, about halfway, kept me glued to the story and attempting to figure out who it was and how everyone involved was going to fix the mess they found themselves in. It was quite the dilemma and definitely kept me guessing.
At the core of this Family Drama is a focus on mother-daughter relationships, the price one pays for keeping long-held secrets, and, through it all, attempting to live your best life.
Forever Home has a wide-range of characters that are diverse and neighborhood antics similar to happenings in our everyday lives almost anywhere. The family dynamics are compelling and somewhat realistic, but certainly always interesting. The inclusion of the dry, snickery humor this author is so well-known for is an added bonus and pure-delight.
Forever Home audiobook narrated by the author, Graham Norton, is definitely a "Yes, please" and "Thank you very much" experience for me. His narration is captivating and his voicing skills are nothing short of amazing. Truly.
Forever Home delivers an unexpectedly good time and no one is more surprised than me how much I enjoyed the author's writing style and storytelling. Who knew? Not me, until now. I'll be checking out his backlist for more fun and I highly recommend this entertaining story to those who enjoy a blend of Family Fiction and Cozy Mystery that's on the darkly humorous side!
4⭐
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Audio, and Graham Norton for an ALC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
I didn't expect Forever Home to be such a fun listen!
Two families living in a small-town in Ireland, with complicated ties, collide in the most interesting, over-the-top way. This sometimes dark, sometimes humorous story, provides a great build-up through detailed backstories in the first-half, that results in a suspenseful, thrilling, and a bit of a wacky second-half.
An unexpected twist, about halfway, kept me glued to the story and attempting to figure out who it was and how everyone involved was going to fix the mess they found themselves in. It was quite the dilemma and definitely kept me guessing.
At the core of this Family Drama is a focus on mother-daughter relationships, the price one pays for keeping long-held secrets, and, through it all, attempting to live your best life.
Forever Home has a wide-range of characters that are diverse and neighborhood antics similar to happenings in our everyday lives almost anywhere. The family dynamics are compelling and somewhat realistic, but certainly always interesting. The inclusion of the dry, snickery humor this author is so well-known for is an added bonus and pure-delight.
Forever Home audiobook narrated by the author, Graham Norton, is definitely a "Yes, please" and "Thank you very much" experience for me. His narration is captivating and his voicing skills are nothing short of amazing. Truly.
Forever Home delivers an unexpectedly good time and no one is more surprised than me how much I enjoyed the author's writing style and storytelling. Who knew? Not me, until now. I'll be checking out his backlist for more fun and I highly recommend this entertaining story to those who enjoy a blend of Family Fiction and Cozy Mystery that's on the darkly humorous side!
4⭐
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Audio, and Graham Norton for an ALC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
September 15, 2023
A wonderful contemporary cozy!
I've been a fan of the Graham Norton Show for so long. This is my first novel by him and little did I know that he's a great writer as well! I love how his humor is shown throughout the entire book.
Carol lives in a small Irish town and finds a second chance at love with a much older man Declan. Declan's ex-wife left him and their children long ago and is still a mystery to all.
When Declan developed early onset dementia, his adult children placed him in a care facility and put the home on the market.
Carol is devasted knowing Declan would be against selling the family home but with no other choice she moves in with her mother Moira.
This is a character-driven story and all are well depicted especially the matriarch, Moira~ my absolute favorite character! She brings humor and spunk to this mixed cozy mystery and dark comedy story.
I feel the first half is stronger than the second where there are moments I caught myself daydreaming. There are secrets that are waiting to come out and twists you may or may not have guessed! The conclusion was a happy and satisfying one. Overall, I had a wonderful time listening to Graham Norton's delightful narration. 3.5⭐
My thanks to Harper Audio and Netgalley for the ALC.
Expected US publication on Sept 19, 2023
8 hrs 43 mins
I've been a fan of the Graham Norton Show for so long. This is my first novel by him and little did I know that he's a great writer as well! I love how his humor is shown throughout the entire book.
Carol lives in a small Irish town and finds a second chance at love with a much older man Declan. Declan's ex-wife left him and their children long ago and is still a mystery to all.
When Declan developed early onset dementia, his adult children placed him in a care facility and put the home on the market.
Carol is devasted knowing Declan would be against selling the family home but with no other choice she moves in with her mother Moira.
This is a character-driven story and all are well depicted especially the matriarch, Moira~ my absolute favorite character! She brings humor and spunk to this mixed cozy mystery and dark comedy story.
I feel the first half is stronger than the second where there are moments I caught myself daydreaming. There are secrets that are waiting to come out and twists you may or may not have guessed! The conclusion was a happy and satisfying one. Overall, I had a wonderful time listening to Graham Norton's delightful narration. 3.5⭐
My thanks to Harper Audio and Netgalley for the ALC.
Expected US publication on Sept 19, 2023
8 hrs 43 mins
November 2, 2022
5 stars, hands down
Disclaimer. This might be more of a love letter than a book review. Either way, I tried my best.
I love Graham Norton.
That's it.
That's the review.
On a more detail-oriented note, I was blown away by how utterly human this story is. It is very much character-driven, and it does a superb job of exploring the relationships between all the characters—Carol and her parents Moira and Dave, Carol and her partner Declan, Declan's de jure wife Joan and her kids. A lot of the story deals with parental responsibility and guilt, as well as the extents you go to so as to save your life and the life of your children.
The characters were all so well fleshed out and real. I rooted so much for the protagonist Carol who has to deal with all kinds of stuff—starting with some petty idle gossip because she is a school teacher in a small town, which makes her somewhat of a public figure, and ending with the unexpected darkness in Declan's past that she cannot even discuss with Declan himself. I empathised with Carol so much when she admonished herself for being a passive lump that allows things to happen to her. And I could not but marvel at and admire Carol's mother Moira—an 80-year-old powerhouse of a woman.
The writing style is delightful as ever, and I laughed so much at Graham Norton's sharp descriptions of his characters and biting observations of the stuff they say and do.
With all the dramas that Carol has to go through (from small and tedious to horrific and chilling, or rather, freezing), with all the emotional bumps and bruises she suffers as she uncovers more and more of the dark and tragic past of her partner's family, this story is ultimately nothing but pure kindness and compassion, with a fair share of good-natured irony sprinkled here and there because come on, it's Graham Norton! :)
This story is as witty and smart as it is moving and poignant, and more than once it brought me to tears as I was reading about the bonds that the characters developed.
This book is my 8×8 pan of brownies and my therapy—all in one.
Once again, Graham Norton has made this world a better place, and I cannot thank him enough 💌
Disclaimer. This might be more of a love letter than a book review. Either way, I tried my best.
I love Graham Norton.
That's it.
That's the review.
On a more detail-oriented note, I was blown away by how utterly human this story is. It is very much character-driven, and it does a superb job of exploring the relationships between all the characters—Carol and her parents Moira and Dave, Carol and her partner Declan, Declan's de jure wife Joan and her kids. A lot of the story deals with parental responsibility and guilt, as well as the extents you go to so as to save your life and the life of your children.
The characters were all so well fleshed out and real. I rooted so much for the protagonist Carol who has to deal with all kinds of stuff—starting with some petty idle gossip because she is a school teacher in a small town, which makes her somewhat of a public figure, and ending with the unexpected darkness in Declan's past that she cannot even discuss with Declan himself. I empathised with Carol so much when she admonished herself for being a passive lump that allows things to happen to her. And I could not but marvel at and admire Carol's mother Moira—an 80-year-old powerhouse of a woman.
The writing style is delightful as ever, and I laughed so much at Graham Norton's sharp descriptions of his characters and biting observations of the stuff they say and do.
With all the dramas that Carol has to go through (from small and tedious to horrific and chilling, or rather, freezing), with all the emotional bumps and bruises she suffers as she uncovers more and more of the dark and tragic past of her partner's family, this story is ultimately nothing but pure kindness and compassion, with a fair share of good-natured irony sprinkled here and there because come on, it's Graham Norton! :)
This story is as witty and smart as it is moving and poignant, and more than once it brought me to tears as I was reading about the bonds that the characters developed.
This book is my 8×8 pan of brownies and my therapy—all in one.
Once again, Graham Norton has made this world a better place, and I cannot thank him enough 💌
October 12, 2022
I really enjoy the writing of Graham Norton whether is be his biographies or perhaps more surprising his novels. The stories are well written, full of interesting characters and plenty of emotions. ‘Forever Home’ is another excellent read and I found it so difficult not to read from start to finish in one sitting.
A divorced teacher named Carol lives in a small town in Ireland, her only son now grown. A new relationship gets the local tongues wagging when Carol moves in with Declan a much older man and people wonder what the attraction is. His wife abandoned the family home many years ago and there is an air of mystery surrounding her disappearance. All the gossip surrounding their relationship only seems to make them stronger.
But life becomes more complicated when Declan becomes ill and his children get more involved in a family life they had little time for previously. The family force Carol out of the couples home and she has little option but to move back in with her parents.
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.
Beautifully written.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
A divorced teacher named Carol lives in a small town in Ireland, her only son now grown. A new relationship gets the local tongues wagging when Carol moves in with Declan a much older man and people wonder what the attraction is. His wife abandoned the family home many years ago and there is an air of mystery surrounding her disappearance. All the gossip surrounding their relationship only seems to make them stronger.
But life becomes more complicated when Declan becomes ill and his children get more involved in a family life they had little time for previously. The family force Carol out of the couples home and she has little option but to move back in with her parents.
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.
Beautifully written.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2022
This is a dark comedy/family drama set in a small town in Ireland. It is wonderfully intricate with 'normal' people as characters who you will want to gossip about alongside everyone else in the community!
I love Graham Norton's writing style - if you have read any of his other books then you'll love this one too.
If you are looking for action/plot then you may be disappointed; this is a character based novel that will pull you into the lives and hearts of this family.
There is a great story here with a bit of a mystery and I enjoyed every minute of it whether I was laughing or crying.
I love Graham Norton's writing style - if you have read any of his other books then you'll love this one too.
If you are looking for action/plot then you may be disappointed; this is a character based novel that will pull you into the lives and hearts of this family.
There is a great story here with a bit of a mystery and I enjoyed every minute of it whether I was laughing or crying.
October 17, 2022
Where to start … I really enjoyed the first half or so of this book but then it all got a bit too farcical and far fetched for my liking.
Having said that it was beautifully written and it did have me gripped at first. This is the fourth book I’ve read by the author and I’ve really enjoyed them all but this one not so much.
It was a quick and easy read and I read it in a day
Having said that it was beautifully written and it did have me gripped at first. This is the fourth book I’ve read by the author and I’ve really enjoyed them all but this one not so much.
It was a quick and easy read and I read it in a day
October 12, 2022
I really enjoy the writing of Graham Norton whether is be his biographies or perhaps more surprising his novels. The stories are well written, full of interesting characters and plenty of emotions. ‘Forever Home’ is another excellent read and I found it so difficult not to read from start to finish in one sitting.
A divorced teacher named Carol lives in a small town in Ireland, her only son now grown. A new relationship gets the local tongues wagging when Carol moves in with Declan a much older man and people wonder what the attraction is. His wife abandoned the family home many years ago and there is an air of mystery surrounding her disappearance. All the gossip surrounding their relationship only seems to make them stronger.
But life becomes more complicated when Declan becomes ill and his children get more involved in a family life they had little time for previously. The family force Carol out of the couples home and she has little option but to move back in with her parents.
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.
Beautifully written.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
A divorced teacher named Carol lives in a small town in Ireland, her only son now grown. A new relationship gets the local tongues wagging when Carol moves in with Declan a much older man and people wonder what the attraction is. His wife abandoned the family home many years ago and there is an air of mystery surrounding her disappearance. All the gossip surrounding their relationship only seems to make them stronger.
But life becomes more complicated when Declan becomes ill and his children get more involved in a family life they had little time for previously. The family force Carol out of the couples home and she has little option but to move back in with her parents.
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.
Beautifully written.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2024
Feb 19, 840pm ~~ This is the final title in my Graham Norton marathon but I am afraid it has defeated me. I am marking it a DNF at about page 156; no idea what chapter that would be, there are no numbered chapters in this book.
I never could connect with any of the characters, something unusual for me in GN's books. And I could also not connect with the story itself: it jumped from character to character, and I was quickly too confused to remember who was who when they showed up again.
I have to say that the Norton's first book, Holding, felt so much more relaxed and real than this one did. In that the story flowed, in this one (for me at least) the narration became so constantly tangled up in emotional 'poor little me' inner dialogues that I began to skim past such scenes.
I may try this book again someday when real life is not as chaotic. That would allow me to keep my focus a bit better I'm sure.
I never could connect with any of the characters, something unusual for me in GN's books. And I could also not connect with the story itself: it jumped from character to character, and I was quickly too confused to remember who was who when they showed up again.
I have to say that the Norton's first book, Holding, felt so much more relaxed and real than this one did. In that the story flowed, in this one (for me at least) the narration became so constantly tangled up in emotional 'poor little me' inner dialogues that I began to skim past such scenes.
I may try this book again someday when real life is not as chaotic. That would allow me to keep my focus a bit better I'm sure.
October 26, 2022
I had read mixed reviews of Forever Home, so went into it with pretty low expectations. Let me say that those expectations were truly surpassed!
I’ve enjoyed all of Graham Norton’s novels thusfar, especially A Keeper and Home Stretch. This one actually probably most resembles Holding (which I would consider his weakest) in the sense that it is effectively a dark comedy, a caper, veering into farce at times. Once you accept this is what it is, it’s a very enjoyable read, full of warmth and humour, and an excellent character in Moira.
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 😅.
I read the book in two sittings, and chuckled my way through a lot of it. There are more serious issues dealt with in the book (dementia, child pornography, gay couple having a child), but these are all handled with the lightest of touches so that the book never becomes bogged down but rather stays entertaining and gossipy. Don’t go into it expecting serious literary fiction; this is an easy, charming read that requires some suspension of disbelief. I thoroughly enjoyed it after some heavier books. A fun, frothy 4/5 ⭐️
I’ve enjoyed all of Graham Norton’s novels thusfar, especially A Keeper and Home Stretch. This one actually probably most resembles Holding (which I would consider his weakest) in the sense that it is effectively a dark comedy, a caper, veering into farce at times. Once you accept this is what it is, it’s a very enjoyable read, full of warmth and humour, and an excellent character in Moira.
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 😅.
I read the book in two sittings, and chuckled my way through a lot of it. There are more serious issues dealt with in the book (dementia, child pornography, gay couple having a child), but these are all handled with the lightest of touches so that the book never becomes bogged down but rather stays entertaining and gossipy. Don’t go into it expecting serious literary fiction; this is an easy, charming read that requires some suspension of disbelief. I thoroughly enjoyed it after some heavier books. A fun, frothy 4/5 ⭐️
August 11, 2023
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed how the author did the narration for the audiobook himself! It really gave it a sweet extra touch that I appreciated. The story felt complex at parts and pretty obvious at others, but all in all I really enjoyed it. It had just the right amount of mystery and questions to keep me hanging on through the end! If you like mysteries that aren’t too graphic that revolves around family relationships, give this book a shot!
I really enjoyed how the author did the narration for the audiobook himself! It really gave it a sweet extra touch that I appreciated. The story felt complex at parts and pretty obvious at others, but all in all I really enjoyed it. It had just the right amount of mystery and questions to keep me hanging on through the end! If you like mysteries that aren’t too graphic that revolves around family relationships, give this book a shot!
October 21, 2023
I had no idea what this novel was about! As I said below, I had only seen and liked the tv series based on Norton's first novel, Holding, so didn't really have expectations for this book. I was immediately drawn into what appeared to be a domestic drama about a man, his two teenage children and the "intruder" girlfriend who moves into their historic home in a small Irish town, Ballyteer. It's one of several row houses on Stable Row, a much-coveted old neighborhood. The man's wife took off a few years ago, and it seems no one believes that the romance between Carol Crottie and the man, Declan Barry, is a good idea. But then . . . about a third of the way in the story takes a dark turn. After that, seems I couldn't turn pages fast enough to find out what was going on. This was an enjoyable, light and easy read if not a Wow! I kept thinking Norton might have hopes for another tv series based on this one.
Why I'm reading this: I enjoyed the tv series based on Norton's previous novel, Holding, so thought I'd give his latest book a whirl.
Why I'm reading this: I enjoyed the tv series based on Norton's previous novel, Holding, so thought I'd give his latest book a whirl.
December 5, 2022
Carol is a teacher that falls in love with Declan - a single father with two children. What happened to Declan's wife is the source of much speculation. But Carol finds herself attracted to him and goes with it. Fast forward several years and Declan is now in a home and appears to be suffering from Alzheimer's. When it becomes clear Declan's condition will not improve, Declan's children quickly ask Carol to move out of the shared home so they can sell it. Carol is devastated and angry.
But, her parents (well off business owners) decide to bid on the place to make Carol happy. What happens after they put in a bid is when things get good.
It's a fun read. I could see this as a movie for sure. There is some suspension of disbelief, but that's ok. I can do that when the writing carries me forward. I enjoyed this one very much.
But, her parents (well off business owners) decide to bid on the place to make Carol happy. What happens after they put in a bid is when things get good.
It's a fun read. I could see this as a movie for sure. There is some suspension of disbelief, but that's ok. I can do that when the writing carries me forward. I enjoyed this one very much.
April 6, 2023
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.
From that great start the book enters the premise of a dark comedy of errors - a plotline that is neither relatable nor exactly plausible in a small town takes shape.
I felt a little let down because the bar has been set high by his other books. If you haven't read any of his works yet, go get yourself a copy of Home Stretch. This one is unfortunately not his best work.
From that great start the book enters the premise of a dark comedy of errors - a plotline that is neither relatable nor exactly plausible in a small town takes shape.
I felt a little let down because the bar has been set high by his other books. If you haven't read any of his works yet, go get yourself a copy of Home Stretch. This one is unfortunately not his best work.
July 28, 2023
This is the story of a dysfunctional family at its highest. We can all relate to dysfunction, but this takes it to a whole new level. There are complex emotions in loans several triggers so be aware going in.
It started out strong and went on a little too long and kind of lost its way a bit some, but overall I enjoy It. It was my first book by him and it definitely won't be my last.
Forever Home tells the story of Carol, who finds herself being evicted from the home she shared with her partner, Declan, when Declan's dementia gets bad enough that his children decide to put him in a care home without giving her any say in the matter. Her parents decide to buy the house for her in order to get back at hi kids for kicking her out and what ensues is a comedy of errors with preposterous repercussions and a lot of heartache.
I did like that the audiobook was read by the author himself.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this audiobook arc in exchange for my review.
It started out strong and went on a little too long and kind of lost its way a bit some, but overall I enjoy It. It was my first book by him and it definitely won't be my last.
Forever Home tells the story of Carol, who finds herself being evicted from the home she shared with her partner, Declan, when Declan's dementia gets bad enough that his children decide to put him in a care home without giving her any say in the matter. Her parents decide to buy the house for her in order to get back at hi kids for kicking her out and what ensues is a comedy of errors with preposterous repercussions and a lot of heartache.
I did like that the audiobook was read by the author himself.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this audiobook arc in exchange for my review.
July 30, 2023
ATTENTION: GR LIBRARIANS....
WE NEED AN AUDIOBOOK VERSION ADDED FOR THIS NEW NOVEL PLEASE. LINK BELOW. THANK YOU: Forever Home, A Novel By: Graham Norton; Narrated by: Graham Norton
Publisher: HarperAudio; Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins; Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 09-19-23; Language: English
https://www.audible.com/pd/Forever-Ho...
3-1/2 stars rounded to 4 *
This novel, about a family often on the edge, is set in a small town in Ireland and narrated by the author, Graham Norton. It's my first book by this author and I consider it a cozy mystery. I'd like to thank the publisher HarperAudio, NetGalley. and the author, for this ARC for my honest review.
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.
There's a large cast of characters from: Carol, a divorced teacher, her easy-going boyfriend Declan, Carol's energetic and opinionated mother, Moira (who I enjoyed and laughed about), Carol's father, her only son, and Declan's selfish, adult children: one is a gay son married to his partner and the other is a fractured daughter.
Declan and Carol's togetherness brings only the two of them happiness. Neither family is excited about their relationship and the small town gossips can't understand why Carol would be into a man like Declan. After all, Declan's wife, Joanna, deserted them long ago when their children were young and no one has heard from or seen her since. Declan then becomes ill with sudden, early-onset Alzheimer's. He becomes institutionalized and Carol is forced out of "their" lovely home by his 2 uncaring children who sell the home immediately. What's a divorced woman to do.....but move back in with her elderly parents. Can you even imagine?
The story continues with a mystery that Carol, Moira, and others, help to solve. At this point, about the middle to the end of the book, I felt it began to ramble and runaway like a loose train. This provided many new plots, twists, and turns, so stick with it and have fun, because even as you wonder if it's going to derail, or you're going to go nuts, Norton's cheery voice keeps luring and lulling you back in...and to an ending that is creatively positive.
WE NEED AN AUDIOBOOK VERSION ADDED FOR THIS NEW NOVEL PLEASE. LINK BELOW. THANK YOU: Forever Home, A Novel By: Graham Norton; Narrated by: Graham Norton
Publisher: HarperAudio; Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins; Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 09-19-23; Language: English
https://www.audible.com/pd/Forever-Ho...
3-1/2 stars rounded to 4 *
This novel, about a family often on the edge, is set in a small town in Ireland and narrated by the author, Graham Norton. It's my first book by this author and I consider it a cozy mystery. I'd like to thank the publisher HarperAudio, NetGalley. and the author, for this ARC for my honest review.
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.
There's a large cast of characters from: Carol, a divorced teacher, her easy-going boyfriend Declan, Carol's energetic and opinionated mother, Moira (who I enjoyed and laughed about), Carol's father, her only son, and Declan's selfish, adult children: one is a gay son married to his partner and the other is a fractured daughter.
Declan and Carol's togetherness brings only the two of them happiness. Neither family is excited about their relationship and the small town gossips can't understand why Carol would be into a man like Declan. After all, Declan's wife, Joanna, deserted them long ago when their children were young and no one has heard from or seen her since. Declan then becomes ill with sudden, early-onset Alzheimer's. He becomes institutionalized and Carol is forced out of "their" lovely home by his 2 uncaring children who sell the home immediately. What's a divorced woman to do.....but move back in with her elderly parents. Can you even imagine?
The story continues with a mystery that Carol, Moira, and others, help to solve. At this point, about the middle to the end of the book, I felt it began to ramble and runaway like a loose train. This provided many new plots, twists, and turns, so stick with it and have fun, because even as you wonder if it's going to derail, or you're going to go nuts, Norton's cheery voice keeps luring and lulling you back in...and to an ending that is creatively positive.
October 12, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up
"Forever Home" was a compelling and interesting blend of literary fiction and mystery. The author expertly and empathetically delved into the complications and intrinsic complexity of step-families while simultaneously offering up a murder mystery linked to long hidden family secrets.
Carol Crottie, a divorced English teacher and mother of a grown son, grabs her second chance at happiness by moving in with Declan Barry, a man several years her senior. Declan's two children are cold and hostile toward Carol. Their mother abandoned them years ago, and they don't like the idea of Carol moving in and replacing their mother in Declan's affections. Skip forward years and Declan's children have left the nest. Declan himself is showing distinct signs of Alzheimer's and Carol quits her job to care for him. When events (set in motion by Declan's children) put Declan into a care facility, they heartlessly throw Carol out of the house and put it up for sale.
Carol is distraught. She loves Declan, and the double blow of losing him to his illness and losing her home as well, is devastating. She is now forty-eight years old and is forced to move back in with her parents. Carol's mother, Moira feels for her daughter and wants to right the injustice of her situation. Carol's father sets in motion something that will impact all of the people in both families. A family secret is revealed, and an almost farcical crime caper is the result.
Neither of Declan's children were particularly likeable. The youngest, Sally, is single and hasn't got much of a life. She has an undemanding job, lives alone in her own personal squalor, and her only social life is online. Killian and his husband are thinking of having a baby via a surrogate. Killian seems to not really know what he wants and treats those in his life with a callousness that deems him intrinsically selfish.
Carol's parents, in particular her mother Moira, was a force to be reckoned with. She added a lot of the humour to the book and was a typical small town Irish matriarch.
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...
At the end of the day, I cannot help but highly recommend "Forever Home". On balance, its very readability and interesting characters enhanced the book such that my quibbles with Carol's reactions were outweighed by my pleasure reading it. I look forward to reading more of Graham Norton's writing.
"Forever Home" was a compelling and interesting blend of literary fiction and mystery. The author expertly and empathetically delved into the complications and intrinsic complexity of step-families while simultaneously offering up a murder mystery linked to long hidden family secrets.
Carol Crottie, a divorced English teacher and mother of a grown son, grabs her second chance at happiness by moving in with Declan Barry, a man several years her senior. Declan's two children are cold and hostile toward Carol. Their mother abandoned them years ago, and they don't like the idea of Carol moving in and replacing their mother in Declan's affections. Skip forward years and Declan's children have left the nest. Declan himself is showing distinct signs of Alzheimer's and Carol quits her job to care for him. When events (set in motion by Declan's children) put Declan into a care facility, they heartlessly throw Carol out of the house and put it up for sale.
Carol is distraught. She loves Declan, and the double blow of losing him to his illness and losing her home as well, is devastating. She is now forty-eight years old and is forced to move back in with her parents. Carol's mother, Moira feels for her daughter and wants to right the injustice of her situation. Carol's father sets in motion something that will impact all of the people in both families. A family secret is revealed, and an almost farcical crime caper is the result.
Neither of Declan's children were particularly likeable. The youngest, Sally, is single and hasn't got much of a life. She has an undemanding job, lives alone in her own personal squalor, and her only social life is online. Killian and his husband are thinking of having a baby via a surrogate. Killian seems to not really know what he wants and treats those in his life with a callousness that deems him intrinsically selfish.
Carol's parents, in particular her mother Moira, was a force to be reckoned with. She added a lot of the humour to the book and was a typical small town Irish matriarch.
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...
At the end of the day, I cannot help but highly recommend "Forever Home". On balance, its very readability and interesting characters enhanced the book such that my quibbles with Carol's reactions were outweighed by my pleasure reading it. I look forward to reading more of Graham Norton's writing.
April 27, 2023
Another excellent read from Graham Norton who has the happy knack of being able to create totally real characters whilst simultaneously making a pretty unreal, implausible situation seem so normal it’s almost mundane. Great characters here, my favourite being Moira, and a wonderfully easy-to-read page turner.
May 20, 2023
Carol lives in a small town in Ireland. She is divorced with a son. She is a school teacher and falls in love with one of her students dad. Declan is much older than Carol but they suit each other really well. Declan's wife abandoned him and his two children. His children aren't too excepting of Carol. Declan gets Alzheimer's and his children use all of their power to do what they want with their dad and his house. Carol has to decide what to do with her life. In the midst of all of this a huge mystery happens. This story is a mystery story with some good twists and turns. I really enjoyed Carol's mother Moira . Moira knows exactly what to do or say in every situation. I enjoyed this book. The mystery was good and I was intrigued.
September 28, 2023
heard great things about this author’s previous book so I was really excited to get an early copy of his new release. I figured the wit he shows during his interviews for his TV show would surely factor into the story and it definitely did.
Carol is a very meek and taken advantage of main character. We learn that she began dating a fellow teacher who was much older than her and caused the gossip mill to go into overdrive.
The story really begins years later, after her beloved, Declan, has succumbed to some type of Alzheimer’s. Carol has never been liked by Declan’s children through no fault of her own and they act absolutely atrociously toward her. She retreats back to live at her parents house and watches her life collapse. Her relationship with her mother is conflicted and strained to put it mildly.
This sounds like a depressing , somber book - and though it’s subjects are- Norton uses wit and humor to keep levity to the story. So many of the characters are unlikeable until more is revealed about their circumstances. And characters you thought you loved, you rethink that love. This story is a lot more than what I’m revealing. There is a little mystery thrown in that felt reminiscent of Finlay Donovan books.
This is a quick read - a perfect length - and engaging enough to keep the pages turning.
I really enjoyed this one and would consider it a cozy mystery/family drama. Darkly Comic is a perfect description. Definitely recommend!
Carol is a very meek and taken advantage of main character. We learn that she began dating a fellow teacher who was much older than her and caused the gossip mill to go into overdrive.
The story really begins years later, after her beloved, Declan, has succumbed to some type of Alzheimer’s. Carol has never been liked by Declan’s children through no fault of her own and they act absolutely atrociously toward her. She retreats back to live at her parents house and watches her life collapse. Her relationship with her mother is conflicted and strained to put it mildly.
This sounds like a depressing , somber book - and though it’s subjects are- Norton uses wit and humor to keep levity to the story. So many of the characters are unlikeable until more is revealed about their circumstances. And characters you thought you loved, you rethink that love. This story is a lot more than what I’m revealing. There is a little mystery thrown in that felt reminiscent of Finlay Donovan books.
This is a quick read - a perfect length - and engaging enough to keep the pages turning.
I really enjoyed this one and would consider it a cozy mystery/family drama. Darkly Comic is a perfect description. Definitely recommend!
November 20, 2022
I have said it before, with every review I’ve written on one of his novels, but Graham Norton really is in a class of his own. Settling in with one of his novels is akin to sitting down with an enormous cup of tea at the end of a very long day. Nothing beats it. In this latest release, Norton blends his signature style of warm and cosy Irish humour punctuated by topical issues with an almost macabre black humour that offered many priceless moments of entertainment.
Without doubt, the shining star of this novel is Carol’s mother, Moira. She was such a wonderfully realised character, literally popping off the page in every scene she was in. The perspectives shift from chapter to chapter, from Carol to Moira, Sally to Killian. Norton excels at painting everyone in their true colours, even if at times their introspection and feelings towards others was less than charitable.
‘Her outrage from the afternoon still pulsed inside her, violent and unwelcome. Did she feel judged by her brother or was it simply jealousy? She wasn’t sure. Before that afternoon she had never thought she was that desperate for a child, but Killian’s big smug face had triggered something. Maybe it was just that she wanted something, anything, when he seemed to have everything. The husband, the house, the lack of guilt. Was that it? The absence of any sort of conscience when they had spoken that afternoon? It just seemed so twisted and wrong to Sally that Killian was to become a father when he showed so little love for his own. The sense of unfairness that had knocked her so badly wasn’t because she didn’t have a baby, but because her brother didn’t deserve one.’
The main issue at hand within this novel is that of elder financial abuse, and Norton shows the chilling ease at which this can be accomplished with little to no intervention from authorities. It’s a stark reminder to get your affairs in order as you age before you are no longer able to do so. Carol’s situation that she ended up in was also a shocking example of what happens when you give up all your own assets and agency for a partner. I like how Norton weaves these issues into his story, the humour not detracting from the serious nature of them.
I devoured this novel within two days, it was an absolute joy to read and I highly recommend it to all.
Book 17 in my 22 in 2022 reading challenge.
Without doubt, the shining star of this novel is Carol’s mother, Moira. She was such a wonderfully realised character, literally popping off the page in every scene she was in. The perspectives shift from chapter to chapter, from Carol to Moira, Sally to Killian. Norton excels at painting everyone in their true colours, even if at times their introspection and feelings towards others was less than charitable.
‘Her outrage from the afternoon still pulsed inside her, violent and unwelcome. Did she feel judged by her brother or was it simply jealousy? She wasn’t sure. Before that afternoon she had never thought she was that desperate for a child, but Killian’s big smug face had triggered something. Maybe it was just that she wanted something, anything, when he seemed to have everything. The husband, the house, the lack of guilt. Was that it? The absence of any sort of conscience when they had spoken that afternoon? It just seemed so twisted and wrong to Sally that Killian was to become a father when he showed so little love for his own. The sense of unfairness that had knocked her so badly wasn’t because she didn’t have a baby, but because her brother didn’t deserve one.’
The main issue at hand within this novel is that of elder financial abuse, and Norton shows the chilling ease at which this can be accomplished with little to no intervention from authorities. It’s a stark reminder to get your affairs in order as you age before you are no longer able to do so. Carol’s situation that she ended up in was also a shocking example of what happens when you give up all your own assets and agency for a partner. I like how Norton weaves these issues into his story, the humour not detracting from the serious nature of them.
I devoured this novel within two days, it was an absolute joy to read and I highly recommend it to all.
Book 17 in my 22 in 2022 reading challenge.
October 17, 2022
Having really enjoyed other novels by Graham Norton, I was looking forward to reading his latest, Forever Home. It follows teacher Carol who, after getting divorced, moves in with a much older man, Declan. This sets the locals gossiping until Declan becomes too ill to live at home, and is moved into a care home. Declan's children from his first marriage force Carol to leave the family home...
Although I feel like this novel is quite a different kind of story from Graham Norton's other novels (not sure why exactly - perhaps just because we're focusing on a woman as the main character this time?), it still heavily focuses on family and community. The characters are also just as brilliant as they have been in his other novels, and feel very convincing. I can imagine knowing these people. They're written with such charm (though some of them are definitely NOT charming!) and honesty, and I would have happily read a lot more about Carol and the community of this small Irish town.
There's a definite dark side to this novel and a good dose of mystery, which I loved. However, it is absolutely a character study - if you're after a fast-paced, action-packed story then this won't be for you. We slowly uncover more about Carol, Declan, her family and Declan's children as the novel continues, and start to wonder if everyone is hiding something...
I really enjoyed Forever Home and I can equally imagine reading it on holiday somewhere sunny as I could whilst curled up inside when it's chilly outside. If you fancy something character-based with an interesting cast of characters and a great mix of dark and comic moments, this is the novel for you!
Many thanks to the publisher, Hodder & Stoughton, for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest review.
More book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com
Although I feel like this novel is quite a different kind of story from Graham Norton's other novels (not sure why exactly - perhaps just because we're focusing on a woman as the main character this time?), it still heavily focuses on family and community. The characters are also just as brilliant as they have been in his other novels, and feel very convincing. I can imagine knowing these people. They're written with such charm (though some of them are definitely NOT charming!) and honesty, and I would have happily read a lot more about Carol and the community of this small Irish town.
There's a definite dark side to this novel and a good dose of mystery, which I loved. However, it is absolutely a character study - if you're after a fast-paced, action-packed story then this won't be for you. We slowly uncover more about Carol, Declan, her family and Declan's children as the novel continues, and start to wonder if everyone is hiding something...
I really enjoyed Forever Home and I can equally imagine reading it on holiday somewhere sunny as I could whilst curled up inside when it's chilly outside. If you fancy something character-based with an interesting cast of characters and a great mix of dark and comic moments, this is the novel for you!
Many thanks to the publisher, Hodder & Stoughton, for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest review.
More book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com
September 30, 2022
Graham Norton has done it again. I loved his previous novels but this is without doubt his best. He pulls you into the community of Ballytour and it’s cast of wonderful characters – some of which you want to hug and others you would like to just give a good slap. Moira Crottie is the stand out character for me – who wouldn’t want a mother like her. I believe she’s somewhat based on Graham’s own mother – especially the car journeys. A book that deals with the despair of dementia, the relationship between parents and children with a twisty mystery and some highly comic moments thrown in for good measure. I read this book too quickly as I couldn’t put it down and was sad when it ended. So my recommendation is read this book now. One of my favourite books of the year and I’ve had a good year so far. Thank you so much NetGalley , the publisher and of course Graham Norton for the ARC of this novel in return for an honest review
February 20, 2024
5 stars. 🌟 My third 5 star rating this year! Thankful for good friends who know you well enough to say….. “You need to read this book!”
This was a character-driven novel in Ireland. I am thankful it was a holiday today because in between my errands it was ALL about this book. A dark comedy that had me laughing out loud and in the same token had me feeling all the sentiments.
I am a new fan. Gotta love it when you find a new author! Thx Chelsea! 💓
This was a character-driven novel in Ireland. I am thankful it was a holiday today because in between my errands it was ALL about this book. A dark comedy that had me laughing out loud and in the same token had me feeling all the sentiments.
I am a new fan. Gotta love it when you find a new author! Thx Chelsea! 💓
July 9, 2023
This was another win from Graham Norton. It was a delightful family drama, with a twist I didn’t see coming! I loved the main character’s mother, Moira, and some of the side characters were entertaining as well. I would have liked a bit more explanation about Sally’s memories of her youth. But all in all, this was captivating, and I couldn’t put it down. Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read it in advance.
September 28, 2023
Forever Home was such a pleasant surprise! It's wonderfully funny, yet a bit sad, filled with secrets galore, twists and turns in family dynamics and to what lengths a family will go to protect each other. This cannot put down book has Norton's incredible sense of humor written all or it!
Declan's wife left him. He doesn't want to talk about it. Not to his young children, son Killan and daughter Sally, and not to the gossip mongers in the town in Ireland. No one really understands why she let. But one thing is for sure. Her children can't forgive her.
Carol, a teacher used to come over to Declan's to tutor his daughter Sally. Sally began to look up to Carol as a mother-figure. But when Carol and Declan became something more and Carol moves into the house the tension is palpable. The children resented her, understandable because she had taken their mother's place, someone they both felt would come back. But they live together for years, happily even though they are the talk to the town.
Years pass and the children are grown and out of the house when Carol sees Declan begin to show signs of dementia. She informs the children who seem on their own to decide to put their father in a nurse care facility, then evict Carol from the only home she has known for years so they can sell the house. Carol is devastated as she knows for a fact Declan never wanted to sell the house, but shockingly she finds Killan is the executor of the estate and has made this decision.
So, Carol, must vacate the house and move in with her parents Moira, her judgmental mother and Dave, her quiet seemingly spacy father who only seems to do as he is told. How could this happen to her, especially at her age?
But Moira comes up with a brilliant idea! She and Dave will secretly put a bid on the house and buy it! Carol is horrified but can't stop the train which Moira seems to be on from going off the rails!
When the sale is done and they go to the house, something just doesn't smell right. Carol and Moira find themselves in a horrible situation which they can't tell anyone about, especially Dave and have a mystery they have no idea how to solve.
Since Declan seems to be getting worse, he is unable to help him with this problem, so Moira comes up with a plan which Carol reluctantly must agree with. This house which Carol loved and cared for all those years has turned into The Nightmare on Elm Street and they just hope their plan does not land them both in jail!
What Moira and Carol discover is things are done for reasons beyond anyone's control. Sometimes to save a family you must lose the family no matter how much you love them.
Forever Home is filled with quirky characters, witty dialogue, heartbreaking realities of life and a powerful storyline of what one will do to protect their family, even when the family does not know they need protection.
Thank you #NetGalley #Hachette #GrahamNorton #ForeverHome for the advanced copy.
Declan's wife left him. He doesn't want to talk about it. Not to his young children, son Killan and daughter Sally, and not to the gossip mongers in the town in Ireland. No one really understands why she let. But one thing is for sure. Her children can't forgive her.
Carol, a teacher used to come over to Declan's to tutor his daughter Sally. Sally began to look up to Carol as a mother-figure. But when Carol and Declan became something more and Carol moves into the house the tension is palpable. The children resented her, understandable because she had taken their mother's place, someone they both felt would come back. But they live together for years, happily even though they are the talk to the town.
Years pass and the children are grown and out of the house when Carol sees Declan begin to show signs of dementia. She informs the children who seem on their own to decide to put their father in a nurse care facility, then evict Carol from the only home she has known for years so they can sell the house. Carol is devastated as she knows for a fact Declan never wanted to sell the house, but shockingly she finds Killan is the executor of the estate and has made this decision.
So, Carol, must vacate the house and move in with her parents Moira, her judgmental mother and Dave, her quiet seemingly spacy father who only seems to do as he is told. How could this happen to her, especially at her age?
But Moira comes up with a brilliant idea! She and Dave will secretly put a bid on the house and buy it! Carol is horrified but can't stop the train which Moira seems to be on from going off the rails!
When the sale is done and they go to the house, something just doesn't smell right. Carol and Moira find themselves in a horrible situation which they can't tell anyone about, especially Dave and have a mystery they have no idea how to solve.
Since Declan seems to be getting worse, he is unable to help him with this problem, so Moira comes up with a plan which Carol reluctantly must agree with. This house which Carol loved and cared for all those years has turned into The Nightmare on Elm Street and they just hope their plan does not land them both in jail!
What Moira and Carol discover is things are done for reasons beyond anyone's control. Sometimes to save a family you must lose the family no matter how much you love them.
Forever Home is filled with quirky characters, witty dialogue, heartbreaking realities of life and a powerful storyline of what one will do to protect their family, even when the family does not know they need protection.
Thank you #NetGalley #Hachette #GrahamNorton #ForeverHome for the advanced copy.
May 31, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up.
August 18, 2024
Wow!! Definitely more to this book than I thought. It was funny in places, sad in others, and pretty twisty.
February 25, 2024
3.8/5
Sejujurnya aku menikmati proses membacanya. It was page turning at the first half. Tapi makin ke belakang tuh makin kerasa kyk... oh ini aja ya 'rahasia'nya? Kirain ada sesuatu yang mengejutkan lagi gitu...
Nevertheless, i like the characters & graham norton's writing style. Mungkin akan coba baca karya graham norton lainnya.
Sejujurnya aku menikmati proses membacanya. It was page turning at the first half. Tapi makin ke belakang tuh makin kerasa kyk... oh ini aja ya 'rahasia'nya? Kirain ada sesuatu yang mengejutkan lagi gitu...
Nevertheless, i like the characters & graham norton's writing style. Mungkin akan coba baca karya graham norton lainnya.
July 26, 2023
Quite a dark and at times creepy story mixed with numerous humorous moments which were perfectly executed. I love this author’s writing and always read it with his voice in my head!
August 17, 2023
Graham Norton's books are just everything I want for a comforting read. Good story, heart-warming elements, strong themes and humour to cut through the dark/surreal elements. Couldn't put this one down so read it in one go on a train journey
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,021 reviews