Book source ~ TWR Tour

Marcus Barlow and Claire Halford live two very different lives in the UK, but their orbits are about to collide in the days leading up to the outbreak of Covid-19 and beyond.

When I first saw what a chonky book this is I thought it would take me forever to get through. However, it’s a fairly easy read and the pages turn faster than anticipated. It goes back and forth between Claire and Marcus with some Gavin thrown in. I can relate more to Claire than Marcus and even Gavin. I’ve never had much money, so had to make do with what I could afford. And that includes food. This book contains more references to swanky food and fancy cooking than I could enjoy. Mostly because I loathe cooking so that’s a totally personal opinion.

I really like how Marcus describes his workplace and the interactions with his coworkers. I’ve never worked in a large company so it’s fascinating to read about. I even like how he’s become disenchanted with his job and how he flounders on what to do about it. It’s hard to push off into the great unknown and sometimes we need a big kick in the ass to do it.

Claire’s struggle is very real to me personally and thus all the more heart wrenching. Every page turn had me rooting for her all the harder. I cheered her on when she waffled about meeting a new mother for coffee and then working for her. But then Covid-19 rolled into town and I was transported back to what it was like here in the US. Scary, bleak, and ridiculous at times. And I mentioned scary, right? What a kick in the ass this reminder is. Maybe too soon, maybe not. It’s still a story I have strong feelings about. Even if it seems to be slow going in places, it’s well worth the read. ( )