The Great Escape

by Fiona Gibson

Book by Gibson, Fiona

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks

384 pages, Paperback

First published February 16, 2012

About the author

Fiona is an author and journalist who has written for many UK publications including The Observer, The Guardian, Marie Claire, Red, New Woman, Top Sante and Elle. She writes a monthly column for Sainsbury’s magazine and is a Contributing Editor at Red magazine.

Fiona lives in Scotland with her husband, their twin sons and daughter. She likes to draw, run 10k races, play her saxophone and lie in the bath with a big glass of wine, although not all at once.

Reviews

[Rea Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read my first book by Fiona Gibson only a couple of weeks ago and I loved it and couldn’t wait to read another book by this author, this time I have just finished her book The Great Escape and it doesn’t disappoint.


Hannah, Sadie and Lou have been great friends but their lives are pulling them in different directions. Sadie is now living in the country trying to look after her new baby twins and along the way seems to have lost herself among the breast milk and tantrums!

Lou is stuck in a dead-end job trying to make end meet while her lazy long term boyfriend is taking her for granted.

Hannah is counting down the days to her big day but problems with her step children are causing her to have serious doubts.

Will Hannah make it down the aisle?


I loved The Great Escape nearly as much as Mum on The Run. The author has such a great writing style which manages to draw you in right from the first page as she throws us straight into a great storyline.
The three main characters in this book all have their own individual personalities very different from each other and yet they are all loveable and down to earth characters who I think each reader will find they can relate to one of the characters, for me this was Lou I looked forward to her parts in the book hoping that things were finally improving for her.

There is a great mixture of content in this book from affairs to parenting struggles and each of the girls needing to find themselves, so there is something going on on every page so there were no low parts in this book.

This book wasn’t humorous or light hearted like the authors previous book it focused more serious problems which ordinary people face in day to day life but the friendship between the girls lighten the tone. I still found myself hooked and I cannot wait for another release from Fiona Gibson.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

True to life

I was enthralled from the first. The thoughts and insecurities of these three best friends thinking each of the others had the perfect lives. How true it turns out to be. I really enjoyed this true to life book.

[Ayda Razak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't expect that I will enjoy this book when I first started reading it.

This book is about Hannah, Sadie and Lou, their lives at 35. Each of them is overwhelmed with how life taken them when Hannah suggested for all three of them for a weekend gateway in Glasgow - where they were housemates during their college years, and things that happened in theirs and their partners' lives during the gateway help contributing to their life decision.

[Steph Leeson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a joy to read. A lighthearted book about three women who’ve been friends since college coming together later in life for a weekend of spontaneous, heartwarming laughter and friendship. No sexual content.

[Chloe Sparks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun book with such honest thoughts about how each character lives their life and how realistic it is to the real world.

[Helena Wildsmith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a charming read, full of lovely, honest characters and a mixture of both sadness and wit.

[Purple Osprey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was going to give this book 3 stars, but then I discovered this little chapter at the end where Fiona gives tips on writing a novel. I mean, wow. Here is yet another generic cliche fest about the fates of three women with the plot driven entirely by convenient coincidences and tortured attempts at (what she probably calls) light humour.
Look at the story line with Ryan's children, just as a one example. They change their mind because it's needed for the plot and when it's needed for the plot, no other reason. The title of this book should be deus ex machina ...
I mean, she actually thinks she wrote a good book, to the point where she felt obliged to include tips on writing a novel.
I don't want to live on this planet anymore.

[fai · Rating 5 out of 5]

if it meant to be it will be.
thats what i think it’s about when it comes to love. this is my second book from fiona gibson and i swear i’m a fan of her. her books is amazing i would say, its like a typical life story but still its what happened on loves life.

how misunderstood happen, unspoken feelings, betrayal and cheating involved. this shouldn’t be happening if the couples can discuss and talks about things that happened in their life and be honest about their feelings.

most importantly, don’t lose ur self just because u try to love other person. have time on ur own and always work on ur self, find ur inner peace. so much thing u can learn when it comes to relationships either with ur friends, family, siblings or the love of ur life.

[Telma Rocha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three best friends who haven’t seen each other for years escape on a hen weekend and each woman has their own reasons for needing the time away. One will discover that it’s time to take charge of her life while the other two realize they have all they need back at home.

I picked up this book simply because of the cover. I thought it was going to be more of a funny, light read, while it was light, it wasn’t all that funny 😩 but rather was a bit predictable, started off slow, and the ending could have been a bit more dramatic. But nonetheless a good enough read for sitting out by a pool. I recommend this if you’re looking for something to fill your time that doesn’t require a lot of concentration. But this is not the kind of book that’s going to stay with you long after you turn the last page.

[Mintti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this in English. It was a fun, light read. Don't think I've read anything from Gibson before. I liked the story, or stories, it was about 3 women who were old friends and all in different places in their lives. They decided to get together for Hannah's hen night and saw each other after a long time in Glasgow cause that's where they met when studying. The story also told about what happened home when the women were in Glasgow for a weekend and how their lives were.
There were twists and turns and thankfully it wasn't completely predictable, only a little. But a great book for escapism and enjoyment.

[Rowena Reads Books · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m going to be honest and say that I didn’t enjoy this book. Don’t get me wrong it’s an okay story. But it’s just that – it’s an okay book. It’s quite slow to begin with. With so many characters introduced at one time; it was a bit difficult to remember who was who. Also it didn’t seem to go anywhere, it was quite a while into the book when the girls went on their great escape and ended quite abruptly. This is the first book I’ve read from Fiona Gibson, think I’ll try another one of hers just to see if I don’t get on with her writing style or if it’s just this book!

[Betty Ann Burban · Rating 2 out of 5]

A girls weekend in Glasgow.

Three friends plan a holiday before the wedding of Hannah and each one does a bit of soul searching,Lou as to her stifling existence with Spike , Sadie with her infant twins and strained relationship with husband Barney,and Hannah worried about being a stepmom to two children who appear to resent her.

[Kim Tarry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three old friends coming back together in their mid thirties to get away from real life for the weekend. One with twin babies, one about to get married and one stuck in a dead end job and lifestyle. Some of the characters in this book were definitely over the top and exaggerated but it gave a comedic edge.

[Tina-Marie Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story follows the life of Hannah, Sadie and Lou – three friends since University days – who come together for a girls break before Hannah’s wedding to her beloved Ryan. Each dealing with their own challenges, this story is an emotional rollercoaster with plenty of heart warming moments. Perfect for a day at the beach.

[Brenda Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was kinda in a reading slump but this one really helped although it took me a long time to finish (thanks to said slump) I thoroughly enjoyed it and had a wonderful time reading it, I loved the characters, the story and the writing was superb. Wholly recommend it.

[Adeline Kam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally I managed to read a good book (the last few books I read was very disappointing). I enjoyed reading this book....interesting characters, entertaining storyline, short chapters and an easy to read book.

[Sara]

real to life.i lost it in the beging.then i go to engoy the happy end.maybe in my mind i have another end but still fine withe me.its life how can changed it.anyway i love fiction womanly and fiona good writer.this the second to me after mun in the run ,read it to fiona. i think i will read more.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story of 3 not so happy 35 year old women reuniting 15 years later and finding themselves again. Definitely an argument for keeping your friends close and not forgetting who you were and are before life gets in the way.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Interesting true to life characters that I was rooting for in different ways. Simple storyline following the three women but made more interesting by combining their partners in the twists and turns of the book. Highly recommended.

[Estelle Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read.

Couldn't put it down had to keep reading to the next chapter. Funny in places. Would recommend to anyone that needs a laugh.

[Emilie Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute

I rated this book because I loved the interaction of the three women. Reminded me of my friends. If you're looking for a good fun read, this is it!

[CYNTHIA · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a little boring

I think the novel it's a little boring, to much description and maybe too much information in the stories of these three ladies

[Elizabeth Mikesell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not great, but a fun read.

[Annette Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun and easy to read xx

[Karen wadey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good fun book if a bit predictable. Three girls all have their own problems going on and it takes a trip to Glasgow to their old student haunts to sort it all out. Good holiday read.

[Danielle Boaler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad but nothing special. Nice storyline. Quite a disappointing ending.

[Sara Medina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy light read

[Karen Smillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read in ages! I loved everyone except Spike! However, even he came good in the end!

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable light read.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Enjoyed this one