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Nuclear Family
When Lena buys DNA testing kits for her father Tom and her twin sister Alison, she thinks they’ll enjoy finding out where their ancestors come from, and what percentage Neanderthal they are. She has no idea the gift will blow her family apart. Tom is forced to admit that he isn’t his daughters’ biological he and his late wife, Sheila, used a sperm donor. He's terrified Lena and Alison will reject him, and desperate to win back their trust – whatever it takes. Alison thinks DNA doesn’t matter. She and her wife are trying to start a family using donor sperm, too. To her, Tom is their dad, and that’s that. But Lena becomes obsessed with tracking down their biological father. And when she discovers she has a half-brother – an actor with a blue tick on Instagram – she becomes obsessed with him, too…
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2024
About the author
Kate Davies
4 books239 followersKate Davies was born and brought up in north-west London. She studied English at Oxford University before becoming a writer and editor of children’s books. She also writes comedy scripts, and had a short-lived career as a burlesque dancer that ended when she was booed off stage at a Conservative club, dressed as a bingo ball. Kate lives in east London with her wife. In at the Deep End is her debut novel.
Librarian note: There are other authors with the same name.
Librarian note: There are other authors with the same name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
April 23, 2024
If you follow my blog, you might have seen my review for Kate Davies’ debut novel IN AT THE DEEP END, which I absolutely LOVED, so I was really excited to read the authors latest book which was published in February this year.
I knew as soon as I opened the book and the Epigraph was Philip Larkin’s This Be The Verse “They f*ck you up, your mum and dad…” and when I saw some of the chapter names included “Self-Flagellating Bollocks”, “F*ck F*ck F*ck F*ck F*ck” and “Bugger Off” that I would enjoy this story.
Nuclear Family is set in North London and follows twins Alison and Lena and their father Tom. The girls mother had suddenly and unexpectedly passed away and the family are still in the midst of grief. To brighten up their first family Christmas without mum, Lena thinks it would be a great idea to buy them all a DNA testing kit, except Tom’s reaction has devastating results when he announces the twins were conceived via a sperm donor and their parents had kept this secret for their entire lives.
This shock revelation literally splits the family in two. Lena, who is married and currently trying for a child of her own is devastated and needs to know who her biological father is, however Alison and her wife who are also trying for a baby using donor sperm has absolutely zero interest in anything to do with the DNA results.
The story brings up so many emotions and the twins reactions to this news are polar opposite but the reader does sympathise with both sides, although I did find Lena’s obsession a little harder to believe.
Nuclear Family takes a long hard and raw look at IVF and infertility struggles and doesn’t sugar coat the devastating effects it has on the family when things don’t go as planned.
There were many times throughout the book I questioned how I would feel if I was in their situation and would I behave like Lena or Alison?
Overall, I think this would make a brilliant book for a book club discussion as there are so many elements within the story including identity, nature vs nuture and what it really means to be a family.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I knew as soon as I opened the book and the Epigraph was Philip Larkin’s This Be The Verse “They f*ck you up, your mum and dad…” and when I saw some of the chapter names included “Self-Flagellating Bollocks”, “F*ck F*ck F*ck F*ck F*ck” and “Bugger Off” that I would enjoy this story.
Nuclear Family is set in North London and follows twins Alison and Lena and their father Tom. The girls mother had suddenly and unexpectedly passed away and the family are still in the midst of grief. To brighten up their first family Christmas without mum, Lena thinks it would be a great idea to buy them all a DNA testing kit, except Tom’s reaction has devastating results when he announces the twins were conceived via a sperm donor and their parents had kept this secret for their entire lives.
This shock revelation literally splits the family in two. Lena, who is married and currently trying for a child of her own is devastated and needs to know who her biological father is, however Alison and her wife who are also trying for a baby using donor sperm has absolutely zero interest in anything to do with the DNA results.
The story brings up so many emotions and the twins reactions to this news are polar opposite but the reader does sympathise with both sides, although I did find Lena’s obsession a little harder to believe.
Nuclear Family takes a long hard and raw look at IVF and infertility struggles and doesn’t sugar coat the devastating effects it has on the family when things don’t go as planned.
There were many times throughout the book I questioned how I would feel if I was in their situation and would I behave like Lena or Alison?
Overall, I think this would make a brilliant book for a book club discussion as there are so many elements within the story including identity, nature vs nuture and what it really means to be a family.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 15, 2024
Nuclear Family is centred on a family in North London. Tom is a widower with twin daughters. When Lena thinks it will be fun to buy them all DNA testing kits for Christmas, he is bounced into telling them that they were conceived via a sperm donor.
Alison says she doesn’t care. Her wife is going through fertility treatment and Alison doesn’t think her lack of a biological connection to their child will make any difference. Lena, however, tells her husband she wants to put their plan to start a family on hold while she searches for her biological father. For her, not knowing who he is undermines her sense of who she is. These differing approaches in turn undermines the previously close relationship of the twins.
The story follows each of the three family members as they come to terms with what has happened. It has an aspirational/escapist feel at times – many of the scenes are built around cool arty and social events and lovely holidays. It’s packed with zeitgeisty cultural references, pointed humour, and some moments of real sadness.
Nuclear Family makes us think about what it means to be a parent, what makes us someone’s child. It explores the way our ideas of family are constantly being remade. All wrapped up in an entertaining and deceptively light story.
*
I received a copy of Nuclear Family from the publisher via NetGalley.
Alison says she doesn’t care. Her wife is going through fertility treatment and Alison doesn’t think her lack of a biological connection to their child will make any difference. Lena, however, tells her husband she wants to put their plan to start a family on hold while she searches for her biological father. For her, not knowing who he is undermines her sense of who she is. These differing approaches in turn undermines the previously close relationship of the twins.
The story follows each of the three family members as they come to terms with what has happened. It has an aspirational/escapist feel at times – many of the scenes are built around cool arty and social events and lovely holidays. It’s packed with zeitgeisty cultural references, pointed humour, and some moments of real sadness.
Nuclear Family makes us think about what it means to be a parent, what makes us someone’s child. It explores the way our ideas of family are constantly being remade. All wrapped up in an entertaining and deceptively light story.
*
I received a copy of Nuclear Family from the publisher via NetGalley.
April 19, 2024
4.5 Stars
Nuclear Family is an emotional, touching and thought provoking read that I think would make a great book club read as there would be lots to discuss.
The story follows twins Alison and Lena, who find out at Christmas that they are donor conceived. The two girls have very different reactions to this news which causes a few problems to the previously very close knit family. I initially found Lena’s reaction a bit over the top and felt angry with her for dismissing the father that had raised her. However this reaction changed as the story continued and I actually ended up feeling a lot of sympathy for her. Alison and her wife are trying to conceive a baby through IVF which added a different element to the story. I thought it was very clever of the author to include this into the story as it helped give the reader more of an holistic view of donor conception. It was interesting to follow the two girls as they try to come to terms with thai news and it was fascinating to explore the argument of nature v nurture alongside them when determining what or who constituted a father.
I loved the vivid descriptions of the family that made me feel like I was a fly on the wall watching all the action unfold. The relationship between fathers and daughters was beautiful to witches and I loved seeing them try to support each other through the difficult times. I found it very poignant to follow Tom as he tries to figure out his role in the girls’ lives now and to try and carve out a life of his own now the girls are grown up. It made me tear up to see him struggle with his loneliness and to see his attempts to try and fit in. I often wished I could reach into the book and give him the huge hug I felt he needed.
This book had a great pace to it and there always seemed to be something happening which made the book very difficult to put down. The author lays bare the emotional impact of ivf and the need to find out who you are which made for very gripping but emotional reading at times. I soon felt so involved in the characters’ story, almost as if it was happening to me and I wanted to keep reading to find out how everything was resolved. I think I went through every emotion whilst reading, wanting to cry one moment but laughing out loud the next. This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I’m very interested to read more from her in the future.
Huge thanks to Indie thinking and Borough Press for sending me a copy of this book.
Nuclear Family is an emotional, touching and thought provoking read that I think would make a great book club read as there would be lots to discuss.
The story follows twins Alison and Lena, who find out at Christmas that they are donor conceived. The two girls have very different reactions to this news which causes a few problems to the previously very close knit family. I initially found Lena’s reaction a bit over the top and felt angry with her for dismissing the father that had raised her. However this reaction changed as the story continued and I actually ended up feeling a lot of sympathy for her. Alison and her wife are trying to conceive a baby through IVF which added a different element to the story. I thought it was very clever of the author to include this into the story as it helped give the reader more of an holistic view of donor conception. It was interesting to follow the two girls as they try to come to terms with thai news and it was fascinating to explore the argument of nature v nurture alongside them when determining what or who constituted a father.
I loved the vivid descriptions of the family that made me feel like I was a fly on the wall watching all the action unfold. The relationship between fathers and daughters was beautiful to witches and I loved seeing them try to support each other through the difficult times. I found it very poignant to follow Tom as he tries to figure out his role in the girls’ lives now and to try and carve out a life of his own now the girls are grown up. It made me tear up to see him struggle with his loneliness and to see his attempts to try and fit in. I often wished I could reach into the book and give him the huge hug I felt he needed.
This book had a great pace to it and there always seemed to be something happening which made the book very difficult to put down. The author lays bare the emotional impact of ivf and the need to find out who you are which made for very gripping but emotional reading at times. I soon felt so involved in the characters’ story, almost as if it was happening to me and I wanted to keep reading to find out how everything was resolved. I think I went through every emotion whilst reading, wanting to cry one moment but laughing out loud the next. This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I’m very interested to read more from her in the future.
Huge thanks to Indie thinking and Borough Press for sending me a copy of this book.
February 10, 2024
I was a huge fan of “In At The Deep End” and waited patiently for book two. And, oh, it was so worth the wait!!! We get a book which is mature in themes and written in such an engaging way that I struggled to put it away, despite the deadlines.
It all starts with a DNA test bought as a present. Twins Lena and Alison, their spouses and their dad, Tom, spend Christmas together when the bombshell goes off – he is not their biological father, the girls were conceived using a sperm donor. For Alison and her wife Suria, who are just trying to get pregnant in a similar way, there is no problem – Tom is Alison’s dad, the same way as Alison will be mum to their child. But Lena is raging, Lena is unravelling, Lena is no longer sure who she is. She goes on a journey to discover her biological father, despite other’s misgivings and hurt. What follows is hilarious in places but moving, even heart wrenching, a story of searching for family, dealing with love, loss, and guilt.
I chuckled, laughed, and cried. There is so much happening in this book – Alison’s and Suria’s journey to motherhood is probably one of the most beautiful and affecting parts of the book, especially when juxtaposed with Lena’s righteous crusade of finding a man who she shares genes with. The main theme of the book, what makes a family, is observed by the author from many angles, starting with sisters' conflict of nature versus nurture, continued with the investigation of infertility and lesbian pregnancy, to ethics of sperm donation. And yet, such complex matters are discussed with compassion, fairness, and wit. There’s just enough humour here to balance some heavy stuff going on, and in places I was cackling with laughter between having my eyes properly moistened.
The characters are so well rounded! A slightly neurotic father, who has to deal with a falling out in his small family brought by his desire to keep the secret from his daughters. Two sisters with different temperaments and attitudes towards life. A delightful neighbour, Jessie, Alison’s annoying mother in law! People are alive and breathing on the pages of this book and sometimes you just want to hug them and tell them all will be fine.
I could go on forever, but I loved this book so much. Please read it and enjoy the gem that is “Nuclear Family” by Kate Davies.
It all starts with a DNA test bought as a present. Twins Lena and Alison, their spouses and their dad, Tom, spend Christmas together when the bombshell goes off – he is not their biological father, the girls were conceived using a sperm donor. For Alison and her wife Suria, who are just trying to get pregnant in a similar way, there is no problem – Tom is Alison’s dad, the same way as Alison will be mum to their child. But Lena is raging, Lena is unravelling, Lena is no longer sure who she is. She goes on a journey to discover her biological father, despite other’s misgivings and hurt. What follows is hilarious in places but moving, even heart wrenching, a story of searching for family, dealing with love, loss, and guilt.
I chuckled, laughed, and cried. There is so much happening in this book – Alison’s and Suria’s journey to motherhood is probably one of the most beautiful and affecting parts of the book, especially when juxtaposed with Lena’s righteous crusade of finding a man who she shares genes with. The main theme of the book, what makes a family, is observed by the author from many angles, starting with sisters' conflict of nature versus nurture, continued with the investigation of infertility and lesbian pregnancy, to ethics of sperm donation. And yet, such complex matters are discussed with compassion, fairness, and wit. There’s just enough humour here to balance some heavy stuff going on, and in places I was cackling with laughter between having my eyes properly moistened.
The characters are so well rounded! A slightly neurotic father, who has to deal with a falling out in his small family brought by his desire to keep the secret from his daughters. Two sisters with different temperaments and attitudes towards life. A delightful neighbour, Jessie, Alison’s annoying mother in law! People are alive and breathing on the pages of this book and sometimes you just want to hug them and tell them all will be fine.
I could go on forever, but I loved this book so much. Please read it and enjoy the gem that is “Nuclear Family” by Kate Davies.
April 23, 2026
Incredible stuff!! Just insane!!!! She’s clever our Kate!!! It actually could have gone on for another 300 pages!!! 🫶🫶🫶🫶
January 19, 2024
Nuclear Family is a very different story to In At The Deep End, the debut by Kate Davies.
Where there was a bit of a steamy shock factor in the first, this was something family-based but just as interesting.
A Christmas present in the form of a DNA test from Lena, one of a twin, to her father causes the beginning of a ripple effect of occurrences, as Tom is forced to admit he is not the genetic father to her and her sister, Alison. They were conceived using donor sperm.
Both girls are in very different situations as it is. Lena is married, as is Alison, but Alison and her wife are trying for a baby using donor sperm. The news sends them in very different directions. Alison is not interested in her genealogy, but Lena can't help herself. After taking the DNA test herself, she discovers a half-sibling and then becomes obsessed with finding him.
I really enjoyed the story told from all three perspectives: Tom, Lena and Alison.
There were many questions that came to the surface regarding the ethics of egg and sperm donation and how both the donor and the children that result from it might feel.
A great read that had a good ending.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for an ARC.
Where there was a bit of a steamy shock factor in the first, this was something family-based but just as interesting.
A Christmas present in the form of a DNA test from Lena, one of a twin, to her father causes the beginning of a ripple effect of occurrences, as Tom is forced to admit he is not the genetic father to her and her sister, Alison. They were conceived using donor sperm.
Both girls are in very different situations as it is. Lena is married, as is Alison, but Alison and her wife are trying for a baby using donor sperm. The news sends them in very different directions. Alison is not interested in her genealogy, but Lena can't help herself. After taking the DNA test herself, she discovers a half-sibling and then becomes obsessed with finding him.
I really enjoyed the story told from all three perspectives: Tom, Lena and Alison.
There were many questions that came to the surface regarding the ethics of egg and sperm donation and how both the donor and the children that result from it might feel.
A great read that had a good ending.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for an ARC.
August 4, 2025
Lot of promise with a really interesting plot, topic and perspectives. But for me I thought it was really lazily writtten where they sped through the plot with lots of cliches and shallow character development. Everything with this book always seemed to take the obvious and honestly the writing style bored me and made me roll my eyes, it was an interesting idea executed like a basic holiday romance book.
June 2, 2025
I loved this! I had so many interesting conversations with myself and people around me. everyone should be reading Kate Davies
February 11, 2024
Nuclear Family
by Kate Davies
I was very drawn to this story with it's premise of exploring donor conception. While it's not necessarily new science anymore, the ethics considerations have evolved over the past few decades, and now we have the first generation who's conception was dependent on IUI and IVF coming to terms with what that means for their identity. With the ready availability of DNA testing kits, more and more people are discovering facts about their conception that their parents kept from them through fear and insecurity, awkwardness or misguided protection. I find this fascinating and hoped the author would explore the nuances and not be too surface level.
I didn't need to worry. She chose to tell this story from all the points of view I could imagine, the grown children who discover they are donor conceived, their non biological parent who feared the outcome of their knowing, their individual partners, their newly discovered half siblings, those that donate for various reasons, those that want to know, those that don't, those that agree with assisted fertility, those that don't.
Somehow she has presented all these POVs in a humorous story that has a distinct flavour of Bridget Jones' Diary. It's packed with cultural references, literary references and if you love a strong sense of place, and London setting, you are in for a treat.
Well done to Kate Davies for this sensitive, poignant, light hearted treatment of a subject that is bound to touch everyone eventually. I can see this on the big screen.
Publication Date: 15th February 2024
Thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperCollins for the eGalley
by Kate Davies
I was very drawn to this story with it's premise of exploring donor conception. While it's not necessarily new science anymore, the ethics considerations have evolved over the past few decades, and now we have the first generation who's conception was dependent on IUI and IVF coming to terms with what that means for their identity. With the ready availability of DNA testing kits, more and more people are discovering facts about their conception that their parents kept from them through fear and insecurity, awkwardness or misguided protection. I find this fascinating and hoped the author would explore the nuances and not be too surface level.
I didn't need to worry. She chose to tell this story from all the points of view I could imagine, the grown children who discover they are donor conceived, their non biological parent who feared the outcome of their knowing, their individual partners, their newly discovered half siblings, those that donate for various reasons, those that want to know, those that don't, those that agree with assisted fertility, those that don't.
Somehow she has presented all these POVs in a humorous story that has a distinct flavour of Bridget Jones' Diary. It's packed with cultural references, literary references and if you love a strong sense of place, and London setting, you are in for a treat.
Well done to Kate Davies for this sensitive, poignant, light hearted treatment of a subject that is bound to touch everyone eventually. I can see this on the big screen.
Publication Date: 15th February 2024
Thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperCollins for the eGalley
May 3, 2024
Enjoyed this story a great deal. Cleverly tackling the serious and difficult topic of adults discovering they are donor conceived, and all the emotional fall-out from it. Carefully woven with issues of conception - what it means to be a parent; biological vs historical ties - is blood thicker than water, or genes more powerful than love?
Lena and Alison are twins, yet lead very different lives. Lena with her husband and Alison with her wife. Both couples are trying to become pregnant in the various ways open to them when they accidentally discover they themselves are, in fact donor conceived.
Now the can of worms is opened, the story navigates through the various impacts on the twins, the relationships with their spouses, with each other, with their 'dad' who brought them up, with the members of their genetic family, and with themselves.
There is a lightheartedness to the writing that brings a warmth to what could be quite a cold and clinical topic. Personally, I have never experienced any of the issues explored in Nuclear Family yet the clever narrative ensured I learned plenty and enjoyed each character at the same time.
Great story!
Lena and Alison are twins, yet lead very different lives. Lena with her husband and Alison with her wife. Both couples are trying to become pregnant in the various ways open to them when they accidentally discover they themselves are, in fact donor conceived.
Now the can of worms is opened, the story navigates through the various impacts on the twins, the relationships with their spouses, with each other, with their 'dad' who brought them up, with the members of their genetic family, and with themselves.
There is a lightheartedness to the writing that brings a warmth to what could be quite a cold and clinical topic. Personally, I have never experienced any of the issues explored in Nuclear Family yet the clever narrative ensured I learned plenty and enjoyed each character at the same time.
Great story!
February 27, 2024
Nuclear Family explores some interesting ideas around family, belonging and identity. One Christmas, Lena buys DNA testing kits for her twin sister Alison and their father Tom. It's supposed to be a bit of fun, but instead Tom is forced to admit that when he and his late wife Sheila failed to conceive, they used donor sperm - a fact they decided to keep secret from their children.
The two girls react totally differently to this news. Alison has no problem with it at all. Tom is her Dad, and anyway her wife is about to try for a baby using donor sperm. Lena on the other hand is beside herself. She feels unmoored, and that her whole identity is unravelling.
I have to be honest, at first I found Lena's complete existential crisis a bit hard to take. But one of the reasons I read fiction is to gain empathy and understanding, to see the world from other people's points of view. And as the story unfolded I got drawn in to this family drama. Kate Davies does a good job using this narrative to explore several different perspectives to donor conception. And reading the acknowledgements gives an insight into why this is a subject she felt compelled to write about.
Thanks to HarperCollins for the proof copy.
The two girls react totally differently to this news. Alison has no problem with it at all. Tom is her Dad, and anyway her wife is about to try for a baby using donor sperm. Lena on the other hand is beside herself. She feels unmoored, and that her whole identity is unravelling.
I have to be honest, at first I found Lena's complete existential crisis a bit hard to take. But one of the reasons I read fiction is to gain empathy and understanding, to see the world from other people's points of view. And as the story unfolded I got drawn in to this family drama. Kate Davies does a good job using this narrative to explore several different perspectives to donor conception. And reading the acknowledgements gives an insight into why this is a subject she felt compelled to write about.
Thanks to HarperCollins for the proof copy.
February 6, 2024
“𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭”
A massive thank you to Borough Press for this proof copy of NF. I knew I was going to enjoy this one, but the mix of plot, themes, characters and humour easily bumped this up to a 5 star read. Although, I’m not sure if it’s made me want to do a DNA test tomorrow, or never do one in my life… ever 😂. The cover of the book is perfect for the story it contains. Claps to whoever designed it 👏🏼
When Lena gifts her family members a DNA test for Christmas, her Dad Tom reveals he has been hiding a secret from her and her twin sister Alison…
Ok first, Tom 🥹 I felt for him within the first few pages, and although he didn’t say the right thing always, he was real and raw. He came across as the most gentle man and I loved how he was there to support Lena through the book. Lena and Alison are two very different characters (despite being twins), and I enjoyed the different outlook they had on sperm/egg donations and life in general. Nuclear Family definitely makes you question how you would feel if you were in that position, how would you react and would you want to know where you came from. Kate Davies has created such a thought provoking read and I really loved how they portrayed that families come in many different forms. Another concept I also loved was how the world has changed through the years, how people could remain anonymous back in the day. But due to technology and other bits of kit you can now do from the comfort of your home people can be tracked down.
It’s so easy to immerse yourself in this story and the writing flows so well. Throughout the whole book I thought wow the author really seems like they’ve done research into the topics discussed… and then I read the acknowledgments 🫶🏼
A massive thank you to Borough Press for this proof copy of NF. I knew I was going to enjoy this one, but the mix of plot, themes, characters and humour easily bumped this up to a 5 star read. Although, I’m not sure if it’s made me want to do a DNA test tomorrow, or never do one in my life… ever 😂. The cover of the book is perfect for the story it contains. Claps to whoever designed it 👏🏼
When Lena gifts her family members a DNA test for Christmas, her Dad Tom reveals he has been hiding a secret from her and her twin sister Alison…
Ok first, Tom 🥹 I felt for him within the first few pages, and although he didn’t say the right thing always, he was real and raw. He came across as the most gentle man and I loved how he was there to support Lena through the book. Lena and Alison are two very different characters (despite being twins), and I enjoyed the different outlook they had on sperm/egg donations and life in general. Nuclear Family definitely makes you question how you would feel if you were in that position, how would you react and would you want to know where you came from. Kate Davies has created such a thought provoking read and I really loved how they portrayed that families come in many different forms. Another concept I also loved was how the world has changed through the years, how people could remain anonymous back in the day. But due to technology and other bits of kit you can now do from the comfort of your home people can be tracked down.
It’s so easy to immerse yourself in this story and the writing flows so well. Throughout the whole book I thought wow the author really seems like they’ve done research into the topics discussed… and then I read the acknowledgments 🫶🏼
January 13, 2024
I requested this book as I thought it sounded something I'd like, I got Nora Roberts from the synopsis. I was delighted to be approved for the ARC so thank you to NetGalley and the publishers.
This my honest and unbiased review.
After approval I noticed the writer had written another called "in at the deep end" are a bit of googling I realised I had listened to the book as an abridged version on BBC Sounds and if I am honest wasn't overly keen on it. The fact I had to google it to be reminded I had read it showed it very much didn't hold my interest. That being said I still wanted to give this book a go and a fair review.
Told in 3rd person POV we hear from twins Lena and Alison and their father Tom in the aftermath of the girls finding out Tom isn't their biological father over Christmas dinner thanks to a DNA testing kit. The ripple effect this has on all three is life changing in so many ways. The pace of the novel is fairly quick as all of the action take place over the course of a year, however the plot lines don't fell rushed and flow well. The ending was good with everything tied up for the family, but we are left to wonder what will happen next. I found the last few pages very heart warming and really summed up the full premise of the book.
First off this isn't a Nora Roberts type of book and that doesn't make it bad at all but it wasn't what I thought it would be. It was far better.
I found this book much more interesting than the writers last novel, it has less shock value and is a lot less vulgar.Her writing has matured into something very engaging and well written both in terms of plot, style and structure.
It brings up some unique themes and points to consider. I really liked how she examined what family actually is,how it means something different to us all the reactions of the sisters to the news illustrates this perfectly . I found the journey the sisters go on in terms of trying conceive insightful and touching. It was very much a sub plot but filtered in neatly with the main plot and added deeper look at over all underlaying themes in within the book
The writer explores grief and loss in its many forms, of which she does beautifully. She subtly intertwines themes of race, sexuality without it being too in your face, which for me carries a much powerful message than it being rammed down your throat.
Character wise I loved Tom, he was a bit two dimensional but he sounded the perfect old gent and a great father. His reaction about being the girls father really touched me. The twins were very different in terms of life styles and people both had inner conflict about how they felt with regards to the situation both of which were different this added a real depth and a sense of realism to them as characters and to the plot.
This novel is a delightful blend of humor and heartfelt emotion, with insightful looks into subjects that are not always easy to discuss. It offers an entertaining read but gives the reader some enlightenment into donor conception which was a unique plot written in a way you would not expect . It is full of charm and wit with a little heart break thrown in.
This is a smart novel you will reflect on your views while reading and beyond, it is a water cooler moment type of novel perfect for book groups. Would also make a great tv series.
Before reading this I had listened to a podcast about these DNA tests people are given as gifts and the fall out the can cause this book was great way to explore that further and confirm to myself that I won't be buying any test kits myself. The book made reflect on what family means and for me my family are the people who are there and raised me the people I love deeply.
Ps there is no need for DNA testing for me am unfortunately the image of my father and a mini me of my mother personality...However this book does makes you wonder
Another footnote the cover of the book is a great representation of the full novel it's very well matched well done to who designed that jacket
This my honest and unbiased review.
After approval I noticed the writer had written another called "in at the deep end" are a bit of googling I realised I had listened to the book as an abridged version on BBC Sounds and if I am honest wasn't overly keen on it. The fact I had to google it to be reminded I had read it showed it very much didn't hold my interest. That being said I still wanted to give this book a go and a fair review.
Told in 3rd person POV we hear from twins Lena and Alison and their father Tom in the aftermath of the girls finding out Tom isn't their biological father over Christmas dinner thanks to a DNA testing kit. The ripple effect this has on all three is life changing in so many ways. The pace of the novel is fairly quick as all of the action take place over the course of a year, however the plot lines don't fell rushed and flow well. The ending was good with everything tied up for the family, but we are left to wonder what will happen next. I found the last few pages very heart warming and really summed up the full premise of the book.
First off this isn't a Nora Roberts type of book and that doesn't make it bad at all but it wasn't what I thought it would be. It was far better.
I found this book much more interesting than the writers last novel, it has less shock value and is a lot less vulgar.Her writing has matured into something very engaging and well written both in terms of plot, style and structure.
It brings up some unique themes and points to consider. I really liked how she examined what family actually is,how it means something different to us all the reactions of the sisters to the news illustrates this perfectly . I found the journey the sisters go on in terms of trying conceive insightful and touching. It was very much a sub plot but filtered in neatly with the main plot and added deeper look at over all underlaying themes in within the book
The writer explores grief and loss in its many forms, of which she does beautifully. She subtly intertwines themes of race, sexuality without it being too in your face, which for me carries a much powerful message than it being rammed down your throat.
Character wise I loved Tom, he was a bit two dimensional but he sounded the perfect old gent and a great father. His reaction about being the girls father really touched me. The twins were very different in terms of life styles and people both had inner conflict about how they felt with regards to the situation both of which were different this added a real depth and a sense of realism to them as characters and to the plot.
This novel is a delightful blend of humor and heartfelt emotion, with insightful looks into subjects that are not always easy to discuss. It offers an entertaining read but gives the reader some enlightenment into donor conception which was a unique plot written in a way you would not expect . It is full of charm and wit with a little heart break thrown in.
This is a smart novel you will reflect on your views while reading and beyond, it is a water cooler moment type of novel perfect for book groups. Would also make a great tv series.
Before reading this I had listened to a podcast about these DNA tests people are given as gifts and the fall out the can cause this book was great way to explore that further and confirm to myself that I won't be buying any test kits myself. The book made reflect on what family means and for me my family are the people who are there and raised me the people I love deeply.
Ps there is no need for DNA testing for me am unfortunately the image of my father and a mini me of my mother personality...However this book does makes you wonder
Another footnote the cover of the book is a great representation of the full novel it's very well matched well done to who designed that jacket
February 25, 2025
A "family story" doesn't really cover it.
Whilst the narrative follows the lives of those left behind after the death of mother/wife it explores the very complex ideas around identity and parenting. I enjoyed my journey of weighing up the unforeseen consequences to every generation of DNA testing (and gifting) which is so current.
I found it a lightweight read on heavyweight subjects and whilst some of the time I felt the characters lurching toward cliche, it did feel a sensitive, thoughtful and compulsive read.
With thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK for the opportunity to read and review
Whilst the narrative follows the lives of those left behind after the death of mother/wife it explores the very complex ideas around identity and parenting. I enjoyed my journey of weighing up the unforeseen consequences to every generation of DNA testing (and gifting) which is so current.
I found it a lightweight read on heavyweight subjects and whilst some of the time I felt the characters lurching toward cliche, it did feel a sensitive, thoughtful and compulsive read.
With thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK for the opportunity to read and review
March 24, 2026
“He wasn't ready to face any of it - his death, the possibility of his children finding out the truth (worse than death, that would be) - and it was naive, anyway, to pretend you could tie up the loose ends of a life in neat little bows. Better to die messy and intestate, to create a ripple: proof that you used to exist.”
I’m so grateful for Danielle kindly sending me this book after hearing about the mad year I’d had. Fittingly the last line in the acknowledgements is “sorry it took me so long.” During the time I’ve put off reading this, I’ve been told I have both ADHD and 12 half-siblings. So I have a couple of excuses - nothing to do with my Kindle/Borrowbox habit…
For me the author hits the nail on the head with the accuracy of feelings like “whose hands are these” and the mild suspicion of any mid-50s man from the city you were born in who looks anything like you, and later, having gained more information, the strange irrational anxiety of wondering whether he’s a nice person or what.
The way the story plays out reflects a donor conceived person’s hunger for information vs the passage of time following a family’s grief leading to a shocking revelation. The family and friends in this book give a wider perspective on the “why” than we first imagine when finding out a dramatic, genetic, family secret. I think Lena’s story does ramp up a little overdramatically as the book goes on, but it’s understandable, otherwise her entire story would just be her going “cool I’ve gained knowledge and closure how interesting :)” which is most DC people’s intention but doesn’t make for a great novel plotline. And while I can’t relate to Alison not wanting to know, I really enjoyed the difference in perspective from someone, like the author, who has considered more of the ethical implications as a same-sex couple starting a family. And the fact that they’re twins having such different opinions is a great representation of how we simply don’t all react the same! Basically after putting it off for this long, I couldn’t put it down.
Now my plan is to pay it forward and pass it on to MY sister (!) when I meet her for the first time soon. THANK YOU DANIELLE XXXX
I’m so grateful for Danielle kindly sending me this book after hearing about the mad year I’d had. Fittingly the last line in the acknowledgements is “sorry it took me so long.” During the time I’ve put off reading this, I’ve been told I have both ADHD and 12 half-siblings. So I have a couple of excuses - nothing to do with my Kindle/Borrowbox habit…
For me the author hits the nail on the head with the accuracy of feelings like “whose hands are these” and the mild suspicion of any mid-50s man from the city you were born in who looks anything like you, and later, having gained more information, the strange irrational anxiety of wondering whether he’s a nice person or what.
The way the story plays out reflects a donor conceived person’s hunger for information vs the passage of time following a family’s grief leading to a shocking revelation. The family and friends in this book give a wider perspective on the “why” than we first imagine when finding out a dramatic, genetic, family secret. I think Lena’s story does ramp up a little overdramatically as the book goes on, but it’s understandable, otherwise her entire story would just be her going “cool I’ve gained knowledge and closure how interesting :)” which is most DC people’s intention but doesn’t make for a great novel plotline. And while I can’t relate to Alison not wanting to know, I really enjoyed the difference in perspective from someone, like the author, who has considered more of the ethical implications as a same-sex couple starting a family. And the fact that they’re twins having such different opinions is a great representation of how we simply don’t all react the same! Basically after putting it off for this long, I couldn’t put it down.
Now my plan is to pay it forward and pass it on to MY sister (!) when I meet her for the first time soon. THANK YOU DANIELLE XXXX
May 28, 2025
it was so lovely to spend a year in the lifes of this family with all their ups and downs. i loooveee allison and suria and i think it’s better this way for lena. i can’t imagine what it must feel like to find out you’re donor conceived and i think this book may be a very good example. Tom is such a sweetheart, i hope he has a long life 🙏🏼
October 6, 2025
I meeeaaannnnn. It was fine. Feel weird for saying this, but apparently some books can be too “woke” even for my liking. There’s also a tasty bit of incest in there which is quite messed up. Wouldn’t recommend but a mega easy read that had me slightly swept away at moments; and lots of eye rolls the rest.
May 28, 2025
Plot/compellingness 3/5 - whilst I did enjoy the book, it felt a bit slow-moving at times
Themes 4/5 - great exploration of the topic of donor conception
Characters 4/5 - Alison was my favourite
Emotional resonance 4/5
Writing style 5/5
Themes 4/5 - great exploration of the topic of donor conception
Characters 4/5 - Alison was my favourite
Emotional resonance 4/5
Writing style 5/5
July 14, 2024
Funny, warm and hard to put down. Some cracking one-liners, too.
January 19, 2025
Nice to see different perspectives within one family.
April 7, 2025
Really enjoyed this, would give it slightly higher if there was a 4.5! Interesting themes around what does the word family mean.
July 8, 2025
I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did. It got a little repetitive two thirds in but covered off some really interesting ethical and emotional issues in a sensitive and compelling way.
August 6, 2025
Well I guess it all COULD happen
(3.5 stars. too many similes)
(3.5 stars. too many similes)
October 2, 2025
This book is really interesting and I did enjoy it but just felt like it needed a bit of polishing
March 13, 2024
Oh wow, this one really did it for me. Loved it loved it. Felt like I was part of the family. Laughed and squealed and sobbed on many occasions. Don’t come for me if you don’t like it as much, it just really tickled me.
March 4, 2025
Just as perceptive, bold and witty as In At The Deep End, with even more heart. Kate Davies has got herself a fan for life!
January 31, 2026
In het dankwoord werd mij duidelijk dat het boek best biografisch is. Ik vond het boek in het begin qua stijl heel veelbelovend maar dat zakte een beetje af (kan ook aan mij liggen). Drieënhalve ster.
February 3, 2024
Wow this book really did a number on me!!
In the first 40% of this book, I’m not going to lie I found it really tedious. The writing style just wasn’t quite clicking and the story felt a bit dry and lacking a good pace.
However, once I got to the 60% mark this book did a full 180 on me! I’m so glad I stuck with it because this book was so so worth it. A true tale of complex, fully fleshed out characters and real life stories. At first I didn’t really get what this book was trying to do, but by the end there was full tears because I truly felt so connected to the message of this book and its underlying tones about love, family and grief.
If you are a literary fiction lover who likes well rounded characters who are at times unlikable, and a mundane yet still inspiring storyline this is definitely for you! If you love sally rooney then pick this up!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for gifting me this Arc!
In the first 40% of this book, I’m not going to lie I found it really tedious. The writing style just wasn’t quite clicking and the story felt a bit dry and lacking a good pace.
However, once I got to the 60% mark this book did a full 180 on me! I’m so glad I stuck with it because this book was so so worth it. A true tale of complex, fully fleshed out characters and real life stories. At first I didn’t really get what this book was trying to do, but by the end there was full tears because I truly felt so connected to the message of this book and its underlying tones about love, family and grief.
If you are a literary fiction lover who likes well rounded characters who are at times unlikable, and a mundane yet still inspiring storyline this is definitely for you! If you love sally rooney then pick this up!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for gifting me this Arc!
February 20, 2024
Imagine finding out that you were donor conceived. Imagine your twin wants to know nothing about it.
Sounds pretty straight forward as a story. But, there is actually a lot in here. About parenthood, conception, different ways that families can be made. It's really thoughtful and thought provoking. The author has quite a delicate touch in being able to show lots of different perspectives and the complexities of the issues.
Sounds pretty straight forward as a story. But, there is actually a lot in here. About parenthood, conception, different ways that families can be made. It's really thoughtful and thought provoking. The author has quite a delicate touch in being able to show lots of different perspectives and the complexities of the issues.
January 25, 2024
I loved the authors previous book ‘ in at the deep end’ so when I got a chance to read this from Netgalley I was very pleased and also had high hopes. I read this straight away after being given it ( something I need to get in the habit of).
What I like most about this author is that she brings themes such as sperm donors, transgender, men having babies to name a few, into the mainstream in a well written story about family. Funny and sad, I really enjoyed it.
What I like most about this author is that she brings themes such as sperm donors, transgender, men having babies to name a few, into the mainstream in a well written story about family. Funny and sad, I really enjoyed it.
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