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Small Hours
The eagerly awaited new novel from Bobby Palmer, author of the critically acclaimed debut Isaac and the Egg.
If you stood before sunrise in this wild old place, looking through the trees into the garden, here's what you'd see:
A father and son, a fox standing between them.
Jack, home for the first time in years, still determined to be the opposite of his father.
Gerry, who would rather talk to animals than the angry man back under his roof.
Everything that follows is because of the fox, and because Jack's mother is missing. It spans generations of big dreams and lost time, unexpected connections and things falling apart, great wide worlds and the moments that define us.
If you met them in the small hours, you'd begin to piece together their story.
If you stood before sunrise in this wild old place, looking through the trees into the garden, here's what you'd see:
A father and son, a fox standing between them.
Jack, home for the first time in years, still determined to be the opposite of his father.
Gerry, who would rather talk to animals than the angry man back under his roof.
Everything that follows is because of the fox, and because Jack's mother is missing. It spans generations of big dreams and lost time, unexpected connections and things falling apart, great wide worlds and the moments that define us.
If you met them in the small hours, you'd begin to piece together their story.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published March 14, 2024
About the author
Bobby Palmer
3 books352 followersBOBBY PALMER is an author and journalist whose writing has appeared in GQ, Esquire, Men's Health, Cosmopolitan and more. He co-hosted the much-loved literary podcast BOOK CHAT with Pandora Sykes.
His debut novel, ISAAC AND THE EGG, sold 50,000 copies in its first year of publication, was a Prima and Woman & Home 'Best Book of 2022', was featured on BBC Radio 4's Open Book and selected as Guardian 'Audiobook of the Week'.
His third book, MAIN CHARACTERS, was a Book of the Month pick in advance of its US publication in June 2026. It was featured as a summer pick on NBC's Today Show and on CBS Mornings, and was chosen as an Editor's Pick by Amazon.
His debut novel, ISAAC AND THE EGG, sold 50,000 copies in its first year of publication, was a Prima and Woman & Home 'Best Book of 2022', was featured on BBC Radio 4's Open Book and selected as Guardian 'Audiobook of the Week'.
His third book, MAIN CHARACTERS, was a Book of the Month pick in advance of its US publication in June 2026. It was featured as a summer pick on NBC's Today Show and on CBS Mornings, and was chosen as an Editor's Pick by Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
May 13, 2024
In a Nutshell: A literary fiction about a family that has drifted apart over the years and how one incident sets the wheels in reverse motion. Lyrical, character-oriented writing. A few interesting magical realism interludes. A bit repetitive at times. Not for every reader, but a good choice for lit fic lovers.
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Plot Preview:
I am a huge fan of this author’s debut work, ‘Isaac and the Egg’. It was such an innovative piece of writing that it left a huge book hangover back when I had read it. So it goes without saying that my expectations were unrealistically high from his sophomore work. The novel does tick many items on the quality checklist, but it doesn’t end up as impactful as the first book.
Bookish Yays:
💐 The lyrical writing, with plenty of poignant thoughts and beautiful narrative about nature. It creates a soothing yet melancholic atmosphere that suits the plot well.
💐 The character development: so essential in a character-oriented work. The writing feels so intimate that we know and understand the characters even before the characters understand themselves.
💐 The quirky yet relatable family, which isn’t dysfunctional the way we typically see in fiction. Each family member is their own person and yet considers themselves a vital component of the circle. The story thus contains a genuine portrayal of human relationships with and without loved ones.
💐 Gerry’s memory issues, covered so sensitively and realistically.
💐 The highlight on the quandary of personal vs. professional pursuits, which are constantly at odds with each other.
💐 This is one rare story that focusses on male characters’ emotions even more than the female characters’ feelings and depicts them authentically.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
🌹 The talking fox is an interesting touch, for sure. I really enjoyed the fox’s perspective. However, unlike in ‘Isaac and the Egg’, there’s no rationale behind this strange occurrence. It felt whimsical for the sake of it.
🌹 Many of the chapters feel like they offer an ode to nature, with extensive natural descriptions and animal perspectives. This adds literary merit to the writing but does not add value to the plot itself. These sections with extended descriptions also make the pace slower.
Bookish Nays:
🌵 The content, whether from the human interactions or the natural descriptions, gets a bit too rambling at times. It is easy to zone out on audio because it often feels like a creative writing essay full of literary flourishes. After a while, the plot begins to feel dragged because of this repetitive content.
🌵 The characters of Jack, Johnny and Gerry are easy to muddle up because of their similar-sounding names, more so on audio where Gerry sounds exactly like Jerry. I wish books would always use distinct-sounding names for the key characters.
🎧 The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 9 hrs 47 min, is narrated exceptionally well by Stephen Mangan. He doesn’t go overboard with his character voices, but offers enough of a distinction in his pitch to help us distinguish across them easily. There are some added sound effects in the audio version that make the book an even greater treat. If you aren’t the kind to zone out easily during lengthy descriptive sections [writing this with a sheepish grin], the audio version is the way to go.
Overall, I did like this book quite a lot, but the author’s debut had made such a powerful impact that this fell slightly short. ‘Isaac and the Egg’ was much more bizarre in concept and yet it felt natural in its storytelling. ‘Small Hours’, on the other hand, should have felt more grounded but ends up feeling forced.
I think that I would have enjoyed this slightly better had I actually read it. There are many beautiful sections in the writing that I couldn’t fully get into because of the audio version, despite the narrator’s outstanding performance.
Definitely recommended to readers who would enjoy the blend of literary and magical. It is not for those who dislike character-oriented fiction or who prefer a literal interpretation of text. This is a mood read, so pick it up when you want something contemplative and descriptive.
3.75 stars.
My thanks to Headline Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of “Small Hours”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
After having suddenly lost what he had assumed to be a secure corporate job, Jack is back home, which is a wild place at the edge of the woods. His aged father Gerry is teetering at the brink of sanity because of his memory issues, and Jack’s younger sister Charlotte is frustrated with everyone and everything. His mother Hazel is missing, and no one has any clue about where she has disappeared.
Jack and Gerry have always been the opposite of each other, but they now seem to have one thing in common – they both can speak to animals. And to Jack’s disbelief, one fox actually talks back.
These five characters (four humans and a fox) guide us through this literary narrative in their third person perspectives.
I am a huge fan of this author’s debut work, ‘Isaac and the Egg’. It was such an innovative piece of writing that it left a huge book hangover back when I had read it. So it goes without saying that my expectations were unrealistically high from his sophomore work. The novel does tick many items on the quality checklist, but it doesn’t end up as impactful as the first book.
Bookish Yays:
💐 The lyrical writing, with plenty of poignant thoughts and beautiful narrative about nature. It creates a soothing yet melancholic atmosphere that suits the plot well.
💐 The character development: so essential in a character-oriented work. The writing feels so intimate that we know and understand the characters even before the characters understand themselves.
💐 The quirky yet relatable family, which isn’t dysfunctional the way we typically see in fiction. Each family member is their own person and yet considers themselves a vital component of the circle. The story thus contains a genuine portrayal of human relationships with and without loved ones.
💐 Gerry’s memory issues, covered so sensitively and realistically.
💐 The highlight on the quandary of personal vs. professional pursuits, which are constantly at odds with each other.
💐 This is one rare story that focusses on male characters’ emotions even more than the female characters’ feelings and depicts them authentically.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
🌹 The talking fox is an interesting touch, for sure. I really enjoyed the fox’s perspective. However, unlike in ‘Isaac and the Egg’, there’s no rationale behind this strange occurrence. It felt whimsical for the sake of it.
🌹 Many of the chapters feel like they offer an ode to nature, with extensive natural descriptions and animal perspectives. This adds literary merit to the writing but does not add value to the plot itself. These sections with extended descriptions also make the pace slower.
Bookish Nays:
🌵 The content, whether from the human interactions or the natural descriptions, gets a bit too rambling at times. It is easy to zone out on audio because it often feels like a creative writing essay full of literary flourishes. After a while, the plot begins to feel dragged because of this repetitive content.
🌵 The characters of Jack, Johnny and Gerry are easy to muddle up because of their similar-sounding names, more so on audio where Gerry sounds exactly like Jerry. I wish books would always use distinct-sounding names for the key characters.
🎧 The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 9 hrs 47 min, is narrated exceptionally well by Stephen Mangan. He doesn’t go overboard with his character voices, but offers enough of a distinction in his pitch to help us distinguish across them easily. There are some added sound effects in the audio version that make the book an even greater treat. If you aren’t the kind to zone out easily during lengthy descriptive sections [writing this with a sheepish grin], the audio version is the way to go.
Overall, I did like this book quite a lot, but the author’s debut had made such a powerful impact that this fell slightly short. ‘Isaac and the Egg’ was much more bizarre in concept and yet it felt natural in its storytelling. ‘Small Hours’, on the other hand, should have felt more grounded but ends up feeling forced.
I think that I would have enjoyed this slightly better had I actually read it. There are many beautiful sections in the writing that I couldn’t fully get into because of the audio version, despite the narrator’s outstanding performance.
Definitely recommended to readers who would enjoy the blend of literary and magical. It is not for those who dislike character-oriented fiction or who prefer a literal interpretation of text. This is a mood read, so pick it up when you want something contemplative and descriptive.
3.75 stars.
My thanks to Headline Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of “Small Hours”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
November 28, 2023
In the city, hard-working, Jack Penwick learns to his shock and horror that his employers, Hugo and Hugh are selling their company with no warning, so it’s game over. How has he not seen this coming? On the common, reflecting on what to do, an injured fox moves towards him, his eyes pleading for help. Jack rings an animal charity, it’s collected and then ……you’ll have to read it to find out!! This is just the start as within Jack’s family things start to fall apart.
I’ve come to the conclusion that Bobby Palmer is a wordsmith genius, he’s so creative, and what’s more he gets you to buy into whatever his fertile imagination has conjured up. I couldn’t see how he could top the wonderful “Isaac and The Egg” but he has in this touching, moving, emotionally charged second novel. He takes us on a wonderful journey from The City, to The Country, where his parents live in an eccentric tumbledown house “Mole End “ and then into The Wild and what a journey it is. Along the route to the poignant ending, there are sections that are so beautifully lyrical that they are almost poetry. His words have a way of finding their way into your heart, there is such empathy and it’s often tinged with gentle humour.
There are so many elements I could comment on. Some of the most touching parts of the book come from his father Gerry who has an unnamed dementia. How his confused memories and present day thoughts are described is so moving with perfectly apt and appropriate descriptions. These sections especially pierce my heart as my father had Alzheimer’s, and it makes me feel almost as if Gerry and my dad are talking to me helping me to understand.
What of the fox? I love the fox and Jack parts, he really is Fantastic Mr Fox. I will say little about this as it’s magical, symbolic with the joy and sorrow of this best discovered for yourself. We meet a whole range of creatures in this novel which perfectly highlights situations and often signals danger.
As for the characters, they are portrayed with such understanding and sensitivity. You view Gerry, his wife, Hazel when young with their love, hopes, dreams and adventures. You appreciate how different and difficult their relationships are with their children and so you grow to understand why Jack is as he is. These are complex and complicated relationships as understandable facades are built. However, this is about a search for identity, for what is lost, can it be refound and healed??
Wow, what a book. I cannot praise it highly enough and if it’s not a best seller, then they’re truly is no justice in the world. Thank you so much Bobby, I loved it.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Headline for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
I’ve come to the conclusion that Bobby Palmer is a wordsmith genius, he’s so creative, and what’s more he gets you to buy into whatever his fertile imagination has conjured up. I couldn’t see how he could top the wonderful “Isaac and The Egg” but he has in this touching, moving, emotionally charged second novel. He takes us on a wonderful journey from The City, to The Country, where his parents live in an eccentric tumbledown house “Mole End “ and then into The Wild and what a journey it is. Along the route to the poignant ending, there are sections that are so beautifully lyrical that they are almost poetry. His words have a way of finding their way into your heart, there is such empathy and it’s often tinged with gentle humour.
There are so many elements I could comment on. Some of the most touching parts of the book come from his father Gerry who has an unnamed dementia. How his confused memories and present day thoughts are described is so moving with perfectly apt and appropriate descriptions. These sections especially pierce my heart as my father had Alzheimer’s, and it makes me feel almost as if Gerry and my dad are talking to me helping me to understand.
What of the fox? I love the fox and Jack parts, he really is Fantastic Mr Fox. I will say little about this as it’s magical, symbolic with the joy and sorrow of this best discovered for yourself. We meet a whole range of creatures in this novel which perfectly highlights situations and often signals danger.
As for the characters, they are portrayed with such understanding and sensitivity. You view Gerry, his wife, Hazel when young with their love, hopes, dreams and adventures. You appreciate how different and difficult their relationships are with their children and so you grow to understand why Jack is as he is. These are complex and complicated relationships as understandable facades are built. However, this is about a search for identity, for what is lost, can it be refound and healed??
Wow, what a book. I cannot praise it highly enough and if it’s not a best seller, then they’re truly is no justice in the world. Thank you so much Bobby, I loved it.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Headline for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
February 3, 2024
I loved reading this book. It is a beautiful story about loss, redemption, estrangement, but mostly love. Jack has been called home from the city, where he has been living with a job and life that he thought he wanted, but is no longer certain. His sister called him home, as their mother is missing. He navigates the broken relationships with his father and sister, while trying to work out what happened to his mother - all with the unlikely assistance of a fox.
I have so much that I could say about this book but don’t want give anything away. Gerry’s memories have been eluding him recently, and I found his inner monologue moving, poignant, and simultaneously tragic and hopeful. So many of the relationships in the story have been damaged by words unsaid, or things not done - but there is a strong thread of hope and love, and a desire to right wrongs, or at least come to terms with them, that runs throughout the story and binds it together.
As with Bobby Palmers previous book, “Isaac and the Egg”, this story touched me, and will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you #NetGalley and Headline Review for the free review copy of #SmallHours in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I have so much that I could say about this book but don’t want give anything away. Gerry’s memories have been eluding him recently, and I found his inner monologue moving, poignant, and simultaneously tragic and hopeful. So many of the relationships in the story have been damaged by words unsaid, or things not done - but there is a strong thread of hope and love, and a desire to right wrongs, or at least come to terms with them, that runs throughout the story and binds it together.
As with Bobby Palmers previous book, “Isaac and the Egg”, this story touched me, and will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you #NetGalley and Headline Review for the free review copy of #SmallHours in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 10, 2024
There’s a talking fox. That’s all you need to know.
Jack must return home and face what he’s been suppressing when his mother disappears with no explanation. There, he must face his estranged father, disappointed younger sister, and his ended career.
This is a story of a family in crisis and the ghosts of the past who still haunt them, of life-changing conversations in the early hours of the morning, and of understanding, compassion, and love.
Sadly, I found this too boring. I kept waiting for something to happen, yet this was more of a melancholic read. As I didn’t connect to the characters, I didn’t find it heartening or overly saddening. I think I’m just not a contemporary fiction reader that’s more in this style.
Thank you to Headline Audio for providing the audiobook exchange for a review.
Bookstagram
Jack must return home and face what he’s been suppressing when his mother disappears with no explanation. There, he must face his estranged father, disappointed younger sister, and his ended career.
This is a story of a family in crisis and the ghosts of the past who still haunt them, of life-changing conversations in the early hours of the morning, and of understanding, compassion, and love.
Sadly, I found this too boring. I kept waiting for something to happen, yet this was more of a melancholic read. As I didn’t connect to the characters, I didn’t find it heartening or overly saddening. I think I’m just not a contemporary fiction reader that’s more in this style.
Thank you to Headline Audio for providing the audiobook exchange for a review.
Bookstagram
February 27, 2024
I didn't actually believe that Bobby Palmer could write another book as moving and beautiful as Isaac and the Egg but he's certainly done just that with Small Hours.
The story follows the Penwick family at a time of great flux. Jack has just been made redundant and, walking disconsolately around the city, comes across an injured fox. After calling animal protection Jack watches the fox being put into a cage but as the van doors close the fox looks up at him and says "Thankyou".
Just when you think things couldn't be more surprising Jack gets a phone call from his sister to say that their mum has disappeared. Jack, who has been avoiding his childhood home for many years, knows he can't put it off any longer.
He finds Charlotte caring for a father who was other-worldly when Jack was a child but is now clearly suffering with some form of dementia and their mother gone.
Charlotte doesn't know where and his father, Gerry, is sure he does but cannot remember. It's up to Jack to reconnect with the woodland where they live and with his father so they can find his mother and be at peace with himself.
I've often wondered why certain books speak to you. Isaac and the Egg resonated in a way that nothing else for many years and Small Hours creates a similar stunning world for readers. There's a tinge of magic - not just in the landscape but the people and animals. Foxes are obviously able to speak. Just look at them! They feature heavily in our myth/folklore and that of other countries.
What Bobby Palmer does so brilliantly is bring this tiny corner of the world to life. I could see everything in this book so clearly. It is funny and witty and heartbreakingly sad in parts. Can you tell I'm somewhat besotted? Well I am.
Thoroughly well worth the wait. I can hardly wait for what comes next from Bobby Palmer's imagination. Very highly recommended and if you've not read his debut, Isaac and the Egg, then you must.
Thankyou very much to Headline Publishing for the pre-approved copy. You've made my year.
The story follows the Penwick family at a time of great flux. Jack has just been made redundant and, walking disconsolately around the city, comes across an injured fox. After calling animal protection Jack watches the fox being put into a cage but as the van doors close the fox looks up at him and says "Thankyou".
Just when you think things couldn't be more surprising Jack gets a phone call from his sister to say that their mum has disappeared. Jack, who has been avoiding his childhood home for many years, knows he can't put it off any longer.
He finds Charlotte caring for a father who was other-worldly when Jack was a child but is now clearly suffering with some form of dementia and their mother gone.
Charlotte doesn't know where and his father, Gerry, is sure he does but cannot remember. It's up to Jack to reconnect with the woodland where they live and with his father so they can find his mother and be at peace with himself.
I've often wondered why certain books speak to you. Isaac and the Egg resonated in a way that nothing else for many years and Small Hours creates a similar stunning world for readers. There's a tinge of magic - not just in the landscape but the people and animals. Foxes are obviously able to speak. Just look at them! They feature heavily in our myth/folklore and that of other countries.
What Bobby Palmer does so brilliantly is bring this tiny corner of the world to life. I could see everything in this book so clearly. It is funny and witty and heartbreakingly sad in parts. Can you tell I'm somewhat besotted? Well I am.
Thoroughly well worth the wait. I can hardly wait for what comes next from Bobby Palmer's imagination. Very highly recommended and if you've not read his debut, Isaac and the Egg, then you must.
Thankyou very much to Headline Publishing for the pre-approved copy. You've made my year.
March 29, 2024
Small Hours tells the story of a family who seem to have lost their way.
Jack left his family home for the city and has recently been made redundant. Whilst wandering and wondering what to do with himself, he comes across an injured fox. Not long after, he receives a phone call from his sister, Charlotte, to tell him their mother is missing and can he come back to the family home to help find her.
On his return, Jack finds his father, Gerry, suffering with memory problems and he begins to realise his move to the city has made him lose touch with his family. Gerry knows his wife, Hazel, mentioned something about going away but he can't remember where she said he was going. Charlotte seems forever short-tempered and Jack feels he's the only one who can put the family back together. But, wait, he seems to hear a fox talking to him...
Small Hours is a lovely book, not just about family, but about nature too. It brings to the fore a lot of what can sometimes pass us by with our busy lives and we end up losing focus on what is important. Whenever this happens to me, nature is often what I turn to for a reset and refocus, and I loved that Small Hours made me think about the small stuff. I also listened to it on audio and it was great to have the nature focus whilst out on a walk.
I had high hopes for Small Hours as I absolutely loved Isaac and the Egg, and it didn't disappoint. It was fabulously narrated on audio by Stephen Mangan. Bobby Palmer writes character so well, and captures perfectly how it feels to be disillusioned with the world.
Jack left his family home for the city and has recently been made redundant. Whilst wandering and wondering what to do with himself, he comes across an injured fox. Not long after, he receives a phone call from his sister, Charlotte, to tell him their mother is missing and can he come back to the family home to help find her.
On his return, Jack finds his father, Gerry, suffering with memory problems and he begins to realise his move to the city has made him lose touch with his family. Gerry knows his wife, Hazel, mentioned something about going away but he can't remember where she said he was going. Charlotte seems forever short-tempered and Jack feels he's the only one who can put the family back together. But, wait, he seems to hear a fox talking to him...
Small Hours is a lovely book, not just about family, but about nature too. It brings to the fore a lot of what can sometimes pass us by with our busy lives and we end up losing focus on what is important. Whenever this happens to me, nature is often what I turn to for a reset and refocus, and I loved that Small Hours made me think about the small stuff. I also listened to it on audio and it was great to have the nature focus whilst out on a walk.
I had high hopes for Small Hours as I absolutely loved Isaac and the Egg, and it didn't disappoint. It was fabulously narrated on audio by Stephen Mangan. Bobby Palmer writes character so well, and captures perfectly how it feels to be disillusioned with the world.
July 7, 2024
This was one of my most-anticipated reads of 2024 but unfortunately, it just didn't hit the spot the way Isaac and the Egg did.
Returning to his childhood home after his mum goes missing, Jack finally starts noticing the changes he's been ignoring in his father, Gerry; the memory loss, the confusion, the hundreds of sticky notes left around the house making sense only to the Gerry who left them there. Trying to help bridge the chasm between Jack and his father is a lone fox who Jack felt compelled to save (much to his surprise) after finding him injured back in London. As a conduit between a lost father and his stubborn son, the fox gently attempts to bring the two back together before the tie between them is severed completely.
Everything started off promising; the story was charming, quirky and whimsical with an unlikely ally helping a closed-off Jack repair the fractures between him and his father. Like with Isaac and the Egg, the writing was flawless, verging on poetic. Even if the story wasn't my favourite, I can't fault the captivating writing style.
The characters were also well-developed, though I wasn't a fan of the long monologues and background filler. It felt like there was a lot of telling rather than showing, (e.g. Jack was this, Jack was that), with very long chunks of text that fleshed out the story but didn't really add much to it.
I did have a special fondness for the fox who went against the typical stereotypes of being sly and cunning, and instead demonstrated loyalty, care, and compassion. I loved his role in the story, although I preferred my original interpretation .
Overall, the story missed the mark for me but can still appreciate the beautiful writing and sensitive themes tackled.
Rating breakdown
Plot/narrative - 2.8
Writing style/readability - 4.6
Characters - 4.2
Diverse themes - 3
Ending - 2.5
Overall - 3.4
Thank you to Hachette for gifting me a copy of this book. All thoughts shared are my own.
Returning to his childhood home after his mum goes missing, Jack finally starts noticing the changes he's been ignoring in his father, Gerry; the memory loss, the confusion, the hundreds of sticky notes left around the house making sense only to the Gerry who left them there. Trying to help bridge the chasm between Jack and his father is a lone fox who Jack felt compelled to save (much to his surprise) after finding him injured back in London. As a conduit between a lost father and his stubborn son, the fox gently attempts to bring the two back together before the tie between them is severed completely.
Everything started off promising; the story was charming, quirky and whimsical with an unlikely ally helping a closed-off Jack repair the fractures between him and his father. Like with Isaac and the Egg, the writing was flawless, verging on poetic. Even if the story wasn't my favourite, I can't fault the captivating writing style.
The characters were also well-developed, though I wasn't a fan of the long monologues and background filler. It felt like there was a lot of telling rather than showing, (e.g. Jack was this, Jack was that), with very long chunks of text that fleshed out the story but didn't really add much to it.
I did have a special fondness for the fox who went against the typical stereotypes of being sly and cunning, and instead demonstrated loyalty, care, and compassion. I loved his role in the story, although I preferred my original interpretation .
Overall, the story missed the mark for me but can still appreciate the beautiful writing and sensitive themes tackled.
Rating breakdown
Plot/narrative - 2.8
Writing style/readability - 4.6
Characters - 4.2
Diverse themes - 3
Ending - 2.5
Overall - 3.4
Thank you to Hachette for gifting me a copy of this book. All thoughts shared are my own.
February 10, 2026
More of a 3.5 really, I did enjoy reading this book, but it was a little too slow for me. It is very poetic and beautiful and there is a lot implied rather than laid out for you, leaving space for lots of deep thinking between the lines. I did enjoy it and I'm glad I read it, but I'm ready for something a bit more fast paced now!
January 1, 2026
Possibly a 3.5… reconnecting with family - with help from a fox.
December 3, 2023
Isaac and the Egg was a brilliant read, making me eager to get into this second novel by Bobby Palmer.
Jack is a man who thinks he's got everything he wants in life until he doesn't. His job suddenly disappears, and then he gets a call to scare him. His mother has disappeared.
Somewhere along the way, he saves a fox, who ends up following him as he goes to help his sister in finding his mother. Once home it becomes apparent how distant his relationship with his father has become.
I don't want to go into it too much, but just, WOW!
A delicate, unique way of detailing the complex relationship of a father and son, with the added bonus of a talking fox!
Palmer has an intriguing writing style, and the book's different voices are highlighted in different ways through the prose format.
It may not be for everyone, but if it is for you, it is guaranteed to be a hit!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Headline for an ARC.
Jack is a man who thinks he's got everything he wants in life until he doesn't. His job suddenly disappears, and then he gets a call to scare him. His mother has disappeared.
Somewhere along the way, he saves a fox, who ends up following him as he goes to help his sister in finding his mother. Once home it becomes apparent how distant his relationship with his father has become.
I don't want to go into it too much, but just, WOW!
A delicate, unique way of detailing the complex relationship of a father and son, with the added bonus of a talking fox!
Palmer has an intriguing writing style, and the book's different voices are highlighted in different ways through the prose format.
It may not be for everyone, but if it is for you, it is guaranteed to be a hit!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Headline for an ARC.
June 21, 2024
This feel good audio deals with some tough life issues. It's very descriptive and at times very phillopiscial. It's about losing yourself on the path of life and growing old and the realisation that change isn't all it's cracked up to be. Told in a light hearted way with a side element of magic. This was so much more than a atory of how a fox reunited a lost father and son. Also how a wife deals with the loss of giving up on dreams to build a family and grow old wondering what if. This really left me feeling I'd listened to a masterpiece. Highly recommended a quick listen which will leave you contemplating your own life experiences. Thank you netgallery and publisher and author
March 20, 2024
This was the latest book sent to me by my online book club, WellRead. Their books are generally excellent and expose me to new authors so I like it when I get sent a book by an author I don’t know, as was the case here with Bobby Palmer.
The story follows Jack Penwick who has just been made redundant from his long term job and we meet him as he comes across an injured fox. After calling animal protection Jack watches the fox being put into a cage but as the van doors close the fox speaks to him. Jack then gets a phone call from his sister to say that their mum has disappeared and when he returns home he finds his sister caring for their father who is now clearly suffering with some form of dementia and their mother gone.
I didn’t gel with this book at all and I’m not sure why. I didn’t like Jack, he was difficult to like and the other characters felt really minor. I wasn’t a fan of the writing style, I felt that it was stilted and slow. I did enjoy the scenes with the fox (once I just decided to go with the fact that there is a talking fox) but these were not enough to make me enjoy the overall experience. The book is slow-paced with a handful of twists that occur in due course but it just made me feel sleepy.
Overall, this is a well structured, well written, wholesome family drama but I couldn't find that little spark that might have made me care.
The story follows Jack Penwick who has just been made redundant from his long term job and we meet him as he comes across an injured fox. After calling animal protection Jack watches the fox being put into a cage but as the van doors close the fox speaks to him. Jack then gets a phone call from his sister to say that their mum has disappeared and when he returns home he finds his sister caring for their father who is now clearly suffering with some form of dementia and their mother gone.
I didn’t gel with this book at all and I’m not sure why. I didn’t like Jack, he was difficult to like and the other characters felt really minor. I wasn’t a fan of the writing style, I felt that it was stilted and slow. I did enjoy the scenes with the fox (once I just decided to go with the fact that there is a talking fox) but these were not enough to make me enjoy the overall experience. The book is slow-paced with a handful of twists that occur in due course but it just made me feel sleepy.
Overall, this is a well structured, well written, wholesome family drama but I couldn't find that little spark that might have made me care.
November 12, 2024
*Thank you Headline for the copy to review!*
I rated this author's debut a five star so I was really looking forward to getting into this book, but sadly I just didn’t really like it at all. It felt like a vague Matt Haig-esque kind of narrative and while it had potential, the execution of this story in every aspect didn’t gel with me at all. I can kind of see what it was going for, but it majestically failed in that in my opinion.
Writing wise, the decision to write the story in that way… was completely the wrong choice for me. I think adopting the multiple aspective approach in the way it did was the wrong choice. I think had it rotated between the members of the family (mom, and two children) instead of between the son, random animals(?), the mom, the dad… everyone. And they’re all told in completely different narrative styles and tones, some in past and some in present day, it just all felt a bit jumbled and all over the place for me. It was quite a discombobulating experience trying to read this story and piece things together to be honest. There were also random chapters in italics that felt like an attempt at poetry or something? I deeply disliked that it felt so out of place and made it harder to read for no reason. I think it would have benefitted from being stripped back and simplified. Maybe dual timeline, maximum three points of view, and have a distinct focal point for where the story needs to go. It didn’t feel cohesive or uniform at all, very scrambled and random.
Emotionally, this one felt about as deep as a puddle. It really tried, and there were really some points it could have hammered home had it been carried out in the right way, but it didn't land in the slightest. The problem is, everything in this book felt very superficial at best, a little bit silly at worst. I just couldn’t really take any of it seriously. The inclusion of speaking to animals I thought was going to be another huge metaphor but then didn’t take that avenue, just talking animals seemingly for the sake of it. It’s one of those books where you’re just constantly on edge waiting for something to happen that never does. It was pretty bland and boring to follow as a story, especially when you don’t particularly like or care for the characters either. Just an all round let down. I’ve never seen a book span so many pages have so little to say in the end. And for the themes it tries to explore, it was such a missed opportunity.
My last little mona, the characters. They felt so two dimensional and bland. I really struggled to understand their motivations for the way they were behaving, and therefore did not seem to connect with or care about them in any capacity. The storyline in here regarding the mom was so bonkers… and it made no sense that she’d abandon her family on a whim when they needed her most only to turn around and come back home randomly without even getting anywhere. And then the dad and son pissing about in the woods while the daughter sat at home. Absolute insane turn of events that I didn’t find believable to be honest, and it teetered too closely to ridiculous for me to have been emotionally swayed in any capacity. Nothing felt explained thoroughly enough to justify the plot, and the ending was deeply unsatisfying.
Sadly, boring and missed the mark. Pacing was very slow and I couldn’t bring myself to thoroughly engage with any of it. Was trying to do too many things at once, when had it just picked a lane to travel in we would have gotten further.
I rated this author's debut a five star so I was really looking forward to getting into this book, but sadly I just didn’t really like it at all. It felt like a vague Matt Haig-esque kind of narrative and while it had potential, the execution of this story in every aspect didn’t gel with me at all. I can kind of see what it was going for, but it majestically failed in that in my opinion.
Writing wise, the decision to write the story in that way… was completely the wrong choice for me. I think adopting the multiple aspective approach in the way it did was the wrong choice. I think had it rotated between the members of the family (mom, and two children) instead of between the son, random animals(?), the mom, the dad… everyone. And they’re all told in completely different narrative styles and tones, some in past and some in present day, it just all felt a bit jumbled and all over the place for me. It was quite a discombobulating experience trying to read this story and piece things together to be honest. There were also random chapters in italics that felt like an attempt at poetry or something? I deeply disliked that it felt so out of place and made it harder to read for no reason. I think it would have benefitted from being stripped back and simplified. Maybe dual timeline, maximum three points of view, and have a distinct focal point for where the story needs to go. It didn’t feel cohesive or uniform at all, very scrambled and random.
Emotionally, this one felt about as deep as a puddle. It really tried, and there were really some points it could have hammered home had it been carried out in the right way, but it didn't land in the slightest. The problem is, everything in this book felt very superficial at best, a little bit silly at worst. I just couldn’t really take any of it seriously. The inclusion of speaking to animals I thought was going to be another huge metaphor but then didn’t take that avenue, just talking animals seemingly for the sake of it. It’s one of those books where you’re just constantly on edge waiting for something to happen that never does. It was pretty bland and boring to follow as a story, especially when you don’t particularly like or care for the characters either. Just an all round let down. I’ve never seen a book span so many pages have so little to say in the end. And for the themes it tries to explore, it was such a missed opportunity.
My last little mona, the characters. They felt so two dimensional and bland. I really struggled to understand their motivations for the way they were behaving, and therefore did not seem to connect with or care about them in any capacity. The storyline in here regarding the mom was so bonkers… and it made no sense that she’d abandon her family on a whim when they needed her most only to turn around and come back home randomly without even getting anywhere. And then the dad and son pissing about in the woods while the daughter sat at home. Absolute insane turn of events that I didn’t find believable to be honest, and it teetered too closely to ridiculous for me to have been emotionally swayed in any capacity. Nothing felt explained thoroughly enough to justify the plot, and the ending was deeply unsatisfying.
Sadly, boring and missed the mark. Pacing was very slow and I couldn’t bring myself to thoroughly engage with any of it. Was trying to do too many things at once, when had it just picked a lane to travel in we would have gotten further.
March 13, 2024
Isaac and the Egg was author Bobby Palmer's debut novel in 2022 and it was such a lovely, quirky portrayal of grief. I was therefore absolutely delighted to receive an early copy of the follow up novel Small Hours.
The story is focused on the Penwick's family. Jack has just lost his job when he is called home by his sister to help when their mother is suddenly missing. His father Gerry whose health is in decline is of no help. Jack and Gerry had a difficult relationship during Jack's childhood and Jack has distanced himself further from his father and the rest of his family. His missing mother becomes an opportunity to heal the rift. And in amongst all of this is a talking fox that stands between Jack and Gerry.
What makes the Small Hours so special is the author's ability to inject a sense of magic and whimsy into a story with quite a lot of heavy themes in it. There is the fox which talks to both Jack and Gerry. What a great character! And Gerry's wonderful rambling inner monologue which shows just how much his memory and mental functions are declining but also demonstrates an understanding of how differently he has approached life over the years - for good and bad. His affinity with the woods around his home and the animals within it was lovely.
I loved also how, as with Isaac and the Egg, this was a book that focussed on men and their feelings in such a sensitive way. Grief, memory, connections and emotions were all wrapped up in this story that became a journey of seeking family (literally and figuratively).
Overall this was a book full of symbolism and the natural world and I really enjoyed it. My one small criticism was that I felt it was a little long as partway through the story dragged just a little. But honestly this was a lovely and sad and funny story that is well worth the read. Doesn't quite match up with the uniqueness and wonder that was Isaac and the Egg but Bobby Palmer is now an author I will definitely always read.
Thank you to @hachetteaus for my #gifted copy and thank you also to @netgalley for the e-book version I received.
The story is focused on the Penwick's family. Jack has just lost his job when he is called home by his sister to help when their mother is suddenly missing. His father Gerry whose health is in decline is of no help. Jack and Gerry had a difficult relationship during Jack's childhood and Jack has distanced himself further from his father and the rest of his family. His missing mother becomes an opportunity to heal the rift. And in amongst all of this is a talking fox that stands between Jack and Gerry.
What makes the Small Hours so special is the author's ability to inject a sense of magic and whimsy into a story with quite a lot of heavy themes in it. There is the fox which talks to both Jack and Gerry. What a great character! And Gerry's wonderful rambling inner monologue which shows just how much his memory and mental functions are declining but also demonstrates an understanding of how differently he has approached life over the years - for good and bad. His affinity with the woods around his home and the animals within it was lovely.
I loved also how, as with Isaac and the Egg, this was a book that focussed on men and their feelings in such a sensitive way. Grief, memory, connections and emotions were all wrapped up in this story that became a journey of seeking family (literally and figuratively).
Overall this was a book full of symbolism and the natural world and I really enjoyed it. My one small criticism was that I felt it was a little long as partway through the story dragged just a little. But honestly this was a lovely and sad and funny story that is well worth the read. Doesn't quite match up with the uniqueness and wonder that was Isaac and the Egg but Bobby Palmer is now an author I will definitely always read.
Thank you to @hachetteaus for my #gifted copy and thank you also to @netgalley for the e-book version I received.
April 1, 2024
I was a huge fan of this author’s debut novel Isaac And The Egg so I was very excited to be given an early copy of his second book Small Hours which I thought was another beautifully written, thought provoking and heart warming read.
The story is told from the point of view of Jack who’s trying to rebuild his life after a few changes and Gerry who’s struggling with memory lost as well as flashbacks to key moments in the family’s past. The character’s are all given an individual voice and I loved how they are written so that I felt like I was actually the character, experiencing everything alongside them. This was especially true of Gerry’s point of view as it was fascinating to learn what it must be like from someone suffering from Dementia. It must be so frustrating and it made me feel very sorry for Gerry when he obviously wanted to explain something but no one else seemed to believe him. Jack is also a very sympathetic character who, despite his prickliness I wish I could just give a massive hug.
The story has a good pace to it and I enjoyed following all the characters on their journey. It was very interesting to follow the family through their history to better understand their family dynamics and to see them slowly work through all their problems to better understand each other. There were some very poignant moments and it was very emotional to see all the sides of the story. It made me realise how easy it is for things to be misconstrued and to become fractured from your family. The fox was a brilliant edition that I absolutely loved. I don’t want to say too much about him as I don’t want to give anything away but I really wish I had a fox friend too.
Huge thanks to Ollie Martin from Headline for sending me a copy of this book.
The story is told from the point of view of Jack who’s trying to rebuild his life after a few changes and Gerry who’s struggling with memory lost as well as flashbacks to key moments in the family’s past. The character’s are all given an individual voice and I loved how they are written so that I felt like I was actually the character, experiencing everything alongside them. This was especially true of Gerry’s point of view as it was fascinating to learn what it must be like from someone suffering from Dementia. It must be so frustrating and it made me feel very sorry for Gerry when he obviously wanted to explain something but no one else seemed to believe him. Jack is also a very sympathetic character who, despite his prickliness I wish I could just give a massive hug.
The story has a good pace to it and I enjoyed following all the characters on their journey. It was very interesting to follow the family through their history to better understand their family dynamics and to see them slowly work through all their problems to better understand each other. There were some very poignant moments and it was very emotional to see all the sides of the story. It made me realise how easy it is for things to be misconstrued and to become fractured from your family. The fox was a brilliant edition that I absolutely loved. I don’t want to say too much about him as I don’t want to give anything away but I really wish I had a fox friend too.
Huge thanks to Ollie Martin from Headline for sending me a copy of this book.
March 6, 2024
This book is like medicine for the weary, an escape from the fast paced, endless grind of contemporary capitalist society. Small Hours is a novel that is deeply beloved by my friend, and ex-colleague Leah, and I had the pleasure of working with her whilst she was reading it for the first time, hearing her growing enthusiasm for the story on a daily basis
Having heard her love for Small Hours, as well as Bobby Palmer’s other book Isaac and the Egg (which was a favourite among the booksellers at my old job), and seeing the audiobook available on NetGalley, I decided to give it a go. It turned out to be exactly what I needed.
The novel opens with our protagonist Jack being told that the company he has worked so hard for is being sold, and that he has been made redundant. After leaving the office, he comes across an injured fox, which he rescues, and then is promptly summoned back to his parents’ house by his sister to deal with a family emergency. What follows is a story of the complexity of family, nature, and interconnectedness.
Palmer interrogates individualistic capitalist ventures without romanticising alternative community models. This is heartwarming and refreshing read that will leave you feeling energised about the world and its beauty. The audiobook in particular is absolutely fantastic with Stephen Mangan’s narration elevating the story to a level of exceptional authenticity. I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this story so that I can experience it all over again.
Having heard her love for Small Hours, as well as Bobby Palmer’s other book Isaac and the Egg (which was a favourite among the booksellers at my old job), and seeing the audiobook available on NetGalley, I decided to give it a go. It turned out to be exactly what I needed.
The novel opens with our protagonist Jack being told that the company he has worked so hard for is being sold, and that he has been made redundant. After leaving the office, he comes across an injured fox, which he rescues, and then is promptly summoned back to his parents’ house by his sister to deal with a family emergency. What follows is a story of the complexity of family, nature, and interconnectedness.
Palmer interrogates individualistic capitalist ventures without romanticising alternative community models. This is heartwarming and refreshing read that will leave you feeling energised about the world and its beauty. The audiobook in particular is absolutely fantastic with Stephen Mangan’s narration elevating the story to a level of exceptional authenticity. I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this story so that I can experience it all over again.
March 7, 2024
A story about a family drifting apart, brought together by a loss and maybe a Fox.
The most important character in the story is not the humans, but the fox. The author has used anthropomorphism to develop a sense of communication, playing a vital role in helping the father and the son understand each other. The story felt like it was being narrated from an empath's PoV, which kept the reader in a sedated form.
The book is slow-paced with a handful of twists that occur in due course. If you are looking for a book to practice slow reading and increase comprehension, this can totally work. However, if you enjoy fast-paced books with back-to-back unhinging revelations, this is not for you. Very audience book, must pick it if you love anthropomorphism elements.
Thank you @netgalley @headlinebooks and @thebobpalmer for the digital ARC.
Genre: #fiction
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
#SmallHours
The most important character in the story is not the humans, but the fox. The author has used anthropomorphism to develop a sense of communication, playing a vital role in helping the father and the son understand each other. The story felt like it was being narrated from an empath's PoV, which kept the reader in a sedated form.
The book is slow-paced with a handful of twists that occur in due course. If you are looking for a book to practice slow reading and increase comprehension, this can totally work. However, if you enjoy fast-paced books with back-to-back unhinging revelations, this is not for you. Very audience book, must pick it if you love anthropomorphism elements.
Thank you @netgalley @headlinebooks and @thebobpalmer for the digital ARC.
Genre: #fiction
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
#SmallHours
November 21, 2024
Amazing book that has had me bewitched throughout; Bobby Palmer has done it again! His incredibly perceptive writing describes the human and animal world impeccably - I don’t want it to be over. What raw emotion what sadness what joy. Fave book of the year I think and definitely a keeper.
October 4, 2026
Beautifully written take on family and how the idealised version of family may not be reality. Touches on dementia, which is always a tough read for me! Has elements of weird with the fox, but nothing compared to the egg in Bobby’s previous book.
March 28, 2024
Enjoyed Gerry's relating his family dynamics to that of wildlife.
Fox narrator.
The dreamy confused perspective of a man suffering dementia.
A family not communicating and suffering in their own isolations.
I found the characters, although fun to meet and sweetly individual, unbelievable.
Fox narrator.
The dreamy confused perspective of a man suffering dementia.
A family not communicating and suffering in their own isolations.
I found the characters, although fun to meet and sweetly individual, unbelievable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2025
Such a moving story about a family which is narrated in Bobby Palmer’s beautiful writing style.
September 24, 2024
3.5/5
gahhh. i adored bobby’s debut but didn’t love this one as much. it was written in 3 parts, and also different styles and i found it a little hard to follow sometimes but i am also literally about to move house so there’s that too. but i love what bobby did here and he’s a great writer
gahhh. i adored bobby’s debut but didn’t love this one as much. it was written in 3 parts, and also different styles and i found it a little hard to follow sometimes but i am also literally about to move house so there’s that too. but i love what bobby did here and he’s a great writer
April 18, 2025
Very moving story but beautifully written about a dysfunctional family and their struggles, oh and a talking fox! Another great read by Bobby Palmer.
January 11, 2024
I thank the publishers and Netgalley.UK for an advance copy of this book in return for a fair review.
Two weeks after finishing this book I struggle to tell what I thought of it. I should start by saying that I devoured the book, despite my misgivings, I found it very hard to put down and I really wanted to know what happened to all the characters. What were my misgivings? Firstly a talking fox [possibly!], secondly chapters consisting of random thoughts laid out in random fashion on the page. Both of these should have put me off but somewhow they did not. None of the four characters {five - if you count the fox] - were particularly attractive but they held my attention. The plot is fairly thin - but that did not really matter, It was still an absorbing read and I shall be very interested in other reader's opinions.
Two weeks after finishing this book I struggle to tell what I thought of it. I should start by saying that I devoured the book, despite my misgivings, I found it very hard to put down and I really wanted to know what happened to all the characters. What were my misgivings? Firstly a talking fox [possibly!], secondly chapters consisting of random thoughts laid out in random fashion on the page. Both of these should have put me off but somewhow they did not. None of the four characters {five - if you count the fox] - were particularly attractive but they held my attention. The plot is fairly thin - but that did not really matter, It was still an absorbing read and I shall be very interested in other reader's opinions.
January 7, 2024
Small Hours is written in a beautiful, prose type narrative, which is soothing and respectful of the issues featured in the storyline.
The story centres around Jack, a city high- flyer whose world comes crashing around him when the company he works for is sold. To make matters worse his younger sister calls to tell him that his dad's health is declining and his mum has left so she is struggling to cope - could he come home? However, his relationship with his Dad is very strained, can he really help at the moment?
We follow him as his mental health goes into crisis and finds himself walking to the park, where he discovers a sick fox. As he helps the fox it discovers thay he can talk to the animal and helps him to focus on what he needs to do next.
This all sounds a bit bizarre but strangely it works for the story! I really enjoyed this book!
The story centres around Jack, a city high- flyer whose world comes crashing around him when the company he works for is sold. To make matters worse his younger sister calls to tell him that his dad's health is declining and his mum has left so she is struggling to cope - could he come home? However, his relationship with his Dad is very strained, can he really help at the moment?
We follow him as his mental health goes into crisis and finds himself walking to the park, where he discovers a sick fox. As he helps the fox it discovers thay he can talk to the animal and helps him to focus on what he needs to do next.
This all sounds a bit bizarre but strangely it works for the story! I really enjoyed this book!
July 15, 2024
A love letter to English wildlife, this was nicely written with an amazing main character…a talking fox!
As someone who adores foxes I really enjoyed this aspect but it was never truly explained; I would have liked to know more. Similarly I’d have liked to know a bit more about what made Gerry the way he was with Jack.
I would recommend this as a mood-read for when you’re feeling whimsical or thoughtful. 3.5*
As someone who adores foxes I really enjoyed this aspect but it was never truly explained; I would have liked to know more. Similarly I’d have liked to know a bit more about what made Gerry the way he was with Jack.
I would recommend this as a mood-read for when you’re feeling whimsical or thoughtful. 3.5*
March 26, 2024
DNF - I just couldn’t get into it
March 16, 2024
The story:
We meet Jack Penwick as he finds out the company he’s poured all his time and effort into is being sold — and he was not as indispensable as he thought.
On his way home from the office, Jack surprises himself by rescuing an injured fox. He’s even more surprised when the fox thanks him…
To add to his confusion, Jack is alarmed to receive a sudden plea to return to his childhood home (a home he has avoided for years) from his younger sister — his mother has gone, and no one knows where she is.
A return home will mean confronting some uncomfortable truths and Jack’s difficult relationship with his father. But might it also spark an unlikely connection?
My thoughts:
Although I was very excited to read Bobby Palmer’s second novel “Small Hours”, I was also a little worried as I’d enjoyed his debut “Isaac and the Egg” so much… But thank goodness I wasn’t disappointed!
Whereas the author’s first novel was a poignant examination of grief following the loss of a spouse, Palmer’s latest book is an equally thoughtful tale of the relationships within families, and in particular between a father and a son.
Jack is someone who has always played by the rules (from work experience, to university, to graduate scheme, to a career in the city), and to find himself suddenly and unceremoniously unemployed just doesn’t add up — and Jack is the ultimate numbers man. His father Gerry is a man who would always choose to be outside rather than under a roof. The idea of the city rat race is incomprehensible to him.
Gerry is distant and Jack is angry. But there is also a wonderful thread of whimsy throughout this story, with Jack’s relationship with the fox he rescues and finds he can, quite unexpectedly, talk to! This sounds a strange concept, but it really works to illuminate what is going unsaid between father and son.
Like the author’s first novel, this is an emotional journey, with heartbreak along the way, but with an ultimately uplifting message. Highly recommended for those looking for a beautifully written and thoughtful read, and a bit of peace amongst the noise.
We meet Jack Penwick as he finds out the company he’s poured all his time and effort into is being sold — and he was not as indispensable as he thought.
On his way home from the office, Jack surprises himself by rescuing an injured fox. He’s even more surprised when the fox thanks him…
To add to his confusion, Jack is alarmed to receive a sudden plea to return to his childhood home (a home he has avoided for years) from his younger sister — his mother has gone, and no one knows where she is.
A return home will mean confronting some uncomfortable truths and Jack’s difficult relationship with his father. But might it also spark an unlikely connection?
My thoughts:
Although I was very excited to read Bobby Palmer’s second novel “Small Hours”, I was also a little worried as I’d enjoyed his debut “Isaac and the Egg” so much… But thank goodness I wasn’t disappointed!
Whereas the author’s first novel was a poignant examination of grief following the loss of a spouse, Palmer’s latest book is an equally thoughtful tale of the relationships within families, and in particular between a father and a son.
Jack is someone who has always played by the rules (from work experience, to university, to graduate scheme, to a career in the city), and to find himself suddenly and unceremoniously unemployed just doesn’t add up — and Jack is the ultimate numbers man. His father Gerry is a man who would always choose to be outside rather than under a roof. The idea of the city rat race is incomprehensible to him.
Gerry is distant and Jack is angry. But there is also a wonderful thread of whimsy throughout this story, with Jack’s relationship with the fox he rescues and finds he can, quite unexpectedly, talk to! This sounds a strange concept, but it really works to illuminate what is going unsaid between father and son.
Like the author’s first novel, this is an emotional journey, with heartbreak along the way, but with an ultimately uplifting message. Highly recommended for those looking for a beautifully written and thoughtful read, and a bit of peace amongst the noise.
April 3, 2024
Small Hours is a quirky yet beautifully moving story that connects the human world to our natural environment.
Jack, the main POV, finds out he has lost his job, rescues a fox (who can talk..) and finds out from his sister, Charlotte, that their mum is missing. This provides a springboard into the heart of the story that centres on a dysfunctional family that is navigating the challenges of growing apart, differing generational views and emotions, complex father-son relationships and dealing with mental health illnesses, loss and grief.
The element of the personified fox where we get its POV is quite unique and adds an intriguing and imaginative quality to the narrative. It also helps Jack to bridge the disconnect he has with his father, Gerry, who seems to be suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s. The fox’s POV adds poetry and lyricism to the writing, as well as provide a calming and meditative aspect to the narrative. It demonstrates the healing power of nature and how much the man made world collides with our environment and the creatures large and small that inhabit it. I found those aspects of the book so comforting and beautiful!
There are heartbreaking moments in this story but it’s an overwhelming feeling of hope and awe to appreciate the small things in our everyday lives but also to keep your eyes and ears open to the beauty of nature that surrounds us; from the rustling of the trees and leaves, to hearing the twit-two of the barn owl, to the ‘mangy’ fox that needs a kind hearted soul to save it. There is a strong message of community and belonging that flows through the story, and to remind us all that we do not have to go through the world alone 🥹
I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected to. Not jumped on the Isaac and the Egg book wagon but I do want to read it now!
Jack, the main POV, finds out he has lost his job, rescues a fox (who can talk..) and finds out from his sister, Charlotte, that their mum is missing. This provides a springboard into the heart of the story that centres on a dysfunctional family that is navigating the challenges of growing apart, differing generational views and emotions, complex father-son relationships and dealing with mental health illnesses, loss and grief.
The element of the personified fox where we get its POV is quite unique and adds an intriguing and imaginative quality to the narrative. It also helps Jack to bridge the disconnect he has with his father, Gerry, who seems to be suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s. The fox’s POV adds poetry and lyricism to the writing, as well as provide a calming and meditative aspect to the narrative. It demonstrates the healing power of nature and how much the man made world collides with our environment and the creatures large and small that inhabit it. I found those aspects of the book so comforting and beautiful!
There are heartbreaking moments in this story but it’s an overwhelming feeling of hope and awe to appreciate the small things in our everyday lives but also to keep your eyes and ears open to the beauty of nature that surrounds us; from the rustling of the trees and leaves, to hearing the twit-two of the barn owl, to the ‘mangy’ fox that needs a kind hearted soul to save it. There is a strong message of community and belonging that flows through the story, and to remind us all that we do not have to go through the world alone 🥹
I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected to. Not jumped on the Isaac and the Egg book wagon but I do want to read it now!
March 20, 2024
I was keen to read this book having read and enjoyed Bobby’s first novel, Isaac and the Egg.
The novel begins with three events: the protagonist, Jack, loses his job in the city; feeling lost and unsure what to do Jack then encounters an injured/unhealthy fox and helps rescue it; having dealt with the fox, Jack then receives a call from his sister, Charlotte, saying his mum is missing and so returns to his childhood home in a rural village outside of London, where the rest of the novel plays out.
I really enjoyed the structure of the book, in particular the sections written like streams of consciousness – an inner monologue - from Jack’s father, Gerry. Although I was initially unsure about the talking fox, in the end the perspectives from the fox worked out as a clever plot device. The small cast of characters, combined with the village setting, felt a bit insular and stifling at times, but this was probably part of the point. I would have loved to hear more about some other sides to Jack e.g., a past relationship with a girlfriend etc., which is a compliment to the character Bobby has created. As a reader I am a big fan of nature writing, but at times there was perhaps a little too much detail. Living in SE London however, I could very much identify with the descriptions of urban foxes and learnt a few things!
Small Hours demonstrates Bobby Palmer’s excellent skill in writing about male mental health and portraying awkward, tense, and stressful family dynamics (Jack and Gerry, Jack and Charlotte). Overall, Small Hours is an imaginative, witty, and heart-tugging novel – a strong follow-up to Issac and the Egg.
Many thanks to #Netgalley, the publisher #Headline, and the author for providing me with a digital ARC.
The novel begins with three events: the protagonist, Jack, loses his job in the city; feeling lost and unsure what to do Jack then encounters an injured/unhealthy fox and helps rescue it; having dealt with the fox, Jack then receives a call from his sister, Charlotte, saying his mum is missing and so returns to his childhood home in a rural village outside of London, where the rest of the novel plays out.
I really enjoyed the structure of the book, in particular the sections written like streams of consciousness – an inner monologue - from Jack’s father, Gerry. Although I was initially unsure about the talking fox, in the end the perspectives from the fox worked out as a clever plot device. The small cast of characters, combined with the village setting, felt a bit insular and stifling at times, but this was probably part of the point. I would have loved to hear more about some other sides to Jack e.g., a past relationship with a girlfriend etc., which is a compliment to the character Bobby has created. As a reader I am a big fan of nature writing, but at times there was perhaps a little too much detail. Living in SE London however, I could very much identify with the descriptions of urban foxes and learnt a few things!
Small Hours demonstrates Bobby Palmer’s excellent skill in writing about male mental health and portraying awkward, tense, and stressful family dynamics (Jack and Gerry, Jack and Charlotte). Overall, Small Hours is an imaginative, witty, and heart-tugging novel – a strong follow-up to Issac and the Egg.
Many thanks to #Netgalley, the publisher #Headline, and the author for providing me with a digital ARC.
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