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Cuckoo
After Nancy’s father dies, she is faced with two life-changing revelations.
She has a half-brother she knew nothing about.
Nancy’s world is punched inside out at the discovery of a mysterious new sibling. But she can’t help but feel curious about Oliver, this stranger who shares her DNA. Her sister Rita, on the other hand, is furious and wants nothing to do with their ‘cuckoo’ brother.
She’s pregnant.
The father – Nancy’s not-quite-boyfriend from her not-quite-relationship – doesn’t want to commit any time soon. He isn’t even in the same continent as her right now. And with her mother and sister in shock about Oliver, Nancy’s struggling to find someone to turn to for support.
In a tumult of grief, fear and hope, Nancy pushes herself into an uncertain future as she rethinks what really makes a family. But there’s one more thought in the back of her head…
Is there space in her family for two more?
She has a half-brother she knew nothing about.
Nancy’s world is punched inside out at the discovery of a mysterious new sibling. But she can’t help but feel curious about Oliver, this stranger who shares her DNA. Her sister Rita, on the other hand, is furious and wants nothing to do with their ‘cuckoo’ brother.
She’s pregnant.
The father – Nancy’s not-quite-boyfriend from her not-quite-relationship – doesn’t want to commit any time soon. He isn’t even in the same continent as her right now. And with her mother and sister in shock about Oliver, Nancy’s struggling to find someone to turn to for support.
In a tumult of grief, fear and hope, Nancy pushes herself into an uncertain future as she rethinks what really makes a family. But there’s one more thought in the back of her head…
Is there space in her family for two more?
384 pages, Hardcover
Published August 29, 2024
18 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 4, 2024
Cuckoo is a book that is all about modern families.
Nancy is having a crisis. Her doctor boyfriend, Gamar, is refusing to commit to a real relationship, her sister Rita is a little upset that her dog Buster is not a chihuahua and she has no idea that another DNA test that Nancy got for herself (as a bit of a laugh) has revealed some very surprising results.
This book is a long hard look at exactly what family really means - is it a biological connection? Is it the people who stick by you? Is it those who are there when the chips are down? Or is it sometimes just you and your baby?
Neil Frizzell has covered all aspects of family life while giving us a very intimate portrait of one woman's struggle as she comes to terms with her own life and the fact that she is going to become a mother.
I enjoyed pretty much all of this book. The relationships Nancy has with her family is delightful - particularly with big sister, Rita. There are a lot of strong women in this book but quietly strong.
There are just a couple of bits that I struggled with around the surprise at a certain person's parentage. When you read the book you'll understand but suffice it to say that there is surprise when there shouldn't be that simply doesn't ring true. Also Nancy's ignorance about childbirth/due dates was a little difficult to believe in a woman of nearly 40. But apart from that I really loved the rest of it. I'd certainly have liked any of them to be my family too.
I'd definitely recommend this book. It'll make you think twice about doing a DNA test for a bit of a lark at the very least.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Random House for the advance review copy.
Nancy is having a crisis. Her doctor boyfriend, Gamar, is refusing to commit to a real relationship, her sister Rita is a little upset that her dog Buster is not a chihuahua and she has no idea that another DNA test that Nancy got for herself (as a bit of a laugh) has revealed some very surprising results.
This book is a long hard look at exactly what family really means - is it a biological connection? Is it the people who stick by you? Is it those who are there when the chips are down? Or is it sometimes just you and your baby?
Neil Frizzell has covered all aspects of family life while giving us a very intimate portrait of one woman's struggle as she comes to terms with her own life and the fact that she is going to become a mother.
I enjoyed pretty much all of this book. The relationships Nancy has with her family is delightful - particularly with big sister, Rita. There are a lot of strong women in this book but quietly strong.
There are just a couple of bits that I struggled with around the surprise at a certain person's parentage. When you read the book you'll understand but suffice it to say that there is surprise when there shouldn't be that simply doesn't ring true. Also Nancy's ignorance about childbirth/due dates was a little difficult to believe in a woman of nearly 40. But apart from that I really loved the rest of it. I'd certainly have liked any of them to be my family too.
I'd definitely recommend this book. It'll make you think twice about doing a DNA test for a bit of a lark at the very least.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Random House for the advance review copy.
August 26, 2024
Cuckoo is a compelling exploration of modern family dynamics, woven with rich character development and an engaging narrative style. The story delves deep into the complexities of pregnancy, and I must say, this is the first book I’ve read where pregnancy is such a central theme. The level of detail in describing the physical and emotional experiences of pregnancy is remarkable. For someone like me, who doesn't necessarily harbor maternal desires, these descriptions only solidified my feelings. However, they are integral to understanding the protagonist's journey and add a layer of authenticity to the story.
One of the standout moments in the book is encapsulated by the line, “if you don’t think I can do it, then I don’t need you to do it with me.”
Frizzell’s writing style is thoroughly enjoyable, with a narrative voice that is both witty and poignant. Each character is vividly portrayed, leaving me craving more time to delve into their lives and relationships. The interplay between the characters is intricate and reflective of the nuanced realities of modern families, making Cuckoo a fascinating and thought-provoking read.
Overall, Cuckoo is an interesting tale about what it means to build and belong to a family in today’s world and there is so much to appreciate from this novel.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the advanced reader copy.
One of the standout moments in the book is encapsulated by the line, “if you don’t think I can do it, then I don’t need you to do it with me.”
Frizzell’s writing style is thoroughly enjoyable, with a narrative voice that is both witty and poignant. Each character is vividly portrayed, leaving me craving more time to delve into their lives and relationships. The interplay between the characters is intricate and reflective of the nuanced realities of modern families, making Cuckoo a fascinating and thought-provoking read.
Overall, Cuckoo is an interesting tale about what it means to build and belong to a family in today’s world and there is so much to appreciate from this novel.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the advanced reader copy.
October 8, 2025
3.5. Listened to as an audiobook, and before I get into the actual story, I HAVE to put a gripe in about the recording. There are two key characters from Aotearoa who are meant to have classic New Zealand accents. What was performed were the most outrageous caricatures, where at best they sounded like a South African who had lived in Australia for a while. The author narrates this, and I originally gave that a pass mark given she’s British. What then got me is that she is half kiwi, who lived with a NZ father, and spent time in NZ, and not ONE PERSON IN HER LIFE told her that her NZ accent is an abomination and should not have been on the audiobook recording. By the end it really distracted me from the story. It also made the cliches used in the book about these kiwi characters really stick out like a sore thumb as well. I just wish that someone who has direct access to nationality would look a little beneath the surface here.
Ok, enough from me, as a butthurt kiwi living in London. The story itself was good, solid. I think it was a really interesting look at family dynamics, and defining what actually makes the family. I particularly loved the commentary around what makes a father. I think it meandered in parts in the last third, and some of the characters were insufferable at times to the point of being stupid, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
Ok, enough from me, as a butthurt kiwi living in London. The story itself was good, solid. I think it was a really interesting look at family dynamics, and defining what actually makes the family. I particularly loved the commentary around what makes a father. I think it meandered in parts in the last third, and some of the characters were insufferable at times to the point of being stupid, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 8, 2024
"All the men who expected us to swallow pills and push twists of wire into our cervixes. All the men who thought it was fine to make women live in a state of synthetic pregnancy for decades....All the men who didn't pay at the pharmacy. All the men who asked if we 'were using something' instead of using something themselves."
3.5 stars. OBVIOUSLY I identified strongly with the above sentiment, which is threaded through the book. And I loved the relationship between Nancy and her sister. Although because they were so close, them not talking for so long then felt very unbelievable. I also could have done without the extended chapter where Nancy goes into labour and gives birth. I guess Nell Frizzell is completely enamoured of the process, but I don't think it added anything to the story. And then the ending with Gamar wasn't great... But overall a good read!
3.5 stars. OBVIOUSLY I identified strongly with the above sentiment, which is threaded through the book. And I loved the relationship between Nancy and her sister. Although because they were so close, them not talking for so long then felt very unbelievable. I also could have done without the extended chapter where Nancy goes into labour and gives birth. I guess Nell Frizzell is completely enamoured of the process, but I don't think it added anything to the story. And then the ending with Gamar wasn't great... But overall a good read!
September 9, 2025
3.5 stars
A sound story about what families mean.
I thought Rita and Nancy idolised their father too much so I was prepared for the secrets that came out.
A sound story about what families mean.
I thought Rita and Nancy idolised their father too much so I was prepared for the secrets that came out.
September 18, 2025
könnte um die 150 seiten kürzer gewesen sein
December 17, 2024
3.5*, maybe even 4*
I really liked this book, it was very sweet. I’d read a few of the authors articles about her pregnancies previously, so it was nice to have background knowledge on the author. It felt like it was a bit of bonus feature, especially with the pregnancy plot of the book. Overall this is wholesome with a bit of family drama.
I really liked this book, it was very sweet. I’d read a few of the authors articles about her pregnancies previously, so it was nice to have background knowledge on the author. It felt like it was a bit of bonus feature, especially with the pregnancy plot of the book. Overall this is wholesome with a bit of family drama.
November 28, 2024
Had this available on audible and with good reviews thought I would try it. I did not enjoy it but decided to keep going to see if it got better.
By the end I still had not engaged the story or characters. The 38 year old woman at the centre of it seems to know almost nothing about pregnancy which did not ring true especially alongside being able to reel off all the operations and procedures related to childbirth.
Simply not well written in my view. The dialogue was tedious, no meaningful character development. As for descriptions, smells like grinding teeth and a canvas hold-all referred to as being like a maggot were two of many which just irritated me.
By the end I still had not engaged the story or characters. The 38 year old woman at the centre of it seems to know almost nothing about pregnancy which did not ring true especially alongside being able to reel off all the operations and procedures related to childbirth.
Simply not well written in my view. The dialogue was tedious, no meaningful character development. As for descriptions, smells like grinding teeth and a canvas hold-all referred to as being like a maggot were two of many which just irritated me.
August 16, 2024
What a vibrant and tender, book: Cuckoo by @nellfrizzell, UK release 29 August.
Still grieving after the death of her father Clive, Nancy makes two astonishing discoveries. Firstly, a DNA test she did as bit of a lark reveals that she has a half-brother, Oliver, on the other side of the world and, secondly, she’s pregnant to her “kind of” boyfriend who avoids any degree of emotional commitment.
Her first discovery denotates within her family, angering her half-sister, Rita, and devastating her mother, Anne. Perhaps her second will prove to be the seed which helps the family grow anew, different and even stronger.
I really enjoyed this book. Families have their secrets, their dramas, the navigation of which remakes the family to a greater or lesser degree, over and over. The map gets redrawn, walls come down, fences go up. Frizzell depicts those dynamics with veracity, giving us a convincing story of women trying to hold on to each other as everything they understood about their lives is shaken up around them. Do sides always need to be taken? How would we stack up if the lens we view our parents through was turned on us?
The heart of this book is a funny, smart, and emotive consideration of motherhood; Nancy as a new mother, shocked out of her complacency; Anne, ex-barrister, mother to two grown half-siblings; Marie-Louise, Rita’s mother and Clive’s first wife; Anahera, Olivers mother. Each one strong, capable, and beleaguered to some extent by the men in their lives.
I read almost exclusively women authors these days, making up for lost time, and I often find myself squirming and reflecting on my own behaviours. Whatever crap we men think we’re getting away with, we’re not. We’re seen, it’s noted, and reading about it can help us course-correct and acknowledge that we still have a way to go.
I’d not read any of Nell Frizzell’s books or journalism before, but I’m now a fan, have Square One on my eTBR, and have had a fine time sampling her pieces for the Guardian.
I think she and my amazing wife would get on like a house on fire.
#bookstragram #book #nellfrizzell
Still grieving after the death of her father Clive, Nancy makes two astonishing discoveries. Firstly, a DNA test she did as bit of a lark reveals that she has a half-brother, Oliver, on the other side of the world and, secondly, she’s pregnant to her “kind of” boyfriend who avoids any degree of emotional commitment.
Her first discovery denotates within her family, angering her half-sister, Rita, and devastating her mother, Anne. Perhaps her second will prove to be the seed which helps the family grow anew, different and even stronger.
I really enjoyed this book. Families have their secrets, their dramas, the navigation of which remakes the family to a greater or lesser degree, over and over. The map gets redrawn, walls come down, fences go up. Frizzell depicts those dynamics with veracity, giving us a convincing story of women trying to hold on to each other as everything they understood about their lives is shaken up around them. Do sides always need to be taken? How would we stack up if the lens we view our parents through was turned on us?
The heart of this book is a funny, smart, and emotive consideration of motherhood; Nancy as a new mother, shocked out of her complacency; Anne, ex-barrister, mother to two grown half-siblings; Marie-Louise, Rita’s mother and Clive’s first wife; Anahera, Olivers mother. Each one strong, capable, and beleaguered to some extent by the men in their lives.
I read almost exclusively women authors these days, making up for lost time, and I often find myself squirming and reflecting on my own behaviours. Whatever crap we men think we’re getting away with, we’re not. We’re seen, it’s noted, and reading about it can help us course-correct and acknowledge that we still have a way to go.
I’d not read any of Nell Frizzell’s books or journalism before, but I’m now a fan, have Square One on my eTBR, and have had a fine time sampling her pieces for the Guardian.
I think she and my amazing wife would get on like a house on fire.
#bookstragram #book #nellfrizzell
August 7, 2024
A really enjoyable little read all about what makes the perfect family.
Nancy’s world turns upside down when she tries a DNA testing site 2 years after her father’s death to find out a bit more about his side of the family. With this, she finds a brother she knew nothing about. At this time, she also finds she’s pregnant withh a guy who wants nothing to do with her. It’s time for her to establish who in her life is important and what makes the perfect family.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this read. It’s not at all something I’d usually opt for and surprisingly I loved it. The characters were insufferably irritating but I think that’s what made it all feel real. We all do get irritated by our family members but the love deep down is what matters and this is what is at the heart of the book - love.
The book explored so many real dilemmas in adult life. Unhealthy relationships, uncertainty around motherhood, found family, parental separation, pregnancy and birth. It really was a true perspective of real life and not just a fluffy perfect family read.
A few things were a little too forced for me to fully give it more than 4 stars. I found Brendhan’s character on the whole extremely forced. I could not connect with him at all and his actions as a character seemed a little to conveniently interwoven rather than genuine. It almost seemed like a bit of a pointless character?? I also hate how forgiving Nancy was to her sister. Rita was controlling and I would have loved for Nancy to have stood on her own two feet a little more - shown truly that, yes family are important, but women can be single parents without being controlled relentlessly by their sisters.
Overall, a really enjoyable and quick read. Not my usual genre but I did like it!
Thank you @bantambooksuk for my arc proof of this! This book will be published 29th August 2024.
Nancy’s world turns upside down when she tries a DNA testing site 2 years after her father’s death to find out a bit more about his side of the family. With this, she finds a brother she knew nothing about. At this time, she also finds she’s pregnant withh a guy who wants nothing to do with her. It’s time for her to establish who in her life is important and what makes the perfect family.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this read. It’s not at all something I’d usually opt for and surprisingly I loved it. The characters were insufferably irritating but I think that’s what made it all feel real. We all do get irritated by our family members but the love deep down is what matters and this is what is at the heart of the book - love.
The book explored so many real dilemmas in adult life. Unhealthy relationships, uncertainty around motherhood, found family, parental separation, pregnancy and birth. It really was a true perspective of real life and not just a fluffy perfect family read.
A few things were a little too forced for me to fully give it more than 4 stars. I found Brendhan’s character on the whole extremely forced. I could not connect with him at all and his actions as a character seemed a little to conveniently interwoven rather than genuine. It almost seemed like a bit of a pointless character?? I also hate how forgiving Nancy was to her sister. Rita was controlling and I would have loved for Nancy to have stood on her own two feet a little more - shown truly that, yes family are important, but women can be single parents without being controlled relentlessly by their sisters.
Overall, a really enjoyable and quick read. Not my usual genre but I did like it!
Thank you @bantambooksuk for my arc proof of this! This book will be published 29th August 2024.
August 17, 2025
2.5 rounded up to 3.
This cutting exploration of modern family, love, community and parenthood makes for a decent summer read. 'Cuckoo' is a comical but dry story about coming to terms with new realities against the backdrop of uncertainty. Nell Frizzell's style of writing is wry with an occasional flush of generosity (that I enjoyed). I'm not the biggest fan of authors 'breaking the fourth wall' which Frizzell does consistently but I recognise this as a personal preference (and common theme in contemporary stories).
The plot follows protagonist Nancy Albany, a bumbling teaching assistant whose life isn't as ideal as she hoped at 38 years old. 'Cuckoo' unravels in a spool of revelations that are ironic and funny (to me). There are pepperings of commentary on themes like: ageism, sexuality, estrangement, relationship dynamics and racial harmony which were interesting (cc: the 'duncle' concept).
I did find a key part of the overall plot - the idea that it was so far-fetched that Nancy's dad could have a child across the world - was missing a major trick. Granted Nancy's dad may have never travelled, but maybe the woman he impregnated did? I understand this conclusion could be remiss in highly emotive situations, but even after the emotion died down, the fact this defence was continually employed to justify that there was no way Nancy's dad could have fathered this child became annoying after a while (hence the lower rating). The ending was well-written, efficient and considered, though.
This cutting exploration of modern family, love, community and parenthood makes for a decent summer read. 'Cuckoo' is a comical but dry story about coming to terms with new realities against the backdrop of uncertainty. Nell Frizzell's style of writing is wry with an occasional flush of generosity (that I enjoyed). I'm not the biggest fan of authors 'breaking the fourth wall' which Frizzell does consistently but I recognise this as a personal preference (and common theme in contemporary stories).
The plot follows protagonist Nancy Albany, a bumbling teaching assistant whose life isn't as ideal as she hoped at 38 years old. 'Cuckoo' unravels in a spool of revelations that are ironic and funny (to me). There are pepperings of commentary on themes like: ageism, sexuality, estrangement, relationship dynamics and racial harmony which were interesting (cc: the 'duncle' concept).
I did find a key part of the overall plot - the idea that it was so far-fetched that Nancy's dad could have a child across the world - was missing a major trick. Granted Nancy's dad may have never travelled, but maybe the woman he impregnated did? I understand this conclusion could be remiss in highly emotive situations, but even after the emotion died down, the fact this defence was continually employed to justify that there was no way Nancy's dad could have fathered this child became annoying after a while (hence the lower rating). The ending was well-written, efficient and considered, though.
September 10, 2025
From the synopsis, I thought this book would be a family drama. And in many ways it was, but I do feel like the focus of this book was a pregnancy story, which I was not interested in and don’t enjoy. It just took up more and more of the narrative. Two chapters were dedicated to the birth scene. This is just not what I would read if given the choice.
I also found that the family story that was told was too predictable and saccharine for my taste. In addition, one of the biggest draws of a family drama type story is getting to explore the psyche of different characters and all of their different dynamics and backstories, but this book fell flat on all of those fronts. This is not to say I need to read from the POV of each of the characters, but even with the main character who’s POV we follow I didn’t feel like she could be a real person and I wasn’t invested in following her thoughts.
Finally, one thing I really disliked about this book was that there kept being this weird tension between the main character and her newly-discovered half-brother. The main character kept commenting on how attractive her half brother was and getting tense near him in a way that felt typical of romance novels. It felt very icky and uncomfortable to read.
I also found that the family story that was told was too predictable and saccharine for my taste. In addition, one of the biggest draws of a family drama type story is getting to explore the psyche of different characters and all of their different dynamics and backstories, but this book fell flat on all of those fronts. This is not to say I need to read from the POV of each of the characters, but even with the main character who’s POV we follow I didn’t feel like she could be a real person and I wasn’t invested in following her thoughts.
Finally, one thing I really disliked about this book was that there kept being this weird tension between the main character and her newly-discovered half-brother. The main character kept commenting on how attractive her half brother was and getting tense near him in a way that felt typical of romance novels. It felt very icky and uncomfortable to read.
August 31, 2024
Loved this so much!
Nancy has taken a DNA test and discovered she hasa half brother on the other side of the world. She's also taken a pregnancy test and it is positive. Rita, also her half sister, is furious with their father for cheating and wants nothing to do with her half brother and Gamer, the father of Nancy's baby, doesn't want to be a father. (Also, he's an absolute arsehole!)
Cuckoo is a story about family, but not the nuclear family notions of old. It's funny, warm and really emotional. I loved Nancy's character, she develops so much throughout the story and her relationships with her siblings are lovely. Her battles with bonding with her new brother whilst getting to grips with the new life growing inside her - and the hormones that come with it - are beautifully told and I really felt like I knew her.
The pace is good too, well measured, and at no point do you feel like you are being rushed to get where you need to be. It's just a comfortable, charming ride.
My first read of Nell's but, forgive the cliche, not my last!
Thanks so much to Bantam Books for my proof! Cuckoo is out now.
Nancy has taken a DNA test and discovered she hasa half brother on the other side of the world. She's also taken a pregnancy test and it is positive. Rita, also her half sister, is furious with their father for cheating and wants nothing to do with her half brother and Gamer, the father of Nancy's baby, doesn't want to be a father. (Also, he's an absolute arsehole!)
Cuckoo is a story about family, but not the nuclear family notions of old. It's funny, warm and really emotional. I loved Nancy's character, she develops so much throughout the story and her relationships with her siblings are lovely. Her battles with bonding with her new brother whilst getting to grips with the new life growing inside her - and the hormones that come with it - are beautifully told and I really felt like I knew her.
The pace is good too, well measured, and at no point do you feel like you are being rushed to get where you need to be. It's just a comfortable, charming ride.
My first read of Nell's but, forgive the cliche, not my last!
Thanks so much to Bantam Books for my proof! Cuckoo is out now.
August 29, 2024
I was unsure what to expect from the cover and title of this book. Goodness me what a gem is hidden inside. Nancy Albany discovers via an online DNA test that she has a half brother in New Zealand, Oliver. Nancy and her half sister Rita then question their adored and recently deceased dad’s past. Simultaneously Nancy discovers she is unexpectedly pregnant and the father is unsure of his level of commitment. Suddenly Nancy’s family is growing! This is a book about relationships, family, siblings, trust, loyalty and commitment. I enjoyed the odd Antipodean words - chook, crook and lamingtons, these made me smile from my time living in New Zealand several decades ago. What I liked the most was the contemporary feel to the storyline - raw, real and relatable in the modern world. I liked that Nell Frizzell doesn’t sugar coat relationships, pregnancy and birth and that she sensitively shows modern families in the varied and complex forms they take. I also really liked the ending and learnt a new word, duncle!
September 1, 2024
I received a physical proof of this (thank you to Nell Feizzell, Bantam and Penguin 🐧) and was keen to listen to the audiobook too. I liked that it was read by the author, I always hear so much passion when it is there own writing.
The story followed Nancy and her family dramas of her dad dying and finding out she had a brother in New Zealand along with finding out that she was pregnant.
I enjoyed the way the characters were written as I found myself really disliking a character in one chapter then loving them in another which I guess is how you can feel in real life about members of your own family.
The flow of the story was great and the pacing was also good.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes books they can relate to and I think most people can relate to some form of family drama 😂
The story followed Nancy and her family dramas of her dad dying and finding out she had a brother in New Zealand along with finding out that she was pregnant.
I enjoyed the way the characters were written as I found myself really disliking a character in one chapter then loving them in another which I guess is how you can feel in real life about members of your own family.
The flow of the story was great and the pacing was also good.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes books they can relate to and I think most people can relate to some form of family drama 😂
August 31, 2024
A modern, entertaining novel about family, and all the dysfunctions that come along with it. After an Ancestry DNA test uncovers a family secret, Nancy must navigate the emotions and desires of her family, while also indulging her own need and curiosity to connect with her newly discovered half-brother. At the same time, she is dealing with an unplanned pregnancy with her distant semi-boyfriend, who is working aboard. This was an enjoyable read exploring the meaning of family and the different forms it can take, with a likeable, but uncertain main protagonist. At times I found the dialogue and characterisation too literal, with the impression that you were reading ‘character dialogue’ lacking the nuance often found in reality.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
August 17, 2024
I really liked the beginning of this book, loved the character Nancy and her sister Rita and mother Anne. I also loved the writing and the London setting too, being able to recognize names and places in London was fun.
Then I felt it got a little boring in the middle as it just solely focused on her pregnancy. This book had amazing potential with the premise and the message, but became all about Nancy’s pregnancy and everything felt very surface level. Also brendhan was a weird and random addition.
But I did appreciate the characters, the story and the message, just wish it had more depth to it. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
Then I felt it got a little boring in the middle as it just solely focused on her pregnancy. This book had amazing potential with the premise and the message, but became all about Nancy’s pregnancy and everything felt very surface level. Also brendhan was a weird and random addition.
But I did appreciate the characters, the story and the message, just wish it had more depth to it. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
October 31, 2024
Not entirely sure how I felt about this book. While it was an easy read, I felt it touched upon a mix of potentially interesting themes without delving into them in any meaningful way. The dialogue between Nancy and Gamar was frustrating, and their arguments felt as though they weren’t fully fleshed out. As well as this, I found her relationship with Oliver somewhat confusing, and at times it felt as though he was portrayed as some kind of love interest? While I understand the frustration experienced by myself on behalf of Nancy was somewhat intentional, I felt this book missed the mark and left me feeling more puzzled at the oddity of its interpersonal relationships than satisfied by Nancy’s concluding contentment.
November 11, 2024
Nancy finds out, via a DNA test, that she has a half brother in New Zealand. She's shocked. But contacts Oliver who is actually coming to London to perform. He's a stand up comic.
At the same time Nancy discovers she is pregnant. This revelation prompts her to question herself and her lover Gamar who is a foreign correspondent and away all the time. She eventually opts to keep the baby and assisted by her sister Rita, Oliver, Olivers half brother Brendhan and eventually her own mother, makes it past the birth and out the other side. She is horrified by her Dad's behaviour but even this modifies in time.
I was caught up in Nancy's dilemma. Couldn't stop reading. Compulsive.
At the same time Nancy discovers she is pregnant. This revelation prompts her to question herself and her lover Gamar who is a foreign correspondent and away all the time. She eventually opts to keep the baby and assisted by her sister Rita, Oliver, Olivers half brother Brendhan and eventually her own mother, makes it past the birth and out the other side. She is horrified by her Dad's behaviour but even this modifies in time.
I was caught up in Nancy's dilemma. Couldn't stop reading. Compulsive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2024
I love a complex family drama, and throw in a New Zealand angle and I’m sold! I couldn’t put this one down, and loved the balance of dark, emotional moments and light relief.
Now, Nancy wasn’t the easiest to warm to and I did get frustrated with her as a main character at times, but I also could understand her complicated feelings around the loss of her father and her unexpected pregnancy. The points which she makes about pregnancy and the way some men wash their hands of it despite their responsibility was so spot on, and I think most readers will love to hate Gamar and his total obliviousness.
But what I truly loved was the relationship between Nancy and her siblings - whether that was protective Rita, or Oliver and how much he cared for her in her time of need, despite them only recently getting to know each other. It really explores the true meaning of family. The thing that truly made this book for me though was Brendhan - I just bloody loved him and his Kiwi exuberance, and his character was the real heartwarming part of the novel for me. I don’t know if this will be for everyone, but I loved it!
Now, Nancy wasn’t the easiest to warm to and I did get frustrated with her as a main character at times, but I also could understand her complicated feelings around the loss of her father and her unexpected pregnancy. The points which she makes about pregnancy and the way some men wash their hands of it despite their responsibility was so spot on, and I think most readers will love to hate Gamar and his total obliviousness.
But what I truly loved was the relationship between Nancy and her siblings - whether that was protective Rita, or Oliver and how much he cared for her in her time of need, despite them only recently getting to know each other. It really explores the true meaning of family. The thing that truly made this book for me though was Brendhan - I just bloody loved him and his Kiwi exuberance, and his character was the real heartwarming part of the novel for me. I don’t know if this will be for everyone, but I loved it!
September 14, 2024
Listened on Audible and absolutely adored! I loved 'Panic Years' and so had high hopes for this fiction from Frizzell. It covers all dynamics of family and relationship, feels intensely real, relatable and at times funny but plenty of tender real heartbreaking moments where you really feel for the characters. Her writing is very similar to Dolly Alderton so if you love her books you'll love this too. I didn't always agree with the decisions and thoughts made but it felt real and the imperfections reflected reality. 5 🌟
March 30, 2025
I loved the author’s writing style, it was so engaging. I absolutely flew through the story and did enjoy it!
I came away from it, however, wanting more. The character development of each person was begun but never quite finished, and I would have liked for the family to spend more time getting to know each other and working through their issues; for example, the way Oliver and Gamar spoke was implied to be rather misogynistic, but nothing ever came of it and a lot of their issues were simply brushed over.
This was a good read, but could have been even better with some more work.
I came away from it, however, wanting more. The character development of each person was begun but never quite finished, and I would have liked for the family to spend more time getting to know each other and working through their issues; for example, the way Oliver and Gamar spoke was implied to be rather misogynistic, but nothing ever came of it and a lot of their issues were simply brushed over.
This was a good read, but could have been even better with some more work.
August 28, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The main character’s world changes when she decides to get DNA testing done 2 years after her father’s death to find out more about the family, at the same time she finds out she’s pregnant. The story explores what family means.
Haven’t read any of this author’s books before but will look to read more.
Thanks to #RandomHouseUK via #NetGalley for my copy of #Cuckoo .
The main character’s world changes when she decides to get DNA testing done 2 years after her father’s death to find out more about the family, at the same time she finds out she’s pregnant. The story explores what family means.
Haven’t read any of this author’s books before but will look to read more.
Thanks to #RandomHouseUK via #NetGalley for my copy of #Cuckoo .
January 10, 2025
As with her other book, the panic years, the author creates very imaginable descriptions of pregnancy, giving birth and all the thoughts that go with those experiences. I listened to this as an audiobook and enjoyed that it was read by her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2025
I enjoyed the fun chaos of this book. The odd family dynamics and interactions had a good sense of humour to them while still navigating the wild journey of motherhood and siblings. It stays light hearted but hits hard at some points also.
November 25, 2025
a beautiful book
I really enjoyed this book. You expect it to be more about Oliver but it’s a beautiful portrait of family and what it should be and how when it works what a wonderful thing it can be.
I really enjoyed this book. You expect it to be more about Oliver but it’s a beautiful portrait of family and what it should be and how when it works what a wonderful thing it can be.
November 8, 2024
Enjoyed this! I didn’t really understand why Rita was so upset and distant when her sister needed her but I’m happy with how the story ended
January 14, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
January 22, 2025
"Someone admitting to fragility doesn't make them strong. It just makes them... a person."
A sweet example of how messy complicated families can sometimes be the best ones. Heartfelt and lovely!
A sweet example of how messy complicated families can sometimes be the best ones. Heartfelt and lovely!
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