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On We Go
When Cal loses his beloved wife Nikki, and his teenage step-daughter Zoe moves out to live with her father, his whole world falls apart.
But life works in mysterious ways. And when a prestigious university wants to pay tribute to Nikki with a posthumous award in Zurich, Cal sees an opportunity to both honour his wife, and mend things with Zoe.
The plan is a European inter-railing trip to Zurich - but what Cal hasn't anticipated is Zoe lying to her father about it, and inviting their other relatives to join too. What starts off as a very awkward family reunion - punctuated with some sightseeing - quickly takes a turn as tempers fray, secrets are revealed, and the pent-up grief they're all still carrying is unleashed.
There's nothing quite like family. Except family on holiday...
But life works in mysterious ways. And when a prestigious university wants to pay tribute to Nikki with a posthumous award in Zurich, Cal sees an opportunity to both honour his wife, and mend things with Zoe.
The plan is a European inter-railing trip to Zurich - but what Cal hasn't anticipated is Zoe lying to her father about it, and inviting their other relatives to join too. What starts off as a very awkward family reunion - punctuated with some sightseeing - quickly takes a turn as tempers fray, secrets are revealed, and the pent-up grief they're all still carrying is unleashed.
There's nothing quite like family. Except family on holiday...
- GenresFiction
Audible Audio
Published July 10, 2026
About the author
Mike Gayle
44 books2,359 followersI was born in the 70s — the 70s were great. I would recommend them to anyone.
I was also born in Birmingham — in my humble opinion the greatest city in the world with the nicest people too.
I used to live in London — a great city too. But a bit on the pricey side.
I also used to live in Manchester — another great city (although technically I lived in Salford which is next door but that’s sort of splitting hairs).
Before I went to university I wanted to be a social worker — I have no idea why. It didn’t last long.
After I left university I wanted to write for the NME — I’ve always loved music but it was only when I went to uni that it started loving me back. I can’t play any instruments or sing so writing about music seemed to make sense.
My first paid writing gig was for a listings magazine in Birmingham — (Actually my first unpaid writing gig was an interview with Kitchens of Distinction for Salford Student Magazine. I can’t begin to tell you how terrible it was.)
I used to write a music fanzine — it was called Incredibly Inedible and I co-edited it with my mate Jackie. We typed up the first issue on my dad’s olde worlde typewriter and then literally cut and paste on to A4 sheets using scissors and glue. Over the three years of its existence we interviewed many bands and artists including: Smashing Pumpkins, The Cranberries, Pavement, Bill Hicks and Blur.
I was also born in Birmingham — in my humble opinion the greatest city in the world with the nicest people too.
I used to live in London — a great city too. But a bit on the pricey side.
I also used to live in Manchester — another great city (although technically I lived in Salford which is next door but that’s sort of splitting hairs).
Before I went to university I wanted to be a social worker — I have no idea why. It didn’t last long.
After I left university I wanted to write for the NME — I’ve always loved music but it was only when I went to uni that it started loving me back. I can’t play any instruments or sing so writing about music seemed to make sense.
My first paid writing gig was for a listings magazine in Birmingham — (Actually my first unpaid writing gig was an interview with Kitchens of Distinction for Salford Student Magazine. I can’t begin to tell you how terrible it was.)
I used to write a music fanzine — it was called Incredibly Inedible and I co-edited it with my mate Jackie. We typed up the first issue on my dad’s olde worlde typewriter and then literally cut and paste on to A4 sheets using scissors and glue. Over the three years of its existence we interviewed many bands and artists including: Smashing Pumpkins, The Cranberries, Pavement, Bill Hicks and Blur.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 22, 2026
Disappointed with this book, found the story too long and actually a bit boring. The characters were dull and it was all so predictable. Mike Gayle's older novels were so much better and engaging but not this one or his last one either sadly.
May 31, 2026
When Cal loses his beloved wife Nikki, and his teenage step-daughter Zoe moves out to live with her father, his whole world falls apart. But life works in mysterious ways & when a prestigious university wants to pay tribute to Nikki with a posthumous award in Zurich, Cal sees an opportunity to both honour his wife, and mend things with Zoe. The plan is a European inter-railing trip to Zurich - but what Cal hasn't anticipated is Zoe lying to her father about it, & inviting their other relatives to join too. What starts off as a very awkward family reunion - punctuated with some sightseeing - quickly takes a turn as tempers fray, secrets are revealed & the pent-up grief they're all still carrying is unleashed. There's nothing quite like family. Except family on holiday...
It is always a good day when a new Mike Gayle book is published and I literally picked this up as soon as it arrived!
And what a book, I adored this in literally every possible way, instantly falling in love with a cast of wonderful characters - from the headstrong Zoe trying to find her place in the world following the death of her mother, Cal, the stepdad dealing with his grief, to the grandparents trying to hold the family together.
Taking us on a trip to Switzerland, with stops including Paris and Munich along the way, the story is told in POV chapters alternating between Zoe and Cal. Being told from these two characters perspectives builds the emotional side of the journey, with some added complications from other family members making this a trip that no one will forget.
As with all of Mike’s books, his writing emphasises the poignant elements of his characters and this book is very clear with the message of the importance of family, however disconnected they may become at times. The writing style perfectly embraces the reader’s connection to the characters, I was fully feeling the teenage angst from Zoe and the confusion of emotional grief in Cal, alongside the complexity of family dynamics and the issues encountered.
This is a heart-warming title that definitely tugs at the heart strings, giving you a warm fuzzy feeling inside, and is another fantastic example of Mike’s signature emotional & engaging writing style. I think this is one of my favourite titles by this author and is a much loved title added to the collection, highly recommend to all.
It is always a good day when a new Mike Gayle book is published and I literally picked this up as soon as it arrived!
And what a book, I adored this in literally every possible way, instantly falling in love with a cast of wonderful characters - from the headstrong Zoe trying to find her place in the world following the death of her mother, Cal, the stepdad dealing with his grief, to the grandparents trying to hold the family together.
Taking us on a trip to Switzerland, with stops including Paris and Munich along the way, the story is told in POV chapters alternating between Zoe and Cal. Being told from these two characters perspectives builds the emotional side of the journey, with some added complications from other family members making this a trip that no one will forget.
As with all of Mike’s books, his writing emphasises the poignant elements of his characters and this book is very clear with the message of the importance of family, however disconnected they may become at times. The writing style perfectly embraces the reader’s connection to the characters, I was fully feeling the teenage angst from Zoe and the confusion of emotional grief in Cal, alongside the complexity of family dynamics and the issues encountered.
This is a heart-warming title that definitely tugs at the heart strings, giving you a warm fuzzy feeling inside, and is another fantastic example of Mike’s signature emotional & engaging writing style. I think this is one of my favourite titles by this author and is a much loved title added to the collection, highly recommend to all.
June 30, 2026
On We Go is a family holiday saga that is an emotional heart- trip from start to finish. Zoe’s mum died and she’s struggling with her dad. Zoe’s mum, Nikki, had a last wish. She wanted Zoe to live with her stepdad, Cal. Unfortunately, Zoe’s family interfered with the arrangement. Cal is bereft with the loss of his wife and his stepdaughter. His relationship with Zoe has been nonexistent since she moved out and he’s been struggling with it all. When he gets word that Nikki has won a posthumous award it sets in motion a trip that uncovers family secrets, feelings, and regrets.
Gayle writes realistic characters who grab your attention, and heart, from the first page. On We Go is an enjoyable read, it is evocative. There are moments of hope and humour too - the balance is perfect.
Although grief is a major theme, which is stirred up through character interactions, it is delicately and realistically portrayed. The family dynamics are a train wreck waiting to happen, and throughout you are hoping the wheels of healing will begin to turn.
The writing, as it always is, is enrapturing. On We Go is hard to put down. If you have enjoyed previous books by Gayle, you will enjoy this one too. If you haven’t, you really should read at least one of his books. And when you do, I predict you’ll want to read more.
On Wednesday Go is a lovely holiday read. I highly recommend it.
A huge thank you to Hodder Books for the finished copy. All thoughts are my own.
Gayle writes realistic characters who grab your attention, and heart, from the first page. On We Go is an enjoyable read, it is evocative. There are moments of hope and humour too - the balance is perfect.
Although grief is a major theme, which is stirred up through character interactions, it is delicately and realistically portrayed. The family dynamics are a train wreck waiting to happen, and throughout you are hoping the wheels of healing will begin to turn.
The writing, as it always is, is enrapturing. On We Go is hard to put down. If you have enjoyed previous books by Gayle, you will enjoy this one too. If you haven’t, you really should read at least one of his books. And when you do, I predict you’ll want to read more.
On Wednesday Go is a lovely holiday read. I highly recommend it.
A huge thank you to Hodder Books for the finished copy. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Mike Gayle has long since been known for his trademark humour, warmth and emotion - something that comes through in all of his novels. He is a 'go to' Author for many for his books that explore the complexities of modern relationships with a great combination of warmth and humour - and On We Go is no exception.
The best part about this book is that it's real - the portrayal of a messy and complex family is something that many will be able to relate to, perfectly imperfect and completely easy to become addicted to reading about. There's a healthy dose of tension, unresolved grief, and long-buried secrets - but for a novel with grief at its heart, it's strangely uplifting. The balance of optimism with sadness reminders us that healing is not linear nor straightforward, and I loved that. The characters felt all the more believable and easily relatable for it.
A compassionate and deeply human novel that reminds us family journeys are rarely about the destination..
The best part about this book is that it's real - the portrayal of a messy and complex family is something that many will be able to relate to, perfectly imperfect and completely easy to become addicted to reading about. There's a healthy dose of tension, unresolved grief, and long-buried secrets - but for a novel with grief at its heart, it's strangely uplifting. The balance of optimism with sadness reminders us that healing is not linear nor straightforward, and I loved that. The characters felt all the more believable and easily relatable for it.
A compassionate and deeply human novel that reminds us family journeys are rarely about the destination..
June 8, 2026
I love Mike Gayle books, this something comforting about reading one, On We Go is no exception.
This was such a moving read. At its heart, it’s a story about grief, family, and the complicated relationships that remain after someone you love is gone. Cal’s journey to Zurich to honour his late wife, Nikki, starts out as an attempt to reconnect with his stepdaughter Zoe, but quickly becomes something much messier—and much more meaningful.
I loved how the story balanced the beautiful European backdrop with the raw emotions simmering beneath the surface. The family dynamics felt authentic, with each character carrying their own grief and baggage. As secrets come to light and tensions rise, the novel explores loss and healing with both honesty and heart.
Warm, emotional, and ultimately uplifting, this is the kind of family drama that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
This was such a moving read. At its heart, it’s a story about grief, family, and the complicated relationships that remain after someone you love is gone. Cal’s journey to Zurich to honour his late wife, Nikki, starts out as an attempt to reconnect with his stepdaughter Zoe, but quickly becomes something much messier—and much more meaningful.
I loved how the story balanced the beautiful European backdrop with the raw emotions simmering beneath the surface. The family dynamics felt authentic, with each character carrying their own grief and baggage. As secrets come to light and tensions rise, the novel explores loss and healing with both honesty and heart.
Warm, emotional, and ultimately uplifting, this is the kind of family drama that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
So good, I read this in one day! Main character Cal has lost his wife Nikki, a renowned research scientist, to leukaemia and his step-daughter Zoe has moved out to live with her father. He learns that Nikki is to receive a posthumous prize in Zurich and decides that he and Zoe will accept the award on her behalf. But as events unfold, the rest of the family (brother-in-law, mother and father-in-law, Zoe's dad and her godmother) join in the trip across Europe. This is part family drama, part travelogue told through the eyes of Cal and Zoe. The story has a lot to say about family dynamics and grief - beautifully told and funny too, as I've come to expect from this author. One of my books of the year so far.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this before interviewing Mike on my podcast, The Write Club and wow! It did not disappoint - it had absolutely everything you’d want in a heartwarming family drama. Laughter, tears, moments of rage and relief. I devoured the book in two sittings and would suggest everyone goes out and buys (or preorders) as soon as possible!
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July 8, 2026A man and his step daughter mourn their wife / mum and he plans a trip for the two of them, inter railing round Europe as the three of them had planned to do, to collect an award she’d won as a cancer researcher. Somehow her crazy extended family decide they’re all going and it gets out of hand with lots of crazy events etc. All comes well in the end of course.
June 9, 2026
A big fan of Mike Gayle's books and i have read them all. This another good one although I disliked all the characters except perhaps Jen which is fine as its a sign of a good writer albeit I suspect he didn't think a reader would dislike all of them!!
June 27, 2026
Another good read by Mike Gayle.
Lots of interesting family dynamics. As a stepmother, I know how hard it is to be accepted. After 30 years, I’ve given up trying. I can do no more but it was nice to see this storyline played out from the male perspective.
Well worth a read.
Lots of interesting family dynamics. As a stepmother, I know how hard it is to be accepted. After 30 years, I’ve given up trying. I can do no more but it was nice to see this storyline played out from the male perspective.
Well worth a read.
July 1, 2026
I have always loved Mike Gayle books but recently not so much. This time round, despite a promising storyline I just couldn't summon up the enthusiasm to carry on. Characters are superficial and incredibly irritating. Just had no investment in it
June 23, 2026
Excellent from start to finish, Mike Gayle is the real deal!!
Usual high standard, coupled with laughter and tears, most enjoyable
Usual high standard, coupled with laughter and tears, most enjoyable
June 28, 2026
Classic Mike Gayle. Enjoyable, lazy read.
July 5, 2026
Another well written book by Mike. I read this book in less than 3 days.
It was a heart felt story, with laughter and tears.
Can't wait for another story
It was a heart felt story, with laughter and tears.
Can't wait for another story
July 5, 2026
The characters stayed annoying to the finish. Drama queens every one of them. Felt like a script for a movie with Hugh Grant as Dean where the story would be moved to Xmas time.
July 7, 2026
I loved this book. The characters, especially Zoe, are really well written, making it easy to empathise with their situations and want to keep reading. I’ve been awake since 3am finishing the book!
Review of advance copy
Bit of a busy story, be not a bad read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews