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The Last Week of Him: Thirty Years of Friendship. Three Women. One Devastating Truth
Fans of Jojo Moyes and Emily Henry will love this. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The reunion they never wanted. The truth they can’t ignore.
Nora Cunningham is walking her dog on a Dublin beach when a message flashes on her phone that shatters her world.
In London, Fern O’Malley is on her way to rehearsals at the Globe Theatre when the same message shocks her to the core.
Clo Kennedy is in the arms of her lover in New York City when they both get the devastating message.
Danny O’Connor – once the golden boy of their secondary school and a member of their sixth-year drama group – has died suddenly at forty-nine, in their hometown of Belmullet on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
As the friends return to the west of Ireland for the week-long funeral and memorial, old wounds are reopened, and long-buried secrets rise to the surface. Emotions run high as drama unfolds. What truths have they been hiding from one another – and from themselves?
Set against a wild and rugged landscape, this gripping novel is a story of friendship, betrayal and secrets that refuse to stay buried
Perfect for readers who enjoy moving women’s fiction full of emotion, atmosphere, and unforgettable characters.
The reunion they never wanted. The truth they can’t ignore.
Nora Cunningham is walking her dog on a Dublin beach when a message flashes on her phone that shatters her world.
In London, Fern O’Malley is on her way to rehearsals at the Globe Theatre when the same message shocks her to the core.
Clo Kennedy is in the arms of her lover in New York City when they both get the devastating message.
Danny O’Connor – once the golden boy of their secondary school and a member of their sixth-year drama group – has died suddenly at forty-nine, in their hometown of Belmullet on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
As the friends return to the west of Ireland for the week-long funeral and memorial, old wounds are reopened, and long-buried secrets rise to the surface. Emotions run high as drama unfolds. What truths have they been hiding from one another – and from themselves?
Set against a wild and rugged landscape, this gripping novel is a story of friendship, betrayal and secrets that refuse to stay buried
Perfect for readers who enjoy moving women’s fiction full of emotion, atmosphere, and unforgettable characters.
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Published March 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 16, 2026
The Last Week of Him is the third book that I’ve read by one of my favourite Irish authors Ruth O’Leary.
Well this was another superb read and I honestly could not put it down . Right from the very first I was pulled into the story and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out what exactly was going on. There were a few shocks in store, one of which I did see coming but there was others that literally blew me away. Each of the main characters are hiding a secret or two and I was so invested in these characters. The descriptions of Belmullet and other places were described so well that I could actually visualise it in my head and could literally smell the sea air. From start to finish I was completely consumed by this book and loved every chapter.
Well this was another superb read and I honestly could not put it down . Right from the very first I was pulled into the story and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out what exactly was going on. There were a few shocks in store, one of which I did see coming but there was others that literally blew me away. Each of the main characters are hiding a secret or two and I was so invested in these characters. The descriptions of Belmullet and other places were described so well that I could actually visualise it in my head and could literally smell the sea air. From start to finish I was completely consumed by this book and loved every chapter.
March 7, 2026
I love reading Ruth - she writes a compelling unputdownable story that always satisfies. She invoked the small town vibe and got to grips with themes of friendship and love. Some likeable characters and some deliberately unlikeable - a great mix. Looking forward to the next one!
February 8, 2026
Wow, wow, wow! What a story. A slow burn that blew my socks off at the end!
Ruth has an uncanny ability to draw you in casually and then set hooks into you so you can't put the story down until you find out what happens next.
I wont give any spoilers but this small town is packed full of twists and turns and you will love every minute of it!
Ruth has an uncanny ability to draw you in casually and then set hooks into you so you can't put the story down until you find out what happens next.
I wont give any spoilers but this small town is packed full of twists and turns and you will love every minute of it!
March 12, 2026
The Last Week of Him by Ruth O’Leary published March 4th with Poolbeg Press and is described as a novel that is ‘perfect for readers who enjoy moving women’s fiction full of emotion, atmosphere, and unforgettable characters. I really enjoyed both of Ruth’s previous novels, The Weekend Break and >A Week to Remember, so I was really looking forward to diving in.
When three friends, Fern, Clo and Nora, receive a shocking text that their old school friend, Danny O’Connor, has suddenly died, they are all extremely upset. In school they had been very close, in particular during their final year, when they all had bonded in a drama group. In the years that followed they remained in contact, catching up whenever life allowed it, with the intention that reunions would always be on the cards in their future.
Fern, was the backbone of the school drama group, fulfilling her acting ambitions when she moved to London. On hearing the tragic news, she leaves rehearsals at The Globe Theatre, catching a flight home to Ireland. Fern’s parents are away on holidays so Fern extends an invite to Nora and Clo to stay with her. Growing up, Fern’s house was where they all loved to hang out. Her parents were both creative types with a home that radiated love and warmth. They encouraged Fern in her career and she considered her childhood to be a happy one. Fern has been meaning to speak with Nora and Clo about something for quite some time so she decides that Danny’s funeral is the perfect opportunity to have that long-overdue chat.
Nora, now living in Dublin with her young daughter, Millie, has had to rebuild her life following a traumatic divorce. As a self-employed landscaper, she has adapted to this new world but Danny O’Connor’s death has really taken the wind out of her sails. Nora returns to Belmullet dreading the funeral and all that it entails. Seeing Danny in a coffin is not something she feels she can cope with. She knows the girls will have her back but, she is nervous, because like Nora, she too needs to talk to them privately.
Clo is the vivacious and flirty friend who grew up in a difficult environment but has always tried to step outside of it. When in New York, she comes alive in the arms of her secret lover but when they both receive the news that Danny is dead, the jolt to them both is palpable. Clo is reticent to return back to Belmullet. She has her own secrets that she is afraid will spill out over the few days. Can she protect herself? Can she keep her family intact?
Nora, Fern and Clo share a long history, with each thinking they know everything about the other but nothing could be further from the truth. All arrive in Belmullet for one week and as the days roll by, threads start to unravel and snippets of information begin to reveal themselves. Can this friendship survive the ripple effects that will inevitably transpire?
Location plays an important role throughout Ruth O’Leary’s work. She is an avid traveller, documenting her adventures via her travel blog Rambling Ruth. In The Last Week of Him, the gorgeous Wild Atlantic Way is beautifully depicted bringing the sounds and smells of the west coast of Ireland very much to life. Ruth has a wonderful way of describing the women she writes about, making them all very accessible to her readers. Across the decades, Nora, Fern and Clo have loved and forgave as friends should. Now, they face a challenge that could be detrimental to their friendship, one which they have never envisioned. During this one week in Belmullet, as they gather together to bury their dear friend, can they hold the strings together…or has too much damage been done?
Ruth O’Leary writes very emotive stories about women, capturing the complex challenges of life. The Last Week of Him is an atmospheric tale, a tender exploration of love, grief, friendships and relationships, an endearing and heart-warming novel.
When three friends, Fern, Clo and Nora, receive a shocking text that their old school friend, Danny O’Connor, has suddenly died, they are all extremely upset. In school they had been very close, in particular during their final year, when they all had bonded in a drama group. In the years that followed they remained in contact, catching up whenever life allowed it, with the intention that reunions would always be on the cards in their future.
Fern, was the backbone of the school drama group, fulfilling her acting ambitions when she moved to London. On hearing the tragic news, she leaves rehearsals at The Globe Theatre, catching a flight home to Ireland. Fern’s parents are away on holidays so Fern extends an invite to Nora and Clo to stay with her. Growing up, Fern’s house was where they all loved to hang out. Her parents were both creative types with a home that radiated love and warmth. They encouraged Fern in her career and she considered her childhood to be a happy one. Fern has been meaning to speak with Nora and Clo about something for quite some time so she decides that Danny’s funeral is the perfect opportunity to have that long-overdue chat.
Nora, now living in Dublin with her young daughter, Millie, has had to rebuild her life following a traumatic divorce. As a self-employed landscaper, she has adapted to this new world but Danny O’Connor’s death has really taken the wind out of her sails. Nora returns to Belmullet dreading the funeral and all that it entails. Seeing Danny in a coffin is not something she feels she can cope with. She knows the girls will have her back but, she is nervous, because like Nora, she too needs to talk to them privately.
Clo is the vivacious and flirty friend who grew up in a difficult environment but has always tried to step outside of it. When in New York, she comes alive in the arms of her secret lover but when they both receive the news that Danny is dead, the jolt to them both is palpable. Clo is reticent to return back to Belmullet. She has her own secrets that she is afraid will spill out over the few days. Can she protect herself? Can she keep her family intact?
Nora, Fern and Clo share a long history, with each thinking they know everything about the other but nothing could be further from the truth. All arrive in Belmullet for one week and as the days roll by, threads start to unravel and snippets of information begin to reveal themselves. Can this friendship survive the ripple effects that will inevitably transpire?
Location plays an important role throughout Ruth O’Leary’s work. She is an avid traveller, documenting her adventures via her travel blog Rambling Ruth. In The Last Week of Him, the gorgeous Wild Atlantic Way is beautifully depicted bringing the sounds and smells of the west coast of Ireland very much to life. Ruth has a wonderful way of describing the women she writes about, making them all very accessible to her readers. Across the decades, Nora, Fern and Clo have loved and forgave as friends should. Now, they face a challenge that could be detrimental to their friendship, one which they have never envisioned. During this one week in Belmullet, as they gather together to bury their dear friend, can they hold the strings together…or has too much damage been done?
Ruth O’Leary writes very emotive stories about women, capturing the complex challenges of life. The Last Week of Him is an atmospheric tale, a tender exploration of love, grief, friendships and relationships, an endearing and heart-warming novel.
March 12, 2026
Hmm. I thought this book had a slow start, and I had a hard time keeping track of who was who. Then I got caught up in the very soap-opera-like story and was enjoying it. Then I got to the end and thought, "what the heck?!" except in less dignified vernacular. Years ago I read and enjoyed Maeve Binchy's books, and this came across as a poor imitation of that beloved author's style. The "him" in question has just died, and the "last week" is the time spent by three women, who were best friends in high school and have now come back for "his" funeral week. In scattered flashbacks we learn a little bit about a play the extended friend group took part in during their senior year, a little bit about encounters a few of them have had throughout the intervening 20 or so years, and then slowly we learn details about the present lives (and secrets) of the three friends. I try hard not to criticize fellow writers, but I believe one of our prime responsibilities is to leave the reader satisfied to have spent time with a book, and for me, at least, The Last Week of Him fails in this respect. I’m grateful to NetGalley for an early review copy of this audiobook, and the narration was excellent.
March 4, 2026
I listened to the audio version of this book narrated by Ailish Jeffers. The narration was wonderful. I didn't have any trouble discerning the different characters. For those of us who aren't Irish, the accent was easy to understand. The story and the narration pulled me right into the story.
This could be classified as literary fiction or maybe even contemporary women's fiction. The story surrounds the death of a member of a group of old friends. I think they were in their forties. They come back to their home town for the funeral. The past is brought up, but those with secrets are holding them close to their chest. Some eventually come out as three women in the group share a house, but not everyone is willing to share. Oh, how complicated things have become! Their secrets have an impact on each of them. It was wonderful how the author put everything together. I loved it!
Thanks to Bolinda Audio for the audio via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
This could be classified as literary fiction or maybe even contemporary women's fiction. The story surrounds the death of a member of a group of old friends. I think they were in their forties. They come back to their home town for the funeral. The past is brought up, but those with secrets are holding them close to their chest. Some eventually come out as three women in the group share a house, but not everyone is willing to share. Oh, how complicated things have become! Their secrets have an impact on each of them. It was wonderful how the author put everything together. I loved it!
Thanks to Bolinda Audio for the audio via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First time reader of this author and I will be looking up additional books to read. The descriptions of Ireland and the closeness of friendships are amazing. Contemporary fiction novel about three women who reunite in their hometown in the west of Ireland for the funeral of a former schoolmate, Danny O'Connor, uncovering long-buried secrets and testing their friendship. Each of the main characters are hiding a secret or two and these characters draw the reader in to learn more about them as well as the circumstances. The narration is clear and adds nice to the books content. The book is engaging as well as shows the impact of secrets. Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley.
March 9, 2026
Great mix of characters!
A little bit of everything. Enough pace to keep the plot ticking over nicely. There are a few dubious morals, a few more twists than a country lane and a few more laughs than I expected.
A satisfying friendship drama spanning 30 years.
A little bit of everything. Enough pace to keep the plot ticking over nicely. There are a few dubious morals, a few more twists than a country lane and a few more laughs than I expected.
A satisfying friendship drama spanning 30 years.
March 23, 2026
The Last Week of Him by Ruth O'Learyis the emotional story of Nora, Fern and Clo,three friends who return to the west coast of Ireland for the funeral of theDanny the once Golden boy of the school.
The Last week of Him, is the typical trope of having friends returning home for a reunion after a number of years (30 in this case), however added to this we have the emotional resonance of a loss of a friend.
While the centre of the story is the week of the funeral and a memorial, the novel uses flashbacks to tell how the three individuals interacted with Danny in the time at school and over the last 30 years.
All this is done in such a way that it is not difficult to keep track of which individual you are following at the time as all 3 main characters are really well defined.
In addition to this being a well crafted story Ruth O’Leary excels in the way that the location of the West coast of Ireland becomes more than a backdrop to the novel but part of it instead.
One thing that felt a little week as a reader was how little the novel failed to pull on the emotional strings, as much as it could have.
Yes there were scenes when the individuals were affected by the events but as a reader there was very little that pulled on the heart strings. Although this could have been that there was little to connect the reader to the character of the dead man, or the novel did not want to pull on those strings.
Having said that, The Last Week of Him by Ruth O'Learyis a beautifully written story about friendship loss and how individual decisions can affect your life into the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Last week of Him, is the typical trope of having friends returning home for a reunion after a number of years (30 in this case), however added to this we have the emotional resonance of a loss of a friend.
While the centre of the story is the week of the funeral and a memorial, the novel uses flashbacks to tell how the three individuals interacted with Danny in the time at school and over the last 30 years.
All this is done in such a way that it is not difficult to keep track of which individual you are following at the time as all 3 main characters are really well defined.
In addition to this being a well crafted story Ruth O’Leary excels in the way that the location of the West coast of Ireland becomes more than a backdrop to the novel but part of it instead.
One thing that felt a little week as a reader was how little the novel failed to pull on the emotional strings, as much as it could have.
Yes there were scenes when the individuals were affected by the events but as a reader there was very little that pulled on the heart strings. Although this could have been that there was little to connect the reader to the character of the dead man, or the novel did not want to pull on those strings.
Having said that, The Last Week of Him by Ruth O'Learyis a beautifully written story about friendship loss and how individual decisions can affect your life into the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 23, 2026
I couldn’t put this book down. I loved every minute of it. I was pulled into the story right from the very first pages.
A story about friendship, betrayal and secrets that won’t stay buried.
It’s beautifully written, descriptive, emotional, atmospheric with unforgettable characters and a few shocks/secrets revealed throughout.
Definitely recommend this if you enjoy women’s fiction. It’s well worth the read.
A story about friendship, betrayal and secrets that won’t stay buried.
It’s beautifully written, descriptive, emotional, atmospheric with unforgettable characters and a few shocks/secrets revealed throughout.
Definitely recommend this if you enjoy women’s fiction. It’s well worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews