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Four
One weekend towards the end of summer, charged on drink and lust and love and disappointment, two couples exchange partners for a single night. But the repercussions will last a great deal longer. Told from the perspectives of all four characters, FOUR is a book about love, secrets, friendship and fidelity. A story full of dilemmas, deceits and twists that will keep you guessing until the final page.
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 26, 2018
75 people are currently reading
582 people want to read
About the author
Andy Jones
9 books103 followersAndy Jones lives in London with his wife and two little girls. During the day he works in an advertising agency; at weekends and horribly early in the mornings, he writes fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
August 1, 2018
Four is an engaging and intelligent, modern read. Andy Jones wrote a thought-provoking story of complex relationships and consequences and repercussions of choices and decisions we make.
Sally, Al and Mike, four old friends, and Faye, newly introduced to the mix, are all complex and intriguing characters. Those four people and their individual stories and also the story of their friendship, the fall out resulting from one night of recklessness, kept my interest throughout and really made me think how much we can sometimes underestimate the possible outcomes of our actions.
Andy Jones wrote an absolutely fascinating story. Story that's captivating and complex and still has me thinking.
Recommended!
Sally, Al and Mike, four old friends, and Faye, newly introduced to the mix, are all complex and intriguing characters. Those four people and their individual stories and also the story of their friendship, the fall out resulting from one night of recklessness, kept my interest throughout and really made me think how much we can sometimes underestimate the possible outcomes of our actions.
Andy Jones wrote an absolutely fascinating story. Story that's captivating and complex and still has me thinking.
Recommended!
December 31, 2018
I wouldn't call this novel "trashy", but it's a bit of all and nothing. The plot is very sensationalist, with dramatic characters and overly-complicated love triangles that are never resolved. It was entertaining for the most part, and a nice, easy read for the end of the year, but nothing particularly special.
August 15, 2018
‘In the time they've known each other, Sally, Al and Mike have shared - well, almost everything.
As the three old friends sit on a train heading towards Brighton to meet Faye, little do they know that after this weekend, the four of them will have shared . . . everything.’
After a run of thrillers recently Four was just what I needed – a refreshing change. Four is the story of an eventful night and it’s resulting consequences; told from a multi POV we get to see the aftermath from all perspectives. The characters are convincingly flawed but likeable and the relationships between them are well developed and compelling. It was the characterisation that I love the most about this novel. It was well written, there were no cliches or predictable tropes. I’d happily read Andy Jones again but don’t think I’ll ever play a game of ‘never have I ever’ again!
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this e copy in exchange for an honest review.
As the three old friends sit on a train heading towards Brighton to meet Faye, little do they know that after this weekend, the four of them will have shared . . . everything.’
After a run of thrillers recently Four was just what I needed – a refreshing change. Four is the story of an eventful night and it’s resulting consequences; told from a multi POV we get to see the aftermath from all perspectives. The characters are convincingly flawed but likeable and the relationships between them are well developed and compelling. It was the characterisation that I love the most about this novel. It was well written, there were no cliches or predictable tropes. I’d happily read Andy Jones again but don’t think I’ll ever play a game of ‘never have I ever’ again!
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this e copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2018
Have you ever considered having a foursome or partner swapping?
This is the story of Sally and Al who are married, that are best friends with Mike who is going out with Faye who is considerably younger than they are.
On the groups first meeting with Faye, with rather too much alcohol and drugs taken, there is an idea that they would swap partners for the night.
What follows is a story from all perspectives looking into how the various relationships and group dynamics change.
I was slightly disappointed that the main sex of the book was predominately behind closed doors, but apart from that I really enjoyed seeing the aftermath of their hedonistic night!
I was completely absorbed by the story, and really wasn't sure what the final outcomes would be, but thoroughly enjoyed finding out.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
This is the story of Sally and Al who are married, that are best friends with Mike who is going out with Faye who is considerably younger than they are.
On the groups first meeting with Faye, with rather too much alcohol and drugs taken, there is an idea that they would swap partners for the night.
What follows is a story from all perspectives looking into how the various relationships and group dynamics change.
I was slightly disappointed that the main sex of the book was predominately behind closed doors, but apart from that I really enjoyed seeing the aftermath of their hedonistic night!
I was completely absorbed by the story, and really wasn't sure what the final outcomes would be, but thoroughly enjoyed finding out.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 30, 2018
Adult fiction is the genre I don't always gravitate towards. I guess it's because the books end up making me feel heavier and not necessarily better. But at the same time, those negative emotions, are exactly why Four is among my favourite reads of this year.
Four people, two couples, one night. It reads like a movie poster, and it could be a really good movie as well. It is a multiple POV book, where we get all four voices and while one is especially awful (while being well written), the other three are easy to root for. I was having a really hard time not rooting for them, and it felt like cheating, when the end used such methods to define their relationship.
All in all, Four is a great read and a really special one! I'm glad I picked up this cover, bought this book for its cover, and trusted my instincts. Because sometimes, it just works out so well!
Four people, two couples, one night. It reads like a movie poster, and it could be a really good movie as well. It is a multiple POV book, where we get all four voices and while one is especially awful (while being well written), the other three are easy to root for. I was having a really hard time not rooting for them, and it felt like cheating, when the end used such methods to define their relationship.
All in all, Four is a great read and a really special one! I'm glad I picked up this cover, bought this book for its cover, and trusted my instincts. Because sometimes, it just works out so well!
December 10, 2018
Four begins with three old friends, all nearly in their forties, travelling by train to Brighton to meet Mike’s girlfriend Faye, an actress who is still in her prime. After watching her provocative theatre performance, the group spend the remainder of their night in a rented house, keeping themselves entertained with never have I ever. Charged on drink, drugs, and desire, events blur and the couples wind up exchanging partners for a night. A night which would inevitably have life-long repercussions.
The last book I read was a dull one. So, I was craving a scandalous novel full of drama and deceit to sink my teeth into. Four did not disappoint. After this one reckless night, Jones takes us on a winding path of dilemmas, disappointment and desire.
The multiple perspectives of the four characters interweave seamlessly, each revealing their individual desires and backgrounds, some of which have the potential to make or break relationships. Jones immaculately depicts feelings of awkwardness, guilt and regret as the weeks after that hasty night slowly pass by. All four characters have their flaws, and I warmed to all but one – Alistair. He seems like the multifaceted man who thinks he can sweet-talk anyone into doing what he desires, be it business or sex. Not a man I could bear to be around.
Nonetheless, the story built up to an unforeseen ending and despite its slow beginning, Four is the perfect read for someone who loves dynamic characters and modern-day relationship scandals. It would make an interesting episode of Jeremy Kyle that’s for sure.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The last book I read was a dull one. So, I was craving a scandalous novel full of drama and deceit to sink my teeth into. Four did not disappoint. After this one reckless night, Jones takes us on a winding path of dilemmas, disappointment and desire.
The multiple perspectives of the four characters interweave seamlessly, each revealing their individual desires and backgrounds, some of which have the potential to make or break relationships. Jones immaculately depicts feelings of awkwardness, guilt and regret as the weeks after that hasty night slowly pass by. All four characters have their flaws, and I warmed to all but one – Alistair. He seems like the multifaceted man who thinks he can sweet-talk anyone into doing what he desires, be it business or sex. Not a man I could bear to be around.
Nonetheless, the story built up to an unforeseen ending and despite its slow beginning, Four is the perfect read for someone who loves dynamic characters and modern-day relationship scandals. It would make an interesting episode of Jeremy Kyle that’s for sure.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2019
Somewhere between a three and a four star, this had plenty I quite liked, but a number of qualities which prevented me from really enjoying the story. The novel's opening chapters deal with two couples, three of the four being good friends and colleagues (plus the fairly new girlfriends of one of the men), agreeing to swap partners during a crazy weekend away together. The majority of the book explores the consequences of this night and the effect on the four of them as couples and individuals.
It's fairly obvious stuff, in truth, but sensitively handled, and with some unexpected twists that make this more than the expected 'Was that a mistake? It has caused me to question myself, my choices and my existing relationships' that was naturally going to form the main focus of this short, but at times intense, story.
Alas, aside from the fact I found most of it pretty predictable, I didn't much invest in the four main characters because I found them mainly unlikeable - which lowered my enthusiasm about the novel. I'm no moralistic prude, but I basically came to the conclusion that these people probably deserved all the complicated and at times traumatic shit that came their way, because of the way they behaved at, and after, the time they chose to damage their relationships by indulging in (albeit consensual) 'swapping'. Maybe had the section of the book prior to the partner swapping been longer and felt like less of a 'get drunk, take coke, make a likely regrettable sexual choice without considering the likely fall-out' narrative that occurred at great pace, I would have found more to sympathise with in the latter 80% of the book, but I assume the author chose this placing and emphasis.
It's fairly obvious stuff, in truth, but sensitively handled, and with some unexpected twists that make this more than the expected 'Was that a mistake? It has caused me to question myself, my choices and my existing relationships' that was naturally going to form the main focus of this short, but at times intense, story.
Alas, aside from the fact I found most of it pretty predictable, I didn't much invest in the four main characters because I found them mainly unlikeable - which lowered my enthusiasm about the novel. I'm no moralistic prude, but I basically came to the conclusion that these people probably deserved all the complicated and at times traumatic shit that came their way, because of the way they behaved at, and after, the time they chose to damage their relationships by indulging in (albeit consensual) 'swapping'. Maybe had the section of the book prior to the partner swapping been longer and felt like less of a 'get drunk, take coke, make a likely regrettable sexual choice without considering the likely fall-out' narrative that occurred at great pace, I would have found more to sympathise with in the latter 80% of the book, but I assume the author chose this placing and emphasis.
April 29, 2018
I started this book one night (well, technically early morning), when I couldn't sleep. Hoping that reading would send me back off to sleep, I actually found myself having read through half of it by the time I would normally wake up.
"Four" tells the story of Mike, Al and Sally; they have all been friends for a long time; Sally and Al have been married for seven years, and Sally was best friends with Mike whilst they were at university together. Now in their thirties, the three of them travel to Brighton to meet Faye, Mike's new girlfriend who is in her twenties and an actress. Following a performance by Faye in her latest play, the four friends stay in a rented house together, drinking and taking drugs. It is this night that then changes all of their lives. As the reader, we get to hear from each character, learning their take on what happened, and the repercussions of it.
Having not read anything by Jones before, I wasn't sure what to expect when I first came to this novel. What surprised me was, given the subject matter at hand, how well he wrote each character; there were times during each of their narrations that I found myself thinking that their psychology was spot on. It sounds silly, but each character felt very real to me; I think part of this was because of how Jones handled the night in question. Rather than using gratuitous detail, he concentrates instead on smaller details; which of the men 'finishes' first, and how they think about this. The awkwardness, regret and trepidation of each character is perfectly explored. The progression of the tale seems almost inevitable when you begin to realise where it is heading, but I have to admit that the ending came as somewhat of a surprise to me.
This novel would be perfect for someone who enjoys exploring the psychology and dynamics of relationships. It is not a novel that necessarily has a happy ending - and I think this would apply regardless of how Jones had decided to bring it to its conclusion - rather, this is a novel that unfolds before you. Even though the plotline will be out of many peoples' experience, the way the characters think about themselves, and their various relationships should see times when you can fully relate to them; their fears, their hopes, their reckless desires. I would definitely recommend this book.
"Four" tells the story of Mike, Al and Sally; they have all been friends for a long time; Sally and Al have been married for seven years, and Sally was best friends with Mike whilst they were at university together. Now in their thirties, the three of them travel to Brighton to meet Faye, Mike's new girlfriend who is in her twenties and an actress. Following a performance by Faye in her latest play, the four friends stay in a rented house together, drinking and taking drugs. It is this night that then changes all of their lives. As the reader, we get to hear from each character, learning their take on what happened, and the repercussions of it.
Having not read anything by Jones before, I wasn't sure what to expect when I first came to this novel. What surprised me was, given the subject matter at hand, how well he wrote each character; there were times during each of their narrations that I found myself thinking that their psychology was spot on. It sounds silly, but each character felt very real to me; I think part of this was because of how Jones handled the night in question. Rather than using gratuitous detail, he concentrates instead on smaller details; which of the men 'finishes' first, and how they think about this. The awkwardness, regret and trepidation of each character is perfectly explored. The progression of the tale seems almost inevitable when you begin to realise where it is heading, but I have to admit that the ending came as somewhat of a surprise to me.
This novel would be perfect for someone who enjoys exploring the psychology and dynamics of relationships. It is not a novel that necessarily has a happy ending - and I think this would apply regardless of how Jones had decided to bring it to its conclusion - rather, this is a novel that unfolds before you. Even though the plotline will be out of many peoples' experience, the way the characters think about themselves, and their various relationships should see times when you can fully relate to them; their fears, their hopes, their reckless desires. I would definitely recommend this book.
October 23, 2019
I'm really conflicted about this book, it must be well written because I kept reading it even though I pretty much disliked the characters or found their actions very unlikely! However although I struggled with suspending my disbelief I did read the whole thing and found it quite gripping with some unexpected twists. The moral of the tale being fairly simple, don't shag your friends or swap partners, it'll end in tears.
August 3, 2018
I read and enjoyed a previous book by Andy Jones, Girl 99, so when I saw he had a new book coming out with such an engaging cover, I was immediately tempted. The cover is very clever and hints at some of the conflicts contained in the pages within.
I thought Four got off to a fairly slow start. The main action takes place very early on, but there's also quite a bit of scene-setting and introduction to the characters. I did keep getting the two couples muddled up (perhaps this was prescient given what was about to take place!). But what that slow start did was draw me into the action bit by bit until I was thoroughly engrossed in what the two couples were doing and feeling.
Those two couples are Sally and Alistair, married for seven years, together for ten, and Mike and Faye whose relationship is very new. But Sally and Mike have known each other since university and have shared more than just a friendship over the years, and Mike and Alistair work together. So things are complicated when the three friends set off to see Faye in a play in Brighton. A game of Never Have I Ever leads to far more than any of them could have anticipated, and the consequences are potentially far-reaching.
I thought Four was a very intelligent piece of writing about relationships, feelings, regrets and life's complications. Andy Jones completely hits the spot and has written such an emotive and thoughtful story. His ability to write about flawed characters and difficult situations is something that I saw in Girl 99 too. I was able to immerse myself in the individual predicaments of each character in Four and see it from all sides and although none of the characters comes out unscathed, I thought the conclusion was fitting.
Four perfectly portrays the dynamics between friends, lovers and rivals. The characterisations are so well-drawn that I felt like I was on the rollercoaster of emotions with them. I got to the end of the book and felt satisfied. It's such a human story and I found myself caring about what happened to the characters and wondering how on earth matters could be resolved.
Give it a go. After all, as the characters say a lot during that fateful night in Brighton, 'you only regret the things you don't do' and you'll definitely regret not reading Four.
I thought Four got off to a fairly slow start. The main action takes place very early on, but there's also quite a bit of scene-setting and introduction to the characters. I did keep getting the two couples muddled up (perhaps this was prescient given what was about to take place!). But what that slow start did was draw me into the action bit by bit until I was thoroughly engrossed in what the two couples were doing and feeling.
Those two couples are Sally and Alistair, married for seven years, together for ten, and Mike and Faye whose relationship is very new. But Sally and Mike have known each other since university and have shared more than just a friendship over the years, and Mike and Alistair work together. So things are complicated when the three friends set off to see Faye in a play in Brighton. A game of Never Have I Ever leads to far more than any of them could have anticipated, and the consequences are potentially far-reaching.
I thought Four was a very intelligent piece of writing about relationships, feelings, regrets and life's complications. Andy Jones completely hits the spot and has written such an emotive and thoughtful story. His ability to write about flawed characters and difficult situations is something that I saw in Girl 99 too. I was able to immerse myself in the individual predicaments of each character in Four and see it from all sides and although none of the characters comes out unscathed, I thought the conclusion was fitting.
Four perfectly portrays the dynamics between friends, lovers and rivals. The characterisations are so well-drawn that I felt like I was on the rollercoaster of emotions with them. I got to the end of the book and felt satisfied. It's such a human story and I found myself caring about what happened to the characters and wondering how on earth matters could be resolved.
Give it a go. After all, as the characters say a lot during that fateful night in Brighton, 'you only regret the things you don't do' and you'll definitely regret not reading Four.
July 26, 2018
This is one of those stories which begins in such a way that you can't help but think it's not going to work out well. Sally and Al have been married for seven years and when they go away for a weekend in Brighton with their shared friend, Mike and his new girlfriend, Faye, all is set for a drink and drug fuelled weekend. When lust for each other's partners rears its ugly head, there is so much to lose and it seems, not much to be gained from swapping bed partners for a night.
Four felt like a very modern story, peopled with characters who work in high stress occupations and who like to relax at the weekend, however, this foursome are about to find out, to their cost, that for any action, however superficial it may seem in the cold light of day, or drink and drug fuelled night, there are always going to be consequences.
At the beginning I wasn't too sure about any of the characters, in fact, I didn't like any of them very much but after a while, as they started to become more familiar, I began to care about what happened to them and hoped that everything would work out in the way they wanted it to do.
Four is a thought provoking novel which beautifully observes the vagaries of people. It’s about the struggle to maintain a failing relationship when couples seem to want different things, and it’s also about the lure of a tantalising temptation, which at first seems like a gift that can't be turned down, but which, on reflection, could so easily herald a downfall.
Four felt like a very modern story, peopled with characters who work in high stress occupations and who like to relax at the weekend, however, this foursome are about to find out, to their cost, that for any action, however superficial it may seem in the cold light of day, or drink and drug fuelled night, there are always going to be consequences.
At the beginning I wasn't too sure about any of the characters, in fact, I didn't like any of them very much but after a while, as they started to become more familiar, I began to care about what happened to them and hoped that everything would work out in the way they wanted it to do.
Four is a thought provoking novel which beautifully observes the vagaries of people. It’s about the struggle to maintain a failing relationship when couples seem to want different things, and it’s also about the lure of a tantalising temptation, which at first seems like a gift that can't be turned down, but which, on reflection, could so easily herald a downfall.
August 1, 2018
After a start in which I wasn't sure this my type of book, it got really interesting. The story unfolded, allowing me to get to know each of the characters and their complex relationships with each other. Friends and more from Uni, Sally and Mike kept their relationship secret. Al is Mike's best friend and Sally's husband. When Faye, Mike's girlfriend meets the other two, events occur during a weekend in Brighton that will impact all their lives forever.
A very sad story from all their points of view, and very well told and easy to read.
I really enjoyed reading this. Will be following the author from now on.
A very sad story from all their points of view, and very well told and easy to read.
I really enjoyed reading this. Will be following the author from now on.
December 2, 2018
An intimate story of three friends when a new lady joins to make the foursome. We are first introduced to Sally, a GP, who is married to Alistair. Their marriage is taking a bit of a battering and they are attending marriage counselling in an effort to save their marriage. We then meet Mike who has recently divorced and has a little girl who has emigrated with her mother. He used to be at university with Sally and were a little more intimate than Alistair knows about, and also now works with Alistair. Faye is a young actress and is introduced by Mike to Sally and Alistair after she has just performed a part as a naked schoolgirl on stage. Faye is flirtatious and after an evening of drink, drugs and a dare game called 'never have I ever', the couples swap and end up sleeping together.
The main theme of the book is the analysis of what that one reckless night has done to each of them individually and as couples. Then, about half way through the book, there is an unexpected twist which has further connotations.
I found the book to be well written and delved deeply into areas I'd not thought about. It felt realistic and the characters were all believable. There was tension throughout because of the embarrassment felt by each of them in the cold light of day. It was refreshing to read a male author's viewpoint of some very intimate and emotional situations and I will certainly look out for more by Andy Jones.
The main theme of the book is the analysis of what that one reckless night has done to each of them individually and as couples. Then, about half way through the book, there is an unexpected twist which has further connotations.
I found the book to be well written and delved deeply into areas I'd not thought about. It felt realistic and the characters were all believable. There was tension throughout because of the embarrassment felt by each of them in the cold light of day. It was refreshing to read a male author's viewpoint of some very intimate and emotional situations and I will certainly look out for more by Andy Jones.
February 18, 2020
A new author and something completely different for me. It's a hard to score as there were bits I loved, bits I hated (the drug use was a bit unnecessary I thought) I didn't warm to all the characters but each one had an interesting and important viewpoint. My fave was Mike by far. The plot was very original and dark in places, it was unique, modern and compelling story which was told really well. I liked how direct the Author was and didn't wrap it all up neatly in a bow. It had quite a lot going for it, was very well written and executed and will no doubt read more from Andy Jones.
May 2, 2020
3.5/5 stars. I’m trying to get into adult fiction and this one had been on my shelf for a while so I decided to try it! I enjoyed the characters in this even though Al was insufferable at times, also the plot (while a bit all over the place) was engaging and I got more attached to the story as it went on 📖
November 20, 2018
I love Andy Jones novels.
I think his just gets people and relationships. This one sucks you right in, read over two reading sessions.
I think his just gets people and relationships. This one sucks you right in, read over two reading sessions.
January 10, 2020
When I first started this I wasn't sure, it was a slow burner and I didn't really pick it up much but then as it got on I really got into the story and wanted to know what was going to happen too the characters. In the end I couldn't put it down. And when it finshed i was sad. The ending surprised me and the book kept me guessing all the way through with me thinking of different endings.
August 1, 2018
Sally and Al’s marriage is slowly but surely crumbling away. The gap seems to get even wider with time. With an invedent involving a close friend and old flame Mike and his new,younger partner, sends them plummeting into unknown territory.
The writer has done an incredible job with this book. I love how the book is written with every characters feeling and perspective involved in the book. The book instantly draws you in to the life of all the characters and you feel like you really truly know them to an inch.
The writer has done an incredible job with this book. I love how the book is written with every characters feeling and perspective involved in the book. The book instantly draws you in to the life of all the characters and you feel like you really truly know them to an inch.
April 28, 2023
Couldn't stop reading!
Brilliant writing , 4 characters who I took turns in disliking and blaming ! I was totally engrossed in the whole thing . Really thought provoking .
Brilliant writing , 4 characters who I took turns in disliking and blaming ! I was totally engrossed in the whole thing . Really thought provoking .
February 9, 2019
I was drawn to this book because a) it's by Andy Jones. I love his books (even though The Two of Us rendered me a snotty, snivelling mess), and b) cos it sounded a bit kinky (guess I'm a bit of a perve, eh?) REVIEW CONTINUES... https://vikbat.blogspot.com/2019/02/b...
April 14, 2019
A modern tale of love loss and lust
I have read a lot of heavy books lately, this book has been in my Kindle for a long long time and I fancied reading something modern, something contemporary. I like this writer, I loved the trouble with Henry and Zoe and I thought I'd love this one too. I liked it, but I couldn't sympathize with any of the leading characters, they all irritated me to some extent, and although it won't put me off reading other books by this writer who tackles modern dilemmas so well, this wasn't a favourite for me. No winners in this story, told by four perspectives, but although it was interesting and I was interested how it would pan out and there were several twists along the way, I didn't empathize enough with any of them. Well written though about a complex modern situation that felt like it could be real enough.
I have read a lot of heavy books lately, this book has been in my Kindle for a long long time and I fancied reading something modern, something contemporary. I like this writer, I loved the trouble with Henry and Zoe and I thought I'd love this one too. I liked it, but I couldn't sympathize with any of the leading characters, they all irritated me to some extent, and although it won't put me off reading other books by this writer who tackles modern dilemmas so well, this wasn't a favourite for me. No winners in this story, told by four perspectives, but although it was interesting and I was interested how it would pan out and there were several twists along the way, I didn't empathize enough with any of them. Well written though about a complex modern situation that felt like it could be real enough.
July 31, 2018
This is a book about two couples, a wild night and the consequences which said night leaves. I did enjoy this book but found the characters reactions a bit unbelievable but I think maybe that's more a reflection on how I think I would react in their situation! This is a good easy read and perfect to read in one sitting. The story in keeps you interested throughout as you want to see how it all gets resolved. The ending felt a bit abrupt for me and again I couldn't shake the feeling that isn't how people would normally react. It is a likeable read and I did enjoy seeing how it all worked and the characters were likeable well maybe apart from one!
May 3, 2018
Brilliant, gripped from the first page.
November 20, 2019
*I received a free ARC of this book with thanks to the author and Hodder & Stoughton. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Four is a very British novel about unhappy people, in unsatisfying relationships, making bad decisions.
Two white, middle-class, middle-age (well, three of the four are) couples have a ‘night of madness’; drinking heavily, taking drugs and, eventually engaging in some sexual adventures with each other’s partners.
We see that the combination of the substances they imbibe, the titillating play they watch and the general feeling of ‘what happens on holiday, stays on holiday’ leads to a gradual erosion of their inhibitions and a slip of the public masks they wear, causing their true feelings and deeper secrets to float to the surface with some very disruptive consequences.
The following day (and days) bring regrets – big and small – and all four of the characters have to re-evaluate their lives and relationships with each other, as the simmering undercurrents of resentment and jealousy begin to bubble to the surface.
This is not a novel of action, or huge events. It is a story about ordinary people who have allowed their lives to drift in unsatisfying directions and are now forced to face the truth of their dissatisfaction and make some difficult decisions about where to go next. And more particularly, who with.
Great for fans of serious, slow-paced and realistic relationship novels, but not if you are looking for something fun or uplifting, or a happy ending!
Like actors in a play.
Isn’t that what they were now? All of them pretending to be something they weren’t; this rented house the stage, the set.
Faye, it seemed, was flirting with Al. Maybe teasing Mike, maybe trying to ingratiate herself with his best friend. Or was it an attempt to flatter Sal, by showing approval for her choice of husband?
Were they really flirting or where they pretending? These hands across the table, the touched shoulders and blown kisses, the clumsy allusions.
– Andy Jones, Four
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Four is a very British novel about unhappy people, in unsatisfying relationships, making bad decisions.
Two white, middle-class, middle-age (well, three of the four are) couples have a ‘night of madness’; drinking heavily, taking drugs and, eventually engaging in some sexual adventures with each other’s partners.
We see that the combination of the substances they imbibe, the titillating play they watch and the general feeling of ‘what happens on holiday, stays on holiday’ leads to a gradual erosion of their inhibitions and a slip of the public masks they wear, causing their true feelings and deeper secrets to float to the surface with some very disruptive consequences.
The following day (and days) bring regrets – big and small – and all four of the characters have to re-evaluate their lives and relationships with each other, as the simmering undercurrents of resentment and jealousy begin to bubble to the surface.
This is not a novel of action, or huge events. It is a story about ordinary people who have allowed their lives to drift in unsatisfying directions and are now forced to face the truth of their dissatisfaction and make some difficult decisions about where to go next. And more particularly, who with.
Great for fans of serious, slow-paced and realistic relationship novels, but not if you are looking for something fun or uplifting, or a happy ending!
Like actors in a play.
Isn’t that what they were now? All of them pretending to be something they weren’t; this rented house the stage, the set.
Faye, it seemed, was flirting with Al. Maybe teasing Mike, maybe trying to ingratiate herself with his best friend. Or was it an attempt to flatter Sal, by showing approval for her choice of husband?
Were they really flirting or where they pretending? These hands across the table, the touched shoulders and blown kisses, the clumsy allusions.
– Andy Jones, Four
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
June 28, 2020
Where do I even begin with this review? It was such a strange book but I weirdly loved it and it was so addictive. The story starts with 3 life-long friends, all in their 40s, travelling to Brighton to meet Mike's new girlfriend who is quite a few years their junior. They all start drinking on the train down in preparation for Faye's revealing theatre show and afterwards they retreat to their rented accommodation, full of a lot more alcohol and also drugs. The night continues in this manner and, following the mantra 'you only regret what you don't do', the four somehow end up spending the night with each other's partners. And well... from there things only get more awkward, scandalous and in a way quite desperate for these 4 characters.
I really loved how this book started off; I was shocked and outraged but I just couldn't put it down! Now...I don't usually like reading about casual drug use in books, but it actually seemed to really work in the context and I managed to overlook my usual reservations. It was all so scandalous but I loved it.
After the events of 'that night', Jones delves deep into the characters' backgrounds and emotional connections and the story takes on a slower pace. I did enjoy this as it took the story to another level, but I do wish the pace picked up again to match the beginning of the book at a latter stage. I was also a little confused with the ending of the book. It finishes quite abruptly and is left slightly open ended which is something that I'm not always keen on with an ending. Despite these quibbles I would definitely recommend this book as it's something really different and a breath of fresh air.
Thanks very much to Hodder for a free copy of this book.
I really loved how this book started off; I was shocked and outraged but I just couldn't put it down! Now...I don't usually like reading about casual drug use in books, but it actually seemed to really work in the context and I managed to overlook my usual reservations. It was all so scandalous but I loved it.
After the events of 'that night', Jones delves deep into the characters' backgrounds and emotional connections and the story takes on a slower pace. I did enjoy this as it took the story to another level, but I do wish the pace picked up again to match the beginning of the book at a latter stage. I was also a little confused with the ending of the book. It finishes quite abruptly and is left slightly open ended which is something that I'm not always keen on with an ending. Despite these quibbles I would definitely recommend this book as it's something really different and a breath of fresh air.
Thanks very much to Hodder for a free copy of this book.
October 3, 2019
Night in Brighton
I bought this book purely because of the cover. Did not know anything about the author or the book.. we meet four people: a married couple, divorced guy and a young actress. They go to Brighton, they drink, take drugs and play never have i ever. They they fuck with each other spouses. And the next morning is when the hangover and drama arrive. Each chapter says something about the story of each individual. We starting to know who they are, what history they have and how they are linked. To add more to it one woman turns out to be pregnant. And that start another drama. Who is the father? What will happen with the baby? What will happen to the people? Of course there is a twist - but if you read the story thoroughly you know what to expect really. Nevertheless it was a good constructed story. Pages turn themselves easily. No boring moments, or overwriting. Give it a try.
I bought this book purely because of the cover. Did not know anything about the author or the book.. we meet four people: a married couple, divorced guy and a young actress. They go to Brighton, they drink, take drugs and play never have i ever. They they fuck with each other spouses. And the next morning is when the hangover and drama arrive. Each chapter says something about the story of each individual. We starting to know who they are, what history they have and how they are linked. To add more to it one woman turns out to be pregnant. And that start another drama. Who is the father? What will happen with the baby? What will happen to the people? Of course there is a twist - but if you read the story thoroughly you know what to expect really. Nevertheless it was a good constructed story. Pages turn themselves easily. No boring moments, or overwriting. Give it a try.
July 11, 2018
Lucky enough to read an early proof of this before it comes out later this month (July 2018)
Ive got to say that I liked this book more as it went along. At times it felt incredibly real and true to life whereas at other times it felt really far fetched.
My fav character was Sally and felt myself tearing up during her chapters in her job as a doctor. They were incredibly heartfelt and wish there was more of it!
I’m not sure if it’s just me, but I definitely preferred the female characters within the book instead of the blokes. Just couldn’t warm to them.
This book isn’t really hugely plot based but is mainly about character development and how this one thing has effected each of the central character
Overall I did enjoy this book, but would have liked it do be a bit more ‘deep’ I felt like it was just skimming the surface at times.
Ive got to say that I liked this book more as it went along. At times it felt incredibly real and true to life whereas at other times it felt really far fetched.
My fav character was Sally and felt myself tearing up during her chapters in her job as a doctor. They were incredibly heartfelt and wish there was more of it!
I’m not sure if it’s just me, but I definitely preferred the female characters within the book instead of the blokes. Just couldn’t warm to them.
This book isn’t really hugely plot based but is mainly about character development and how this one thing has effected each of the central character
Overall I did enjoy this book, but would have liked it do be a bit more ‘deep’ I felt like it was just skimming the surface at times.
September 21, 2021
This book takes a modern outlook on relationships. It's a far cry from the 'romanticism' encountered in many relationship based books; very much 'real' in terms of uncovering the minute nuances that build a relationship up or tear it down.
The majority of the book follows two couples and how they deal with the fallout of the choices they made one night. The story was engaging, not fast paced but keeps you wanting to see how it develops. One of the characters unfortunately was so smarmy and unlikeable it detracted from the direction the story was going for me. The overall feeling I had throughout reading this was actually quite sad, although I am not sure the author had wanted that feeling to persist the whole length of the story. The ending let the book down a bit too, rather an anti-climax for me
Will rate this 3.5 stars since it did manage to keep me wanting to find out the outcome
The majority of the book follows two couples and how they deal with the fallout of the choices they made one night. The story was engaging, not fast paced but keeps you wanting to see how it develops. One of the characters unfortunately was so smarmy and unlikeable it detracted from the direction the story was going for me. The overall feeling I had throughout reading this was actually quite sad, although I am not sure the author had wanted that feeling to persist the whole length of the story. The ending let the book down a bit too, rather an anti-climax for me
Will rate this 3.5 stars since it did manage to keep me wanting to find out the outcome
July 16, 2018
Although starting very dramatically, I found this novel a bit of a slow-burner as it took quite some time to get to know the four main characters. Of course this is exactly the way we get to understand people in real life and it makes Sally, Al, Mike and Faye realistic and even endearing. I found myself trying on for size the decisions each of them might make to resolve the predicament they find themselves in. It's complicated and they all grow and change in the face of this challenge.
I am delighted to find a new (to me) novelist who explores relationships under strain in an unusual situation, in the same style as Jodi Picoult and Amanda Prowse. Andy Jones writes dialogue which is easy on the ear amid a flowing narrative which is equally easy to read. I was sorry to reach the end.
I am delighted to find a new (to me) novelist who explores relationships under strain in an unusual situation, in the same style as Jodi Picoult and Amanda Prowse. Andy Jones writes dialogue which is easy on the ear amid a flowing narrative which is equally easy to read. I was sorry to reach the end.
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