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The Long Way Home
A family secret, a mysterious legacy, and a journey that will change everything…
When Isla, a 65-year-old grandmother, is left nothing but an old painting in her mother’s will, while her sisters and aunt inherit the estate, she is devastated. Close to retirement, getting ready to live on her own terms, the last thing she expects at this time of her life is such turmoil. So, to find an explanation for her mother’s rejection, she embarks on a road-trip.
But, right at the last moment, she’s forced to take her sullen – and, in her view, impossible – 14-year-old granddaughter Charlie with her. Cramped together in Isla’s car with her smelly old dog, these ill-assorted travelling companions set off to uncover some shattering and life-changing family truths at the same time as learning to love each other…
The Long Way Home is set in the UK and 1950s Paris where the story really begins, spanning four generations of women and the secrets that get passed down through them.
When Isla, a 65-year-old grandmother, is left nothing but an old painting in her mother’s will, while her sisters and aunt inherit the estate, she is devastated. Close to retirement, getting ready to live on her own terms, the last thing she expects at this time of her life is such turmoil. So, to find an explanation for her mother’s rejection, she embarks on a road-trip.
But, right at the last moment, she’s forced to take her sullen – and, in her view, impossible – 14-year-old granddaughter Charlie with her. Cramped together in Isla’s car with her smelly old dog, these ill-assorted travelling companions set off to uncover some shattering and life-changing family truths at the same time as learning to love each other…
The Long Way Home is set in the UK and 1950s Paris where the story really begins, spanning four generations of women and the secrets that get passed down through them.
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Published January 8, 2021
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About the author
Fanny Blake
38 books115 followers Fanny Blake was a publisher for many years, editing fiction and general non-fiction before becoming a freelance journalist and writer. She has written several bestsellers and acted as ghost writer for a number of celebrities. She is also Books Editor of womanandhome magazine. Her novels include The Secrets Women Keep (Orion) and With a Friend Like You (Orion).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 30, 2023
The story starts with a young woman, May, in Paris in 1954 then moves to Isla and Edinburgh in 2019. Isla is 65 years old, mother of Helen and grandmother to 14 year old Charlie. Isla’s mother recently died. When her will is read, Isla’s sisters Lorna and Morag, inherit her estate, along with her Aunt Aggie, her mother’s sister. Isla is left not a share of the estate but only an old painting . What has caused her mother to reject her in this way?
In an effort to find some answers Isla embarks on a road trip. But that ends up turning out a long way from what Isla expects. Along the way secrets are uncovered.
The novel flips between the two time periods and places, each clearly identified. I liked both stories but preferred the modern story as Isla interested with her granddaughter, sisters and aunt. And she is also involved with Tony. This man is a recent addition to her life for who she has quickly developed feelings which appear to be reciprocated. Isla’s ex husband Ian, a actor, is also still in her life as a friend.
Isla is a likable, generous and trusting character. This is a story of family, choices, secrets, the things that bring people together and at times separate them. I enjoyed it. Easy to relate to the characters as they mostly come across as real, with the exception of one or two.
In an effort to find some answers Isla embarks on a road trip. But that ends up turning out a long way from what Isla expects. Along the way secrets are uncovered.
The novel flips between the two time periods and places, each clearly identified. I liked both stories but preferred the modern story as Isla interested with her granddaughter, sisters and aunt. And she is also involved with Tony. This man is a recent addition to her life for who she has quickly developed feelings which appear to be reciprocated. Isla’s ex husband Ian, a actor, is also still in her life as a friend.
Isla is a likable, generous and trusting character. This is a story of family, choices, secrets, the things that bring people together and at times separate them. I enjoyed it. Easy to relate to the characters as they mostly come across as real, with the exception of one or two.
February 2, 2021
I really enjoyed this intergenerational, multiple country road trip novel! Full review to come...
May 4, 2021
An enjoyable read about family and secrets.
Isla is a 65 year old grandmother who, along with her two sisters, has just been left something in her Mother's will. But it turns out the two sisters and her aunt get the property and Isla just gets a painting. So Isla sets off to figure out why she has been left out of the main will and just got a painting, with links to Paris.
There are lots of family issues going on in this book, the sisters are arguing because of the property, one wanting to sell and one not wanting to sell. The aunt is lovely, but keeping quiet initially about why Isla has just got a painting. We also have Isla's granddaughter who ends up going on a road trip with her (reluctantly), because her parents are busy with work.
The book flipped back and forth to when Isla's mum was in Paris when she was younger, and the reasons for the painting slowly come out as the story goes on and secrets are revealed.
I did find Isla far too trusting with her 'boyfriend' and she did seem to be the only one making an effort with anyone in the family, trying to sort out the rift, but I enjoyed the interactions with most of the characters.
Isla is a 65 year old grandmother who, along with her two sisters, has just been left something in her Mother's will. But it turns out the two sisters and her aunt get the property and Isla just gets a painting. So Isla sets off to figure out why she has been left out of the main will and just got a painting, with links to Paris.
There are lots of family issues going on in this book, the sisters are arguing because of the property, one wanting to sell and one not wanting to sell. The aunt is lovely, but keeping quiet initially about why Isla has just got a painting. We also have Isla's granddaughter who ends up going on a road trip with her (reluctantly), because her parents are busy with work.
The book flipped back and forth to when Isla's mum was in Paris when she was younger, and the reasons for the painting slowly come out as the story goes on and secrets are revealed.
I did find Isla far too trusting with her 'boyfriend' and she did seem to be the only one making an effort with anyone in the family, trying to sort out the rift, but I enjoyed the interactions with most of the characters.
June 21, 2021
I really liked this tale of discovery, especially the fact that it was told from the perspective of an older character. I’ve not really read many books like this so it was a pleasant change! Isla is such a lovely character and I really could picture her as a loving grandma.
There were a few different reveals in the course of this book, a couple that I saw coming and a couple that I didn’t see at all. The overarching feeling though, was that of the relationship between Isla and her granddaughter Charlie. Though they clearly didn’t see eye to eye on a few occasions you could tell that they loved each other loads and almost needed some time together to iron out a few differences.
Even though I felt like I shouldn’t, I actually quite liked Ian as a character, it was clear he still holds a space in his heart for Isla and I got the impression that something might happen between the two of them... but I’ll say no more!
This book was so warming and I really liked the fact that all of the loose ends got tied up nicely and with smiles on everyone’s faces!
I received a gifted copy of this book from Simon and Schuster
There were a few different reveals in the course of this book, a couple that I saw coming and a couple that I didn’t see at all. The overarching feeling though, was that of the relationship between Isla and her granddaughter Charlie. Though they clearly didn’t see eye to eye on a few occasions you could tell that they loved each other loads and almost needed some time together to iron out a few differences.
Even though I felt like I shouldn’t, I actually quite liked Ian as a character, it was clear he still holds a space in his heart for Isla and I got the impression that something might happen between the two of them... but I’ll say no more!
This book was so warming and I really liked the fact that all of the loose ends got tied up nicely and with smiles on everyone’s faces!
I received a gifted copy of this book from Simon and Schuster
July 8, 2021
A lovely dual timeline story about family and secrets. It was wonderful to hear the story from Isla’s point of view, an older woman, giving a different perspective on life and what she thought of as family.
Her relationship with Charlie was brilliant and I loved how they really got to know each other on the trip.
All the characters were so richly described and added their own spin to the story. A really lovely read.
Her relationship with Charlie was brilliant and I loved how they really got to know each other on the trip.
All the characters were so richly described and added their own spin to the story. A really lovely read.
December 27, 2020
Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion
Really lovely book gentle thought provoking.
Really lovely book gentle thought provoking.
January 31, 2021
Nice and easy read. The ending was sweet and heartwarming. The story in two different timelines made reading more interesting.
August 12, 2021
65 year old Isla always struggled in her relationship with her mother, she always felt as though she was treated differently from her 2 sisters. So when Islas mother dies leaving Isla a just a ainting and the rest of her estate to her sisters and aunt, Islas feeling of insecurity are confirmed.
Isla goes on a journey of discovery- to find out just why her mother disliked and disregarded her so much. She takes her reluctant, teenage granddaughter with her, over the course of their 2 week journey Isla and her granddaughters relationship develops and it’s lovely to see how they come to a reluctant truce, and then a firm friendship.
The story is split between 1950’s Paris and present day.
I enjoyed this story, liked the relationship of Isla and her granddaughter and between her and her sisters.
Isla goes on a journey of discovery- to find out just why her mother disliked and disregarded her so much. She takes her reluctant, teenage granddaughter with her, over the course of their 2 week journey Isla and her granddaughters relationship develops and it’s lovely to see how they come to a reluctant truce, and then a firm friendship.
The story is split between 1950’s Paris and present day.
I enjoyed this story, liked the relationship of Isla and her granddaughter and between her and her sisters.
February 27, 2021
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/famil...
I enjoyed the format of the story telling in The Long Way Home.
Paris in 1954 shows us a very different May at the start of her independence from her own family, whilst in 2019, Isla and her siblings have lived within confines and boundaries with Isla never able to get close to May. The search for May’s will and the old painting highlights the fraught interactions between the siblings – this always fascinates me! being an only child from my parent’s second marriages, sibling relationships are very interesting.
I have to be honest, my respect for Isla grew less and less the more we find out about one of the characters. Why couldn’t she see what I could? The relationship with her mother distorts all her relationships… she did sneak into my heart though and I was surprised at the affection I had for her by the time the story ended.
I enjoyed the developing relationship between Isla and Charlie. As they travel to their destination and Aggie’s party, Isla learns so much from spending time with her. The face we present to the world hardly ever reflects what’s going on inside does it! I loved the role reversal – to me, Isla is vulnerable through the whole story – it was great that Charlie and Ian had her back.
I did work out the secrets before the reveal but this didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story.
The Long Way Home is a reminder to let those close to us know that we love them and not to assume that they just know. That being open and honest might not be the disaster you think it’s going to be …
Recommended read.
I enjoyed the format of the story telling in The Long Way Home.
Paris in 1954 shows us a very different May at the start of her independence from her own family, whilst in 2019, Isla and her siblings have lived within confines and boundaries with Isla never able to get close to May. The search for May’s will and the old painting highlights the fraught interactions between the siblings – this always fascinates me! being an only child from my parent’s second marriages, sibling relationships are very interesting.
I have to be honest, my respect for Isla grew less and less the more we find out about one of the characters. Why couldn’t she see what I could? The relationship with her mother distorts all her relationships… she did sneak into my heart though and I was surprised at the affection I had for her by the time the story ended.
I enjoyed the developing relationship between Isla and Charlie. As they travel to their destination and Aggie’s party, Isla learns so much from spending time with her. The face we present to the world hardly ever reflects what’s going on inside does it! I loved the role reversal – to me, Isla is vulnerable through the whole story – it was great that Charlie and Ian had her back.
I did work out the secrets before the reveal but this didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story.
The Long Way Home is a reminder to let those close to us know that we love them and not to assume that they just know. That being open and honest might not be the disaster you think it’s going to be …
Recommended read.
June 12, 2021
Isla is 65 years old and her mother has just died, leaving nothing but an old painting to her, while her two younger sisters and her aunt got the property. Isla should be actually used to her mother’s rejection, as May has always been cold towards her, and the older Isla was, the worse the relationship worked, but it still feels like betrayal. Isla is determined to discover what has driven her mother to be like this and what lies behind the story with the picture, and so she sets on a journey, visiting her family and friends. Unexpectedly, she’s also accompanied by her granddaughter Charlie, a troubled teenager, plagued by her own issues with her mother, Isla’s only daughter. What is Isla going to discover?
The mystery element in this book worked perfectly and I kept guessing and thinking ahead at what has happened and what’s still to happen. There were things that I was able to guess, but it absolutely didn’t spoil my reading, on the contrary, I loved seeing all the threads coming smoothly together to solve the puzzle and to see the whole picture. I liked the way it was all working out, flipping back and forth to May’s times in Paris and back to the present, revealing the secrets and shocking information, and the reasons of the painting being left to Isla.
I liked the characters, they were so lovely drawn and developed, I really had a feeling they are real. They were not perfect, making mistakes and I couldn’t understand some of their decisions but this all only made them feel closer to life. I liked Isla from the very beginning and I sympathised with her. I would perhaps love her to have a bit more backbone when it comes to one of the characters – it annoyed me that she couldn’t see the things that I have seen, however I also felt tons of sympathy to her as the relationship with her mother seemed to truly damage her somehow, even if she was trying to tell herself that’s not true. It was not easy for her, that’s for sure, and there was a lot of affection for her on my side. She’s never become bitter or cynical, but she tried to understand the reasons.
The best parts though must have been the scenes with Isla and Charlie. Their relationship was a little different to this what I picture as a grandmother – granddaughter relationship, full of mutual affection and unconditional love. This one was a bit awkward, especially at the beginning, but it was lovely to see them growing to understand each other and in the end you could see they love each other.
And May, hmmm, you know what, I also got her side of the story. You want to hate her, but there was so much to her tale, so many challenges in her life, and I couldn’t help but also like her and sympathise with her. Brilliantly written, her character, full of contradictions, clever and complex.
“The Long Way Home“ was a lovely tale about family bonds, relationships, betrayal, secrets, lies and hope, flipping back and forth between May’s times in Paris and the present, and both were as intriguing. I loved reading this book, you know, there was a lovely feeling to it, and it was so readable and chatty – captivating and interesting and I desperately wanted to know more. Writing style was great, it run smoothly and seamlessly and engaging, it made the reading experience even better. The descriptions were rich and vivid, bringing the places and events to life. Engaging and multi – layered, highly recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
The mystery element in this book worked perfectly and I kept guessing and thinking ahead at what has happened and what’s still to happen. There were things that I was able to guess, but it absolutely didn’t spoil my reading, on the contrary, I loved seeing all the threads coming smoothly together to solve the puzzle and to see the whole picture. I liked the way it was all working out, flipping back and forth to May’s times in Paris and back to the present, revealing the secrets and shocking information, and the reasons of the painting being left to Isla.
I liked the characters, they were so lovely drawn and developed, I really had a feeling they are real. They were not perfect, making mistakes and I couldn’t understand some of their decisions but this all only made them feel closer to life. I liked Isla from the very beginning and I sympathised with her. I would perhaps love her to have a bit more backbone when it comes to one of the characters – it annoyed me that she couldn’t see the things that I have seen, however I also felt tons of sympathy to her as the relationship with her mother seemed to truly damage her somehow, even if she was trying to tell herself that’s not true. It was not easy for her, that’s for sure, and there was a lot of affection for her on my side. She’s never become bitter or cynical, but she tried to understand the reasons.
The best parts though must have been the scenes with Isla and Charlie. Their relationship was a little different to this what I picture as a grandmother – granddaughter relationship, full of mutual affection and unconditional love. This one was a bit awkward, especially at the beginning, but it was lovely to see them growing to understand each other and in the end you could see they love each other.
And May, hmmm, you know what, I also got her side of the story. You want to hate her, but there was so much to her tale, so many challenges in her life, and I couldn’t help but also like her and sympathise with her. Brilliantly written, her character, full of contradictions, clever and complex.
“The Long Way Home“ was a lovely tale about family bonds, relationships, betrayal, secrets, lies and hope, flipping back and forth between May’s times in Paris and the present, and both were as intriguing. I loved reading this book, you know, there was a lovely feeling to it, and it was so readable and chatty – captivating and interesting and I desperately wanted to know more. Writing style was great, it run smoothly and seamlessly and engaging, it made the reading experience even better. The descriptions were rich and vivid, bringing the places and events to life. Engaging and multi – layered, highly recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
July 7, 2021
The Long Way Home is actually the first book by Fanny Blake I’ve read but I’ll most definitely be reading more as this is just the kind of book I enjoy. It’s a book set in two different times with most of the story taking place in 2019. When Isla’s mother May dies, her house and estate is left to Isla’s sisters and aunt but even though she’s the eldest, all she is left is a painting which used to hang in her father’s study. Although she had a difficult relationship with her mother, she is understandably hurt and confused about this and decides to try to find out the reason behind her mother’s decision.
I really enjoyed following Isla’s quest to find out just what had gone on. I liked the element of intrigue that it added to the story. She was joined on her roadtrip by her grand-daughter Charlie and I was surprised and pleased to see that Edinburgh featured, with even Portobello beach getting a mention. I felt that the author wrote about this cross generational relationship between the two so well. Charlie was a typical young teenager, obsessed with her phone, her image and with fitting in with her friends. And yet, at heart, she just wanted to be loved and accepted. Fanny Blake wrote very insightfully about all the relationships in the book actually, particularly those between Isla and her sisters. Strained at the best of times but definitely under pressure in light of the revelations of the will.
Interspersed with the more recent chapters were chapters set in 1950s Paris and I so enjoyed them. Isla’s mother May had gone to Paris to work as an au pair and to improve her French. Fanny Blake makes Paris sound such an enchanting place and it was no wonder that May fell in love with the place and that romance was on the cards. However, as the old saying goes what happens in Paris, stays in Paris and it is what happened in Paris that led ultimately to her unusual decision regarding her will. It was hard to imagine what had caused the young, lively and warm May to turn into the frosty and seemingly quite bitter mother that Isla knew.
The Long Way Home was a book I found very engaging and I became very absorbed in the alternating stories of Isla and May. With the focus on family secrets and different kind of relationships in the past and the present, it was a very satisfying read.
I really enjoyed following Isla’s quest to find out just what had gone on. I liked the element of intrigue that it added to the story. She was joined on her roadtrip by her grand-daughter Charlie and I was surprised and pleased to see that Edinburgh featured, with even Portobello beach getting a mention. I felt that the author wrote about this cross generational relationship between the two so well. Charlie was a typical young teenager, obsessed with her phone, her image and with fitting in with her friends. And yet, at heart, she just wanted to be loved and accepted. Fanny Blake wrote very insightfully about all the relationships in the book actually, particularly those between Isla and her sisters. Strained at the best of times but definitely under pressure in light of the revelations of the will.
Interspersed with the more recent chapters were chapters set in 1950s Paris and I so enjoyed them. Isla’s mother May had gone to Paris to work as an au pair and to improve her French. Fanny Blake makes Paris sound such an enchanting place and it was no wonder that May fell in love with the place and that romance was on the cards. However, as the old saying goes what happens in Paris, stays in Paris and it is what happened in Paris that led ultimately to her unusual decision regarding her will. It was hard to imagine what had caused the young, lively and warm May to turn into the frosty and seemingly quite bitter mother that Isla knew.
The Long Way Home was a book I found very engaging and I became very absorbed in the alternating stories of Isla and May. With the focus on family secrets and different kind of relationships in the past and the present, it was a very satisfying read.
May 26, 2021
A novel that explores the importance of the mother/daughter bond, this story begins with the shocking betrayal of a mother when Isla's mother May, dies, leaving nothing of her considerable estate to her eldest daughter but an old painting. At 65, Isla should be used to her mother's rejection as they always had a difficult relationship, but this is the final straw, and she determines to discover just what lies behinds May's cruel rejection.
In her quest for answers, which takes her the length of Britain visiting old friends and family, she's accompanied by her granddaughter Charlie, a rebellious teenager who has her own issues with her own mother.
By the time they get to Isla's childhood home in Scotland, a picture of May's past has begun to emerge - will it be enough to heal Isla's hurt, and help her mend bridges with her sisters?
This was such a good story - the plot is well-paced and there is plenty of action to keep you turning the pages both in Isla's present situation and in the chapters that delve into May's past when she was working as a young nanny in Paris.
It's very character driven and all the main players are allowed to develop as their story is revealed
Isla is such a strong, sympathetic character, and you can't help but empathise with her right from the beginning. As unlucky in love as she is in her present family predicament, she never becomes cynical or bitter, but holds on to the hope of better things ahead while dealing with her present challenges, that include her wayward granddaughter!
Charlie is a typical teenager who obviously adores her gran but can't always control her hormonal behaviour.
May, whom I wanted to hate, has her own challenging back story that helps us understand, if not excuse, her behaviour to her eldest daughter.
This is a strong, heartwarming story of the importance of family bonds between mothers, daughter, granddaughters, sisters and even aunts. It engaged my emotions and held my attention right from the first page.
In her quest for answers, which takes her the length of Britain visiting old friends and family, she's accompanied by her granddaughter Charlie, a rebellious teenager who has her own issues with her own mother.
By the time they get to Isla's childhood home in Scotland, a picture of May's past has begun to emerge - will it be enough to heal Isla's hurt, and help her mend bridges with her sisters?
This was such a good story - the plot is well-paced and there is plenty of action to keep you turning the pages both in Isla's present situation and in the chapters that delve into May's past when she was working as a young nanny in Paris.
It's very character driven and all the main players are allowed to develop as their story is revealed
Isla is such a strong, sympathetic character, and you can't help but empathise with her right from the beginning. As unlucky in love as she is in her present family predicament, she never becomes cynical or bitter, but holds on to the hope of better things ahead while dealing with her present challenges, that include her wayward granddaughter!
Charlie is a typical teenager who obviously adores her gran but can't always control her hormonal behaviour.
May, whom I wanted to hate, has her own challenging back story that helps us understand, if not excuse, her behaviour to her eldest daughter.
This is a strong, heartwarming story of the importance of family bonds between mothers, daughter, granddaughters, sisters and even aunts. It engaged my emotions and held my attention right from the first page.
June 14, 2021
Isla's mother May dies and only leaves her an old painting in her will, leaving the family home in Scotland to her sister Aggie and two younger daughters. Hurt and upset, Isla is driven to find out more about her mother and why she seemed so distant from her.
The road trip that Isla embarks on to discover the truth is shared with her reluctant teenage granddaughter, Charlie; however, the two grow close as time passes and Charlie proves surprisingly perceptive, especially regarding the man Isla is currently in a relationship with.
Isla's sisters, Morag and Lorna, have their own issues - Lorna, in particular - and it is clear that things need to be resolved. The truth finally emerges and Isla is able to reconcile her past with her present.
I enjoyed this book, especially the relationship with Charlie - prickly at first - that enabled Isla to face the truth about herself. There is also a lesson about trust, which Isla learns the hard way.
I also liked the interplay between Isla and her ex-husband, Ian. The back story, showing May's life in 1950s Paris, is also revealing and sheds light on the difficult relationship with Isla. May and Isla both prove similar in one respect - both trust men they shouldn't and are emotionally scarred when the truth emerges. All is not always what it appears on the surface.
Lorna, the youngest sister, seems to have an idyllic life, but this is only superficial and explains - whilst not excuses - her behaviour to her aunt and sisters. I liked the way this was dealt with at the end of the book, showing Lorna in a more positive light as she finds the help and understanding she needs. Past differences are reconciled and everyone is able to move forward.
All in all, a good family story, and I am happy to read more from Fanny Blake.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Simon and Schuster UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
The road trip that Isla embarks on to discover the truth is shared with her reluctant teenage granddaughter, Charlie; however, the two grow close as time passes and Charlie proves surprisingly perceptive, especially regarding the man Isla is currently in a relationship with.
Isla's sisters, Morag and Lorna, have their own issues - Lorna, in particular - and it is clear that things need to be resolved. The truth finally emerges and Isla is able to reconcile her past with her present.
I enjoyed this book, especially the relationship with Charlie - prickly at first - that enabled Isla to face the truth about herself. There is also a lesson about trust, which Isla learns the hard way.
I also liked the interplay between Isla and her ex-husband, Ian. The back story, showing May's life in 1950s Paris, is also revealing and sheds light on the difficult relationship with Isla. May and Isla both prove similar in one respect - both trust men they shouldn't and are emotionally scarred when the truth emerges. All is not always what it appears on the surface.
Lorna, the youngest sister, seems to have an idyllic life, but this is only superficial and explains - whilst not excuses - her behaviour to her aunt and sisters. I liked the way this was dealt with at the end of the book, showing Lorna in a more positive light as she finds the help and understanding she needs. Past differences are reconciled and everyone is able to move forward.
All in all, a good family story, and I am happy to read more from Fanny Blake.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Simon and Schuster UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
July 3, 2021
A book with two timelines, one in 2019 and one in the early 1950s in Paris. The book starts with the story in the past and you follow the young May who goes to work as an au pair for a family in Paris. In Paris she is having a good time, she learns the language, discovers the city and meets Wendy, who is also an au pair, together they befriend two American boys Sam and Max.
In the present, we meet Isla and her granddaughter Charlie, as well as Isla's two younger sisters, Isla’s ex-husband Ian and her new boyfriend Tony. And of course, not to forget, her dog Jock. May, the old mother of Isla and her sisters has just passed away and together they are in the house looking for the will. The will shows that the two sisters of Isla each inherit a quarter of the family estate and their mother's younger sister, Aggie, the other half. Isla only inherits a painting that always hung in her father's study.
After the sisters stop speaking to each other after the funeral, especially the two youngest, they differ greatly about what they would like to do with the family estate, Isla takes a vacation from her work at the museum and goes on a road trip. Via her one sister to a hotel where Tony comes for the weekend, the holiday home where they always stayed in their youth and where she meets a friend, to her aunt Aggie and her oldest sister. In the meantime, she is stuck with her adolescent granddaughter who she would love to occasionally ignore being there.
During the journey we get to know both Isla and her granddaughter Charlie and you regularly jump back to the past for May's story.
The story in the past was completely different than I expected and also in the present there is so much happening to keep you interested in the story.
Characters | Atmosphere | Writing style | Plot | Intrigue | Logic | Enjoyment
C = 8 | A = 8 | W = 8 | P = 8 | I = 8 | L = 8 | E = 8 | Score 8.00 = 4 stars
In the present, we meet Isla and her granddaughter Charlie, as well as Isla's two younger sisters, Isla’s ex-husband Ian and her new boyfriend Tony. And of course, not to forget, her dog Jock. May, the old mother of Isla and her sisters has just passed away and together they are in the house looking for the will. The will shows that the two sisters of Isla each inherit a quarter of the family estate and their mother's younger sister, Aggie, the other half. Isla only inherits a painting that always hung in her father's study.
After the sisters stop speaking to each other after the funeral, especially the two youngest, they differ greatly about what they would like to do with the family estate, Isla takes a vacation from her work at the museum and goes on a road trip. Via her one sister to a hotel where Tony comes for the weekend, the holiday home where they always stayed in their youth and where she meets a friend, to her aunt Aggie and her oldest sister. In the meantime, she is stuck with her adolescent granddaughter who she would love to occasionally ignore being there.
During the journey we get to know both Isla and her granddaughter Charlie and you regularly jump back to the past for May's story.
The story in the past was completely different than I expected and also in the present there is so much happening to keep you interested in the story.
Characters | Atmosphere | Writing style | Plot | Intrigue | Logic | Enjoyment
C = 8 | A = 8 | W = 8 | P = 8 | I = 8 | L = 8 | E = 8 | Score 8.00 = 4 stars
June 21, 2021
This review can be found at sarahsvignettes.wordpress.com
My thanks for Simon & Schuster for a hardback copy of the book in return for this honest review.
I have a confession to make: this is the first of Fanny Blake's novels I've read from cover to cover. My mum keeps telling me how good her novels are, I've read snippets, and we've chatted at Readers Day at Guildford Book Festival and other events, so I should have read one before now. When Simon & Schuster kindly sent me a finished hardback copy of The Long Way Home, I was delighted.
My gosh, what I have been missing! If The Long Way Home is anything to go by, I need to immediately read Fanny Blake's backlist. The Long Way Home is one of those stories that I found myself thinking about as I went about my day and looked forward to sitting down to read and catch up with the cast of characters.
The Long Way Home is set between the UK in 2019 and Paris in 1954. 2019 follows Isla's journey to find out the truth behind why her mother left her nothing but a painting when she died. With her reluctant 14-year-old granddaughter Charlie in tow, the pair go on a road trip to discover the truth. In 1954, we follow Isla's mum as she cares for a little boy in Paris.
Fanny Blake's experience as a publisher, novelist, book reviewer and reader is evident throughout The Long Way Home. Her writing is accomplished: it's realistic - not fluffy - yet compassionate and emotional without being sentimental. I liked that. The final two sentences wowed me. The story is well plotted. I love a dual-timeline novel, and Fanny Blake has structured this one really well, seamlessly weaving together the past and present to meet a natural conclusion.
Fanny Blake has drawn some believable characters in Isla, her sisters, her daughter Helen and her granddaughter Charlie. Throughout we learn how secrets that have spanned generations have shaped the characters lives. I particularly enjoyed the intergenerational relationship between Isla and Charlie. Fanny Blake captures how special those grandparent-grandchild relationships can be. I thought that she highlighted well the digital world that Charlie is growing up in and the importance of conversation and honesty between generations. These themes span the whole book.
I highly recommend The Long Way Home.
My thanks for Simon & Schuster for a hardback copy of the book in return for this honest review.
I have a confession to make: this is the first of Fanny Blake's novels I've read from cover to cover. My mum keeps telling me how good her novels are, I've read snippets, and we've chatted at Readers Day at Guildford Book Festival and other events, so I should have read one before now. When Simon & Schuster kindly sent me a finished hardback copy of The Long Way Home, I was delighted.
My gosh, what I have been missing! If The Long Way Home is anything to go by, I need to immediately read Fanny Blake's backlist. The Long Way Home is one of those stories that I found myself thinking about as I went about my day and looked forward to sitting down to read and catch up with the cast of characters.
The Long Way Home is set between the UK in 2019 and Paris in 1954. 2019 follows Isla's journey to find out the truth behind why her mother left her nothing but a painting when she died. With her reluctant 14-year-old granddaughter Charlie in tow, the pair go on a road trip to discover the truth. In 1954, we follow Isla's mum as she cares for a little boy in Paris.
Fanny Blake's experience as a publisher, novelist, book reviewer and reader is evident throughout The Long Way Home. Her writing is accomplished: it's realistic - not fluffy - yet compassionate and emotional without being sentimental. I liked that. The final two sentences wowed me. The story is well plotted. I love a dual-timeline novel, and Fanny Blake has structured this one really well, seamlessly weaving together the past and present to meet a natural conclusion.
Fanny Blake has drawn some believable characters in Isla, her sisters, her daughter Helen and her granddaughter Charlie. Throughout we learn how secrets that have spanned generations have shaped the characters lives. I particularly enjoyed the intergenerational relationship between Isla and Charlie. Fanny Blake captures how special those grandparent-grandchild relationships can be. I thought that she highlighted well the digital world that Charlie is growing up in and the importance of conversation and honesty between generations. These themes span the whole book.
I highly recommend The Long Way Home.
July 11, 2021
Isla discovers that when her mother dies all she has been left is a painting whilst her sisters and aunt inherit the estate. Isla always felt her relationship with her mother was strained but this seems to underline that thought. For Isla that is not enough, she wants to know more about her mother, May.
The only way it seems to do this, is to go back and visit her past friends and relatives and find out what she can about the women she called mother. When her relationship with her own daughter is somewhat strained, Isla is forced to take her troubled teenage granddaughter, Charlie on the trip as well. The journey is as much a turning point for Isla as it is for the relationship she has with her granddaughter and trying to understand life through these young eyes.
Interspersed in this story we are taken back to Paris, Mid 1950s where May has gone to work as an au pair and improve her French, so when she returns she can find a job as interpreter. We discover a woman very different to the mother portrayed by Isla. Soon we find out what perhaps happened to cause May’s behaviours as Isla got older.
A lovely dual timeline story which has at it’s heart family and the bonds that break and bring us together. We are not dealing with young flighty women but women of all generations, of all ages who all have their issues, their demons and their desire for the future. A strong female driven character story that whilst was perhaps somewhat predictable was enjoyable nonetheless.
This was my first Fanny Blake and I look forward to reading some others in the future.
The only way it seems to do this, is to go back and visit her past friends and relatives and find out what she can about the women she called mother. When her relationship with her own daughter is somewhat strained, Isla is forced to take her troubled teenage granddaughter, Charlie on the trip as well. The journey is as much a turning point for Isla as it is for the relationship she has with her granddaughter and trying to understand life through these young eyes.
Interspersed in this story we are taken back to Paris, Mid 1950s where May has gone to work as an au pair and improve her French, so when she returns she can find a job as interpreter. We discover a woman very different to the mother portrayed by Isla. Soon we find out what perhaps happened to cause May’s behaviours as Isla got older.
A lovely dual timeline story which has at it’s heart family and the bonds that break and bring us together. We are not dealing with young flighty women but women of all generations, of all ages who all have their issues, their demons and their desire for the future. A strong female driven character story that whilst was perhaps somewhat predictable was enjoyable nonetheless.
This was my first Fanny Blake and I look forward to reading some others in the future.
November 7, 2023
Lovely story.
Some neat turns of phrase, e.g. "The bit was between Lorna's neatly capped and whitened teeth."
Unusual (Scottish) word "dreich" and maybe an unusual noun for it to go with. Nice!
Starting a car before passengers are even seated is out of character for someone who earlier said "Seatbelt".
The real Edinburgh has a "Princes Street" and probably doesn't have a "Prince's Street" as several other cities do. OK, the disclaimer covers places, but readers like "accuracy" when describing a place that seems real. Similarly, the real Dean Martin sang "Everybody loves somebody ..." - not "someone".
Too few commas; and half a dozen definite proofreader grumbles:
p 30 "He may ..." should be "He might ..." (past tense)
p 40 "standing" is a misrelated participle
p 60 "disinterest" can't be right using the official current meaning, but it's so common and was apparently the original word meaning "lack of interest"
p 189 "forego" means "go before" - this should be "forgo" (go without)
p 240 "complimented" may have been true at other times but in this context the right word is clearly "complemented"
p 249 "a raise" should be "a rise" (it's not even the North American noun "raise")
Some neat turns of phrase, e.g. "The bit was between Lorna's neatly capped and whitened teeth."
Unusual (Scottish) word "dreich" and maybe an unusual noun for it to go with. Nice!
Starting a car before passengers are even seated is out of character for someone who earlier said "Seatbelt".
The real Edinburgh has a "Princes Street" and probably doesn't have a "Prince's Street" as several other cities do. OK, the disclaimer covers places, but readers like "accuracy" when describing a place that seems real. Similarly, the real Dean Martin sang "Everybody loves somebody ..." - not "someone".
Too few commas; and half a dozen definite proofreader grumbles:
p 30 "He may ..." should be "He might ..." (past tense)
p 40 "standing" is a misrelated participle
p 60 "disinterest" can't be right using the official current meaning, but it's so common and was apparently the original word meaning "lack of interest"
p 189 "forego" means "go before" - this should be "forgo" (go without)
p 240 "complimented" may have been true at other times but in this context the right word is clearly "complemented"
p 249 "a raise" should be "a rise" (it's not even the North American noun "raise")
June 13, 2021
This story is told in two timelines.
Present day where we follow Isla on her quest to find out why her mother May left her only a painting in her will while leaving the rest of her estate to her siblings Morag and Lorna and her aunt Aggie.
Isla has her moody teenage granddaughter Charlie with her as her mother Helen has to go to America for work. Her father is already away with work too so Isla feels she has no choice but to take Charlie with her.
The relationship between the siblings was at times strained for various reasons and I enjoyed reading about their lives.
Paris in the 1950's we follow May's story. Working as a nanny she meets Wendy and the girls enjoy the delights of Paris and love.
I loved how the relationship between Isla and Charlie developed. There were lots of compromises on both sides.
Helen I disliked for the very fact that she put work above her daughter.
A very enjoyable read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster uk for the ARC
Present day where we follow Isla on her quest to find out why her mother May left her only a painting in her will while leaving the rest of her estate to her siblings Morag and Lorna and her aunt Aggie.
Isla has her moody teenage granddaughter Charlie with her as her mother Helen has to go to America for work. Her father is already away with work too so Isla feels she has no choice but to take Charlie with her.
The relationship between the siblings was at times strained for various reasons and I enjoyed reading about their lives.
Paris in the 1950's we follow May's story. Working as a nanny she meets Wendy and the girls enjoy the delights of Paris and love.
I loved how the relationship between Isla and Charlie developed. There were lots of compromises on both sides.
Helen I disliked for the very fact that she put work above her daughter.
A very enjoyable read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster uk for the ARC
March 21, 2021
When Isla's mother dies, she leaves her nothing but a painting, with the family estate being left to her sisters and her Aunt Aggie.
This ignites a need to know more within Isla and so with the initially unplanned, company of her grandaughter Charlie, Isla goes on a mission to uncover her Mothers reasons for leaving her out.
Paris in the 1950s sees a young May, working as a Nanny and having a wonderful time with her friend Wendy. She meets an American boy which leads to romance for the young woman. The unexpected happens and it changes the course of Mays life.
Buried secrets finally come to light in this book which blends seamlessly between the past and present.
A very enjoyable read from Fanny Blake.
This ignites a need to know more within Isla and so with the initially unplanned, company of her grandaughter Charlie, Isla goes on a mission to uncover her Mothers reasons for leaving her out.
Paris in the 1950s sees a young May, working as a Nanny and having a wonderful time with her friend Wendy. She meets an American boy which leads to romance for the young woman. The unexpected happens and it changes the course of Mays life.
Buried secrets finally come to light in this book which blends seamlessly between the past and present.
A very enjoyable read from Fanny Blake.
August 2, 2021
This was an okay read. I didn’t find it particularly riveting and it was really quite derivative. I seem to have read a lot of dual timeline stories recently and not been particularly impressed by them. (A total exception is Echoes of the Dunes which is brilliant! )this is not a huge time gap - 1954 and present day.
I thought Isla was a ridiculously gullible woman for a 65 year old, to have fallen for Tony’s lies and this made me less sympathetic towards her. I loved her grand daughter Charlie, the ex husband Ian was so one dimensional. Do all men have to be depicted as villains or idiots?
Nothing really grabbed me or kept my interest. Well written, but the plot was not as well executed as it could have have been.
I thought Isla was a ridiculously gullible woman for a 65 year old, to have fallen for Tony’s lies and this made me less sympathetic towards her. I loved her grand daughter Charlie, the ex husband Ian was so one dimensional. Do all men have to be depicted as villains or idiots?
Nothing really grabbed me or kept my interest. Well written, but the plot was not as well executed as it could have have been.
September 7, 2023
Wouldn’t recommend this book as it might not be everyone’s cup of tea but at the same time it was ‘entertaining’ and funny at the same time. I started this book quite some time back but didn’t get around finishing it till recently. Flappy, the 60 year old woman, married to a rich man, the queen bee of her village just trying to live her best life. The way she portrays herself in the society is what will make you fall in love with her character.
But my perception towards the author has now changed after this book as I think it could have been written better just like her other books (too repetitive). But my love for romantic books continues since my last favourite short read: Finding Perfect. 3.5/5⭐️
But my perception towards the author has now changed after this book as I think it could have been written better just like her other books (too repetitive). But my love for romantic books continues since my last favourite short read: Finding Perfect. 3.5/5⭐️
December 18, 2020
A beautifully written family drama Spanning four generations, based between Paris and the United Kingdom!
Told with a sense of history, understanding and empathy! The decisions we make in our youth and the repercussions of those decisions throughout the ages affecting subsequent generations is central to this read, secrets, lies and untold truths abound as we are lead on a voyage of discovery to ascertain the reasons behind a will bequest, sibling rivalry, mother daughter conflicts, complicated love lives and a reluctant grandchild all woven together to make a wonderful read epitomising love family loyalty/bonds and a sense of home and belonging!
Thank you netgalley for this early read.
Told with a sense of history, understanding and empathy! The decisions we make in our youth and the repercussions of those decisions throughout the ages affecting subsequent generations is central to this read, secrets, lies and untold truths abound as we are lead on a voyage of discovery to ascertain the reasons behind a will bequest, sibling rivalry, mother daughter conflicts, complicated love lives and a reluctant grandchild all woven together to make a wonderful read epitomising love family loyalty/bonds and a sense of home and belonging!
Thank you netgalley for this early read.
June 8, 2021
The Long Way Home is a wonderful story about families, secrets and honesty. It centres around 65 year-old grandmother Isla, who, some months after her mother's death, takes a journey home with her 14 year-old granddaughter Charlie. There are flashbacks to her mother's time in Paris in the 1950s, all integral to the story. I was engrossed from the first chapter and really loved this book. The characters are life-like and believable, and there's just enough intrigue to keep the reader guessing. A great summer read!
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC in return for an honest review.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC in return for an honest review.
June 11, 2021
The cover is so pretty, it reminds me of lazy Summer days and being out on walks in the fresh air. This book is set in the UK but we also see the book go back in time to Paris in the 1950's. Family, secrets and love and loss are all a big part of how this story is told, really well thought and told characters that really bring the story to life. It is so much more than what the story is really about. Isla is about to take her 14 year old granddaughter on a road trip, but will a 14 year old really want to cooperate with her 65 year old gran? What will they uncover when they embark on this trip of a lifetime?
July 23, 2021
I hadn’t read any novels by Fanny Blake before, so this was a new experience. What attracted me were the reviews by other authors and the title. As said in the Daily Express, this is an absorbing, intelligent and absolute joy to read. Well researched, great characters and a most believable story line. Every family has some skeletons in their cupboard which eventually will out and one learns from this particular story it is never too late to put the past family squabbles behind and more forward as friends. Shifting between two time periods was nicely achieved, making it a captivating read. I’ll certainly be reading some of Fanny’s other novels when I feel the need for escapism.
December 26, 2022
Summary: Isla is in her 60s, close to retirement and longing for a time when her life will become her own. So when her mother dies, leaving her nothing but a mysterious picture, she sets about on a road trip to try to uncover the truth behind the painting - and about her past. But, right at the last minute, she is forced to take her 14-year-old grand-daughter with her, and neither is particularly thrilled about the idea. Together the pair will uncover shattering truths about the past, and their journey will take them through the UK, and back in time to Paris in the 1950s, where the story really all began.
February 9, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is written from the perspective of 60 something Isla, who travels to her family home in Scotland for the reading of her mother May’s will.
There, she is in for a shock, as she learns that all she is left is a painting while her sisters inherit the childhood home.
This is a novel of great depth and scope as we explore the past with Isla, her granddaughter and sisters. We also meet May as she spends time in 1950’s Paris.
I recommend this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is written from the perspective of 60 something Isla, who travels to her family home in Scotland for the reading of her mother May’s will.
There, she is in for a shock, as she learns that all she is left is a painting while her sisters inherit the childhood home.
This is a novel of great depth and scope as we explore the past with Isla, her granddaughter and sisters. We also meet May as she spends time in 1950’s Paris.
I recommend this book.
April 25, 2021
A family drama featuring Isla. age 65 who is left nothing but an old painting in her mother's will. Her two younger sisters inherit everything else including the family home. Isla sets out on a journey to try to discover why her mother has practically disinherited her. She's accompanied on her travels by her sulky, difficult 14 year old granddaughter Charlie. The best aspect of the book for me is the exploration of the relationship and growing friendship between Isla and Charlie. Otherwise I didn't find the story especially engaging.
July 10, 2021
This the first book I read by this author and won't surely be the last as I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It's a dual timeline story that made smile and moved. It's compelling, emotionally charged and entertaining.
Isla is a great character, a women who was hurt and is building a relationship with her grand-daughter Charlie.
The author delivers a great story and a cast of interesting and relatable women.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's a dual timeline story that made smile and moved. It's compelling, emotionally charged and entertaining.
Isla is a great character, a women who was hurt and is building a relationship with her grand-daughter Charlie.
The author delivers a great story and a cast of interesting and relatable women.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 29, 2021
I really enjoyed this book it had a bit of mystery of what happened in Paris in the 1950’s.
Isla ends up on an adventure of discovery to find out what happened to her parents when they were young. Isla is taking her granddaughter Charlie on a road trip as there is no one to look after her. Charlie is a typical teenager glued to her phone. We see how Isla copes with Charlie and seems to understand her better than her own daughter.
I really enjoyed this book and kept you guessing until the end.
Isla ends up on an adventure of discovery to find out what happened to her parents when they were young. Isla is taking her granddaughter Charlie on a road trip as there is no one to look after her. Charlie is a typical teenager glued to her phone. We see how Isla copes with Charlie and seems to understand her better than her own daughter.
I really enjoyed this book and kept you guessing until the end.
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