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Separation for Beginners
A refreshing, laugh-out-loud, feel-good novel about what happens when you let go of the past and make room for the unexpected later in life—for fans of Beth O'Leary's The Flatshare and Marian Keyes' Grown Ups.
There are millions of people who would be grateful—even thrilled—to start over. Pete Smith isn't one of them.
Pete's swearing is getting worse. What with the divorce, the debt and the dying travel business, no one seems to need him anymore. Well, except for his 23-year-old daughter, who—jobless and unable to afford London rents—is moving back home.
Pete's delighted—he'll even put up with his daughter Susie's bothersome boyfriend, Niall, who struggles with the concept of personal space and only adds to Pete's neglected to-do list. But when Susie lands a job in Stockholm and flies the nest for good, Pete finds himself stuck with a flatmate he never signed up for—and out of excuses to hold onto the past.
One day he'll get around to fixing the lock on the bathroom door, figuring out what to do with his failing business, evicting his daughter's boyfriend from his house, and maybe even getting over his ex-wife....
But it turns out there are some things you can't put off until later—and some people who won't let you.
There are millions of people who would be grateful—even thrilled—to start over. Pete Smith isn't one of them.
Pete's swearing is getting worse. What with the divorce, the debt and the dying travel business, no one seems to need him anymore. Well, except for his 23-year-old daughter, who—jobless and unable to afford London rents—is moving back home.
Pete's delighted—he'll even put up with his daughter Susie's bothersome boyfriend, Niall, who struggles with the concept of personal space and only adds to Pete's neglected to-do list. But when Susie lands a job in Stockholm and flies the nest for good, Pete finds himself stuck with a flatmate he never signed up for—and out of excuses to hold onto the past.
One day he'll get around to fixing the lock on the bathroom door, figuring out what to do with his failing business, evicting his daughter's boyfriend from his house, and maybe even getting over his ex-wife....
But it turns out there are some things you can't put off until later—and some people who won't let you.
- GenresFiction
Audiobook
Published August 18, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 13, 2025
Another simple book. I wanted to give this a 3.5/5 because it get me thinking a couple times. I read the unpublished version so it had quite a few spelling/grammatical mistakes and strikeouts (made it an interesting read). Still a light read but has a bit more meaning behind it. Wouldn’t go out of my way to buy it but would definitely recommend if you had it on your bookshelf already.
August 25, 2023
Life, it isn’t always easy, no matter what age you are. Pete’s discovered this and in style. He’s feeling unwanted and unneeded with his ex-wife gone and his daughter has flown the nest, only to boomerang back and then jet off again. From her dad, there is a moment of elation, even if he has to accommodate Niall, her half-wit, bothersome boyfriend, and that all goes when she gets a job abroad. The only trouble is, Niall stays behind, so he is truly stuck with her half-wit, bothersome boyfriend.
I rather liked that you really got a feel of Pete’s perspective on what he’s dealing with and how life is going, in its ups and downs. It felt fresh and just rather nice and different. There is also humour to be had with some of the situations and characters. It really will make you feel many emotions.
I rather liked that you really got a feel of Pete’s perspective on what he’s dealing with and how life is going, in its ups and downs. It felt fresh and just rather nice and different. There is also humour to be had with some of the situations and characters. It really will make you feel many emotions.
May 25, 2023
A lighthearted look at life after a divorce. Pete is recently divorced, his kids have left home, his business has hit rock bottom, and he's stuck living with his daughters ex-boyfriend.
I didn't particularly warm to Pete, but not in a bad way. He was so stuck in a rut, clinging to friends and relationships without investing in them. The other characters in his life certainly brought some lighthearted fun to the storyline. Loved the relationship he had with Niall and also stand-up comedy scenes!
When he opened up about his last scuba dive, he seemed to have a light bulb moment and could see how he was dragging everyone down with him. It had a satisfying ending.
I didn't particularly warm to Pete, but not in a bad way. He was so stuck in a rut, clinging to friends and relationships without investing in them. The other characters in his life certainly brought some lighthearted fun to the storyline. Loved the relationship he had with Niall and also stand-up comedy scenes!
When he opened up about his last scuba dive, he seemed to have a light bulb moment and could see how he was dragging everyone down with him. It had a satisfying ending.
May 29, 2023
Heartwarming, funny, uplifting and real!
Pete’s marriage is over, his business is failing, his friends are busy living their lives and his kids, Erland and Susie don’t need him anymore.
Unfortunately, Susie left her ex-boyfriend behind when she moved to Sweden to work and he’s moved into Pete’s flat. Pete cannot stand Niall, but Niall refuses to be beaten!
Initially, I thought the pace was a bit slow, but then I realised that I loved the dynamic between Pete and Niall so much, that I really didn’t care! I loved the wit and sarcasm too and the care Pete had for his employees was really touching.
Pete’s relationship with his ex-wife made me want to laugh and cry all at once.
All in all, a brilliant read 👏🏻
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
August 2, 2022
⭐️ 4/5
📚 64/36
📍 🇬🇧
🗂 Fiction
📖 Individual, Dad, Husband, Divorcee, Friend, Boss, Colleague is living in the past and needs to move on
👉 Blurb and front cover caught my attention
✅ I wanted to keep reading
🙂 Humour made me smile
🤖 Loved Niall as a character
🔀 Has a ‘Ricky Gervais After Life’ feel to it (bitter & sarcastic but uplifting)
📆 August 2022
*Publication Date - 18th August 2022
I received this eARC in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and Wellbeck Publishing UK. Thank you for accepting me to review this book.
📚 64/36
📍 🇬🇧
🗂 Fiction
📖 Individual, Dad, Husband, Divorcee, Friend, Boss, Colleague is living in the past and needs to move on
👉 Blurb and front cover caught my attention
✅ I wanted to keep reading
🙂 Humour made me smile
🤖 Loved Niall as a character
🔀 Has a ‘Ricky Gervais After Life’ feel to it (bitter & sarcastic but uplifting)
📆 August 2022
*Publication Date - 18th August 2022
I received this eARC in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and Wellbeck Publishing UK. Thank you for accepting me to review this book.
November 30, 2022
After his divorce Pete feels like his life is falling apart. However the only bright spot is that his daughter is returning home to live with him. Even if it means her boyfriend, Niall, is part of the deal.
But when his daughter lands a job in Stockholm it means he is now sharing his home with Niall. Running out of excuses it's time for Pete to sort out his life.
An uplifting and realistic story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
But when his daughter lands a job in Stockholm it means he is now sharing his home with Niall. Running out of excuses it's time for Pete to sort out his life.
An uplifting and realistic story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 1, 2023
I haven't laughed and cried over a novel for ages. This is such a heartwarming read. I love every single characters in this novel... It gives me insight into people's experience of empty nest, broken hearts and separations and moving on. Even as I turned the last page, I wish there was more to it because I really want to stay in that story. I wanted to remain with the characters, and not having to say good bye. I immediately googled the author, wishing he had other books. But alas... not yet. I am gonna memorise his name and keep an eye out for his next book.
October 20, 2023
This was one of the most enjoyable books I have read for ages. Clever British comedic writing but with themes ranging from family, friendship, duty and purpose woven through it. One of those books that came along just at the right time for me. I loved all of the characters and I keep hoping that there is enough left for a sequel because I don’t fancy the prospect of parting ways with them.
December 21, 2024
The main character is a sarcastic arse going through a life crisis. His witty banter just taking place inside his own head brings me such joy - but aside from that I loved knowing he was going to be okay. I found everything about this book interesting, fun and thought provoking. Highly recommended to those looking to question their life choices.
October 1, 2022
I almost wanted to mark it down for how slow moving any sort of story line was, but to be honest, I didn't really care! I loved Pete and Niall's interactions so much that I didn't need anything to be happening. I thoroughly enjoyed this 😊
April 5, 2024
Absolutely brilliant! I laughed out loud frequently! But it also had a beautiful way of integrating the serious topics into the funny side of the story - especially the dialogue between Peter and Neil. Great narrative and characters, it was easy to attach and relate to them.
September 25, 2022
Enjoyable read however it took a long time to get anywhere and I really wanted Pete to get on with it. Too drawn out for me...sorry
March 15, 2023
I enjoyed this, it was uplifting and easy to read.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
July 5, 2023
Absolutely loved this book, very funny!
November 1, 2023
Started quite slow and I wasn't sure I would even finish it, but ended up totally loving it!
November 16, 2023
Loved it!
October 25, 2024
Once I got into it I really enjoyed listening to it as an audio book.
May 19, 2023
Wow, where do I even start? I can't say just how much I adored this book. The dynamics between the characters were so refreshing but more importantly they were all really likeable! No there's not some great plot twist or huge goings-on but there didn't need to be with this book. The conversations were some of the best parts. I actually laughed and cried out loud.
May 27, 2023
Perfect pace, feel good plot and easy reading.
Dealt with heavy issues I'm a human way - with good humour and slow acceptance.
Just what I needed.
Dealt with heavy issues I'm a human way - with good humour and slow acceptance.
Just what I needed.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews