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Far from Over
Gemma Garvey's marriage has been over for ages. Gemma ended it and chose to be a single mother rather than continue the pretence that her marriage to work-obsessed David Hennessy was working. So why is she so upset when he marries bimbo Orla O'Neill? Is it that Orla's thin and gorgeous whilst Gemma, at thirty-five, feels more like fifty-five? Or that David's starting a new life whilst she's facing middle age alone?
For Orla, being wife no. 2 isn't all she's imagined, always aware of how Gemma coped with a house, family and job while she can't even cook dinner without setting the kitchen alight. To David, who has loved them both, there isn't a problem. But actually the trouble's just begun...
For Orla, being wife no. 2 isn't all she's imagined, always aware of how Gemma coped with a house, family and job while she can't even cook dinner without setting the kitchen alight. To David, who has loved them both, there isn't a problem. But actually the trouble's just begun...
608 pages, Paperback
First published May 4, 2000
83 people are currently reading
575 people want to read
About the author
Sheila O'Flanagan
95 books1,203 followersAs you can see, a Dubliner all my life. My parents owned a grocery shop in the Iveagh Markets, in the Liberties area of the city and I guess city blood runs through my veins.
As a child I enjoyed reading and telling stories and everyone thought that I end up in a job which had something to do with books and literature. But though I applied for a job in the library all of the job offers I got were in commerce.
I turned down lots of them before my mother accepted one for me (I was on holiday at the time). It was in the Central Bank of Ireland and that’s how my career in financial services began.
I started out in administration and then moved jobs until finally I was working as a dealer in a commercial bank. Eventually I was promoted to Chief Dealer (the first female CD in the country). I traded lots of different things – foreign exchange, swaps, options, bonds…all of the kind of things you read about in the papers and that sound very technical and difficult. Of course once you’re doing it, it’s not half as technical as it sounds.
But I still loved reading and writing (which I did in my spare time) and I desperately wanted to write my own book. I guess I never quite got over the fact that I was never offered the library job! In my thirties I decided that it was now or never and I sat down, stuck Chapter 1 on a page, and started. I wrote the whole thing before sending it off.
I was offered a publishing deal (with no advance) by an Irish company but only if I wrote a different book! So back to the drawing board, I started again. It was another two years before it was published. It wasn’t until I’d written a few books and was offered a contract (this time with an advance!) from another publisher that I felt able to give up my trading job and write full time. So, even though it took a long time, I eventually realised my dream of being a full-time writer.
And now I also write a business column for the Irish Times.
When I’m writing a book I want to do three things:
* Tell a good story
* Make the reader feel like they know the characters
* Make each book better than the last
I don’t write for any particular audience but I suppose I must have people like me in mind – people who have busy lives and who like to escape into someone else’s for a while.
I love writing books. I hope you enjoy reading them.
As a child I enjoyed reading and telling stories and everyone thought that I end up in a job which had something to do with books and literature. But though I applied for a job in the library all of the job offers I got were in commerce.
I turned down lots of them before my mother accepted one for me (I was on holiday at the time). It was in the Central Bank of Ireland and that’s how my career in financial services began.
I started out in administration and then moved jobs until finally I was working as a dealer in a commercial bank. Eventually I was promoted to Chief Dealer (the first female CD in the country). I traded lots of different things – foreign exchange, swaps, options, bonds…all of the kind of things you read about in the papers and that sound very technical and difficult. Of course once you’re doing it, it’s not half as technical as it sounds.
But I still loved reading and writing (which I did in my spare time) and I desperately wanted to write my own book. I guess I never quite got over the fact that I was never offered the library job! In my thirties I decided that it was now or never and I sat down, stuck Chapter 1 on a page, and started. I wrote the whole thing before sending it off.
I was offered a publishing deal (with no advance) by an Irish company but only if I wrote a different book! So back to the drawing board, I started again. It was another two years before it was published. It wasn’t until I’d written a few books and was offered a contract (this time with an advance!) from another publisher that I felt able to give up my trading job and write full time. So, even though it took a long time, I eventually realised my dream of being a full-time writer.
And now I also write a business column for the Irish Times.
When I’m writing a book I want to do three things:
* Tell a good story
* Make the reader feel like they know the characters
* Make each book better than the last
I don’t write for any particular audience but I suppose I must have people like me in mind – people who have busy lives and who like to escape into someone else’s for a while.
I love writing books. I hope you enjoy reading them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 20, 2011
I enjoyed this story that is set in Ireland and tells the story of Gemma Garvey, her ex-husband David Hennessay and his new wife Orla McNeil.
David and Gemma had been apart for 5 years before the marriage, so why was she so upset when David, who is 40 married the red haired bimbo bitch Orla who is only 24 years old? Gemma can't quite understand it - it was even her who ended their marriage because David spent too much time at work and was not a proper partner or father to their children Keelan (13)and Ronin (10). Gemma and David had an amiable enough relationship and he took the children every Sunday afternoon.
Orla and David have their problems that they have to cope with and he sees Gemma with different eyes but in the end she does not want him back.
The story is told in parts by Gemma, David and Orla.
David and Gemma had been apart for 5 years before the marriage, so why was she so upset when David, who is 40 married the red haired bimbo bitch Orla who is only 24 years old? Gemma can't quite understand it - it was even her who ended their marriage because David spent too much time at work and was not a proper partner or father to their children Keelan (13)and Ronin (10). Gemma and David had an amiable enough relationship and he took the children every Sunday afternoon.
Orla and David have their problems that they have to cope with and he sees Gemma with different eyes but in the end she does not want him back.
The story is told in parts by Gemma, David and Orla.
July 3, 2011
Ah, the Irish. They dwell over the tiniest things and it gets them nowhere in life! Essentially it takes like 400 pages for the ex-wife and new wife of this Dude to get along. Each is somewhat jealous of the other and dwells on it way to long without anything going anywhere. The ex-wife is the same age as the Dude and the new wife is closer in age to his daughter then him, of course. NOTHING HAPPENS! I didn't hate any of the characters, which is new for me in Irish lit as usually the people are wicked annoying. If I had to hate anyone, maybe the ex-wife as she had major spending problems and the Dude had to bail her out every time. I just can't relate. It's like, STOP SPENDING! But then the Dude was kind of annoying too in wanting to control all his women and he gets all pissed at the new wife because she is successful and going to a new job outside the company that they both work for and he doesn't like that. Lame. Of course, they finally all talk in the end and end up happy. Shocking!
Grade: C
Grade: C
September 12, 2020
The story was a bit boring to me and I find the main characters hard to like
May 7, 2020
Another good read by Sheila O'Flannagan
September 10, 2013
I've always like her writing style. Sheila O'Flanagan always has a way with telling a story from the third point of view yet comprehensively crafting out the emotional details of her characters. It's something I'm learning how to master.
This story was a good balance between predictable and unpredictable, and the golden nugget is in the misunderstandings that often time create more conflicts in life than we care to give credit to.
The in-depth exploration of each character's reactions and responses to the same situation is a breath of fresh air. Some may find it draggy and lengthy, but I find it necessary.
Thank you for finding all the right words to describe the thoughts and feelings if the characters, you did a great job at them, Sheila!
This story was a good balance between predictable and unpredictable, and the golden nugget is in the misunderstandings that often time create more conflicts in life than we care to give credit to.
The in-depth exploration of each character's reactions and responses to the same situation is a breath of fresh air. Some may find it draggy and lengthy, but I find it necessary.
Thank you for finding all the right words to describe the thoughts and feelings if the characters, you did a great job at them, Sheila!
November 15, 2011
loved it, I really like Kate Binchy's reading! And I'm going to look for more by Sheila O'Flanagan.
June 29, 2017
So many thoughts were going through my mind as I was reading this book that I decided to break my review up into more than one part. I wrote as I was reading.
Beginning to chapter 16:
Gemma- On many levels I can certainly relate to Gemma. I have the best of intentions but always end up spending more than I should have. I strive to do better yet I usually don't. I have dreams of owning my own business I'm just not there at this point in my life. I can understand her marriage ending although I don't relate to her in that way. In Gemma's mind she paints a picture of David-the husband that doesn't care and is never home. Gemma has many regrets in her life but she really hasn't done much to help herself. When she runs out of money she ends up asking David and really, for example her asking for money for a new television is just crazy. It isn't his fault her TV stopped working and to me it isn't his responsibility to replace it. Yes Ronan was upset without it but he didn't need it. If I were David I would never have given in. After asking David first and him telling her no she then went to borrow the money from her dad. I would be embarrassed to be a 35-year old woman asking my father for money because my TV didn't work. I would do without until I could afford one on my own.
Orla- I immediately liked the "tall, thin flame-haired bimbo bitch" as Gemma called her. I think she simply fell in love with an older man and didn't fully realize what she was getting herself into. At 24-years old Orla married 40-year old David and I believe immediately started wondering why. She tries to be a good wife, successful at work, get along with David and Gemma's children, get along with and impress David's friends all while figuring out her marriage.
David- I think David married Orla because she is young, beautiful and nothing like Gemma yet he compares the two almost constantly in his mind. David was shocked and hurt when Gemma asked for a divorce and I think he still loves her but is trying to prove he doesn't and that he is okay. At times I feel bad for him but other times I think he's a jerk. He wants to be in control and makes Orla as he did Gemma feel useless and unloved.
The rest of the book:
Orla and David were having some issues and I felt bad for Orla. She just wanted to have another job out from under David's thumb and be able to succeed on her own and he made her feel horrible about it. Since they were having issues Orla was wondering if she made the right choice by marrying David and he was wondering the same. He was starting to think he should have tried to make it work with Gemma.
I'm glad everything worked out for them all in the end. They all deserved happiness.
Beginning to chapter 16:
Gemma- On many levels I can certainly relate to Gemma. I have the best of intentions but always end up spending more than I should have. I strive to do better yet I usually don't. I have dreams of owning my own business I'm just not there at this point in my life. I can understand her marriage ending although I don't relate to her in that way. In Gemma's mind she paints a picture of David-the husband that doesn't care and is never home. Gemma has many regrets in her life but she really hasn't done much to help herself. When she runs out of money she ends up asking David and really, for example her asking for money for a new television is just crazy. It isn't his fault her TV stopped working and to me it isn't his responsibility to replace it. Yes Ronan was upset without it but he didn't need it. If I were David I would never have given in. After asking David first and him telling her no she then went to borrow the money from her dad. I would be embarrassed to be a 35-year old woman asking my father for money because my TV didn't work. I would do without until I could afford one on my own.
Orla- I immediately liked the "tall, thin flame-haired bimbo bitch" as Gemma called her. I think she simply fell in love with an older man and didn't fully realize what she was getting herself into. At 24-years old Orla married 40-year old David and I believe immediately started wondering why. She tries to be a good wife, successful at work, get along with David and Gemma's children, get along with and impress David's friends all while figuring out her marriage.
David- I think David married Orla because she is young, beautiful and nothing like Gemma yet he compares the two almost constantly in his mind. David was shocked and hurt when Gemma asked for a divorce and I think he still loves her but is trying to prove he doesn't and that he is okay. At times I feel bad for him but other times I think he's a jerk. He wants to be in control and makes Orla as he did Gemma feel useless and unloved.
The rest of the book:
Orla and David were having some issues and I felt bad for Orla. She just wanted to have another job out from under David's thumb and be able to succeed on her own and he made her feel horrible about it. Since they were having issues Orla was wondering if she made the right choice by marrying David and he was wondering the same. He was starting to think he should have tried to make it work with Gemma.
I'm glad everything worked out for them all in the end. They all deserved happiness.
March 30, 2018
I haven't read many books by this author, but every time I do I find myself wondering where to get some more. She feels to me a little like a grown up Maeve Binchy (or rather her characters feel more grown up to me), but I expect that may be related to the Irish setting. Not entirely, however, because it's much more Binchy than Marian Keyes. There's something quite down to earth, very human and yet not excessively over the top about the characters. Goodreads insists on giving me a second edition of this book, but I haven't yet figured out how to delete it. Irksome.
April 15, 2025
Enjoyed the story and the different insights of each character but couldn't STAND Gemma. Went over the same thoughts again and again and again. You would think she was 65 not 35 the way she went on. Took 5 pages for her to stop musing about her 14 year old daughter and a 30 year old man and say yes to a lunch date. Insufferable
June 6, 2024
I found this an enjoyable read, and I liked Gemma's character but I didn't find it a gripping book. I thought it was predictable from the start and not one I will remember in a few years. In saying that, I would suggest this book for a holiday read or when you just want an easy read
November 15, 2017
Pretty good! It was funny, cheeky, cute...I enjoyed the characters and the story.
July 22, 2018
I give this book a four star because I enjoyed reading it and it kept me engaged. I needed a light read and it exactly did that. I will definitely be reading more of Sheila O'Flanagan.
August 31, 2020
Yazarı ilk defa okuyorum. Kalemini beğendim. Diger kitaplarını da okumak istiyorum.
March 3, 2021
Struggled to finish it as it became a bit long winded.
May 11, 2022
Pretty good for what it is. Light read and perfect for holidays. So yes. I recommend it
November 23, 2022
I am definitely behind my reading plan. Took me about 3 weeks to finish this book. I enjoyed her books. This too, even though it was quite lengthy. It is like watching a series of TV show.
April 9, 2023
I actually found it a bit boring. I normally like this authors books
January 20, 2025
600pages remarkably readable and keeps you hooked in although not a lot really happens. The characters make the story in this one.
May 11, 2025
absolutely loved it.
August 19, 2016
Gemma is a divorced mother of two children Keelan (13) and Ronan (11). She instigated the divorce from David five years ago. The story starts with David marrying Orla a much younger prettier woman who is closer in age to his daughter than to him. Gemma is upset and goes on a spending spree (SHOCK) that she can't afford. What can possibly go wrong???? Pretty much everything you would expect in a chic lit.
It was a nice easy read/listen (first audio book I've borrowed from the library). David did annoy me a bit as he came across as the biggest idiot on planet earth where relationships are concerned but this is chic lit after all. I was surprised that it was "ok" for a 13/14 year old girl to drink alcohol in a restaurant or anywhere actually.
Nice happy ending with loose ends neatly tied up.
It was a nice easy read/listen (first audio book I've borrowed from the library). David did annoy me a bit as he came across as the biggest idiot on planet earth where relationships are concerned but this is chic lit after all. I was surprised that it was "ok" for a 13/14 year old girl to drink alcohol in a restaurant or anywhere actually.
Nice happy ending with loose ends neatly tied up.
July 25, 2007
I took a slight interest in readng this as i wanted something to relax me in the holidays, a light book This book is ok and Mr.Gibson always said never judge a book until you got through at least the first chapter and i did! I became slightly interested and as the book went on the story began to unfold even more...at times in the book the pace was slow but i preseveared and i found that it was a sort of happily ever after book. This book is about the ordinary troubles of family life and how divorces and previous marriages can affect the next one and how lives intwine without being intended and how the past inflicts the future.
July 18, 2007
I have just started to read this book. so far i am on chapter 4 and already i am finding the book really good. i chosee to read this book as i love the author who writes them =] i have already read a book by the author who wrote this one. it was called isobel's wedding. as i finished that book i wanted to read more by the author and i have started to. =]
January 17, 2016
It was ok, a nice enough light hearted read but very predictable and it could have been half the lenght it was. Dvorced couple, he has remarried , wives hate each other (or think they do) Children in the mix etc
July 7, 2007
I'll be the first to admit it's trash - but good trash :) A single woman with 2 kids tries to get used to the fact that her ex-husband is remarrying. Quite interesting and optimistic :)
September 17, 2009
Good reading...........
May 6, 2010
The story was okay, although a little predictable, the bad editing was off-putting in places, but still a good book to read before going to bed at night. I enjoyed the short chapters.
October 10, 2010
Always enjoyable Irish chick lit.
March 20, 2011
Really enjoyed this book, wasn't one of those stories that you can guess whats going to happen. Kept me hooked all the way through :)
June 2, 2011
a book with sure-footed lead characters who struggle to stand by their decisions through confusion, guilt,desire....... =)
July 24, 2011
Very good read, the story was about a real life dysfunctional family, of which most of us can relate to.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews