I absolutely love mike's writing. He is such a breathe of fresh air. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more from him

Another well written book from Mike Gayle which I absolutely loved. This is a heartwarming and emotional read, it made me laugh and cry. A relevant book for the current times and a definite hit for 2020. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Ah Mike Gayle, you’ve done it again. All The Lonely People is a heartwarming and compassionate novel about loneliness, isolation and family and I loved it.

Hubert Bird is 84, is a widower who lives alone in the house he and his wife, Joyce raised their family in. Their daughter, Rose is a Professor at a University in Australia who calls him once a week to check in with her dad and regale him with tales of her life down under. She believes he has a large group of friends who he spends much of his time with. He tells her of day trips out, meals they’ve eaten, stories of his friend’s children and escapades their pets have got into, but they’re all a figment of his imagination, invented to stop her worrying about her dad who she is thousands of miles away from. When she calls to tell him she’s coming home for a visit he realises that she is going to find out just how lonely her beloved dad is.

When a young woman and her daughter move in next door she opens up a world which had been closed to him; one of friendship and companionship. Ashleigh is a force of nature, breathing life and bringing richness to Hubert’s life. It is a timely subject matter to explore, with loneliness and mental health both being at the forefront of conversations in recent months. Connections and friendships have never been more important and the relationship which the two of them build is heartwarming. It also shines a light on how easy it is for people to fall through the cracks in society.

Told in both the present day and flashbacks to Hubert’s life with Joyce we come to meet, and fall in love with, a kind, loving man. It’s hard to reconcile this young, optimistic man with the old, grumpy man who won’t take parcels for neighbours and has cut himself off from his friends. Mike Gayle unfurls a tale of a man who leaves his home country of Jamaica behind in the late 1950s looking for a better life. Following his friend, Gus to London he finds a wet and cold country where he is the victim of prejudice and racism. It makes for difficult and upsetting reading and is unflinching in its portrayal of a discriminatory society.

Sometimes in a multi-timeline novel I find myself enjoying one more than the other, but this is so skilfully written that the two compliment each other and build wonderfully. This is a fully rounded novel which leaves breadcrumbs of hints at the events which have led to Hubert’s predicament but holds enough back to allow for a satisfying reading experience. Slowly, slowly we discover things in Hubert’s past which help us reconcile the two different men we are reading about.

Mike Gayle is such a fantastic writer. His characterisation and plotting are just spot on and it take a skilled writer to make it look this easy. This book features such a great cast of characters who jump from the page, so much so that I missed Hubert when I had finished it. It contains some hugely emotional moments (don’t say I didn’t warn you) and is just beautiful, it really is. It is sentimental without being mawkish and it doesn’t shy away from difficult subject matter which is really refreshing. Holding a mirror up to society’s prejudices and failings it is a vital read about the importance of connections and finding your own family.

Regular readers will know that I am a huge fan of Mike Gayle (I’ve reviewed The Hope Family Calendar, The Man I Think I Know and Half A World Away previously) and have been reading his books since the late 1990s. He’s one of those authors whose books I read without even reading the synopsis as I just know that I’m going to enjoy it. All The Lonely People is fantastic. He just gets better and better.

Told in two timelines; the ‘now’ as he scrambles to make his life full of the friends he’d lied about and the ‘then’ starting in the late 50s after arriving from Jamaica to follow the dream (but it’s sadly not what he’d hoped) and these flashbacks are slowly catching up with the now. The blatant racism experienced by Hubert and his beloved wife, as they embark on an interracial relationship, is just horrible. But as time passes and society moved on, is it any better? Hubert is at the centre of the lonely people in this story, but there are lots of them - from all walks of like, backgrounds. There’s some really touching moments in Hubert’s story, but I have to say the big reveal near the end hit me like a sucker punch. I really wasn’t expecting that. At all.

I’m a big fan of Gayle’s books and I’m going to make a bold statement here. ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE is now my favourite!

The story is about Hubert Bird, who is 84 living by himself with his cat, Puss. Hubert is lonely but doesn’t acknowledge it. I love Hubert by way.❤️The book starts in the present and the timeline switches between now and from 1958 onwards.  We find out more about Hubert, from when he travelled to Britain from Jamaica in 1958 and the difficulties he faced, to meeting his future wife Joyce and the life they share together with their children Rose and David. When we meet Hubert, all he looks forward to are his weekly phone calls with his daughter Rose who lives in Australia. He paints a picture of the perfect retirement, full of fun and friendship. But Hubert Bird is lying, as the truth is the days drag by without him seeing a single soul.😭That is until young single mum, Ashleigh with her daughter Layla knocks on the door. Ashleigh wants Hubert’s help and from that moment, his life changes.

Honestly there is so much to love 😍 so he is the lowdown👇

~ The characters are so warm and real. I adore Hubert! I loved how Gayle developed his character through flashbacks; it was so well crafted. You always feel so connected to his characters. Hubert is definitely a diamond. Did I mention I love him? 😂

~ The plot is so bloody good and current. It resonates in so many ways and provides depth into the challenges of parenthood and marriage, racism, and loneliness which is a massive issue, especially at present.

~ This book gives you ALL THE FEELS.🥰Gayle makes the mundane everyday feel so special and exceptional. His writing is always full of emotion, life and love. Of course I cried.😭😂

ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE is a poignant heartwarming story of the power of connection, friendship, community spirit and how even the smallest acts of kindness can change your life. It leaves you feeling hopeful and uplifted and if nothing else, it has inspired me. Gayle just keeps getting better. READ IT!🙋🏼‍♀️

I have read all of Mike Gayle's books from his very first one that he wrote and I really enjoyed reading them. I was delighted to receive an early preview copy of this book from Netgalley and the Publisher.
When I read the Author's previous book, Half a World Away I thought that it couldn't be surpassed, but this one is just as good.
This book is very relevant and topical for the time in which it is published. It features Windrush and racism which is very much in the news at the moment. Loneliness is also an issue at the moment, when a lot of people are Self-Isolating or shielding due to Covid-19.
This book deals with these subjects well, and although it is heartbreaking in places it also has some heartwarming moments.
It is hard to describe the book without giving away any spoilers, but it is very emotional and has many ups and downs. It is very original and well written. I found it engaging and thought provoking. It's definitely a book that stays in your thoughts after you have finished reading it. I definitely recommend it.

A book that moved me to tears and made me smile. There's a lot of lightness but it also deals with loneliness and racism.
It's engrossing and entertaining but it's also one those book that makes you reflect.
A great cast of characters, excellent storytelling and a plot that kept me hooked.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Ah this book was so beautiful and so timely. I don't know why I am surprised because Mike Gayle never disappoints when it comes to representing raw, real life in beautiful ways in his novels. I loved meeting Hubert Bird and getting an insight into his long and storied life.



This book confronts loneliness and its various forms head on right from the word go and continues to look at what that means to different people and its various effects throughout the book. It covers not only how loneliness can set in when you live on your own, but loneliness brought on through loss of a loved on and also the very real loneliness that occurs when you move to another country. Hubert Bird was part of the Windrush immigrants to the UK and so experiences what it was like to sometimes be the only black person in a room. His wife then goes on to experience the loneliness of motherhood, especially when your baby is judged to be something less by some people. I love the way loneliness is fully explored in this novel in ways I never thought possible.



Of course there is an attempt to combat that loneliness and that comes in the form of neighbor Ashleigh. Ashley is one of those people that once she sets her mind to it, nothing can stand in her way. She is determined to be involved in Hubert's life and there really isn't anything he can do about it. Her quest extends beyond Hubert though and then we get to see how a community can pull together when it has the right people at the helm-just so beautiful. Ashleigh is the perfect sidekick for Hubert and I love their interaction.



The structure of this book is also wonderful. We have parallel time lines, a then and now. The now pretty much remains the same but then then parts of the story takes us back to Hubert's roots and shows how his life in the UK came together. Through this structure, Mike Gayle explores hot topics such as racism, grief, homelessness, addiction and dementia in a sensitive and timely manner. This all feeds into the theme of loneliness and every moments of Hubert's past helps us as readers get to know him in the present and really drives the plot forwards.



As much as loneliness is a depressing topic to think about, it is dealt with incredibly sensitively in this book and also it is explored so fully that I defy anyone not to feel uplifted by reading Hubert's story. This book is so wonderful and definitely couldn't have come along at a more appropriate moment in time. I have and will continue to recommend all of Mike Gayle's novels but this new one is a game changer for certain. Highly recommend.

This book. Before you know it, it's found its way under your skin and I suspect it will be a long time before it leaves. A wonderful and diverse cast of characters and a plot that tackles the huge and important subjects of loneliness and racism deftly and with heart. Lots to make you smile, but tears shed too. No desire to give away a spoiler, suffice to say that there are many points in the book where you find yourself hugely emotionally invested, and one in particular which knocks you sideways. I will not forget Hubert Bird in a hurry. A triumph.

Thank you Netgalley for my review copy of this book.

My heartstrings were tugged and tugged and almost snapped with this book. This addresses the hardships of not only older people but those who have been immigrants, those abandoned by their families, drug users and many more besides.
The tale focuses on the main relationship between Hubert Bird (a Windrush black immigrant who lives on his own) and Ashleigh (a young single mum) moved into the area recently. By both parties taking a chance on each other, they unleash a whole cycle of actions that make communities what they are.
Beautifully written, unbearably sad but funny in places, I read this book laughing with tears running down my face.
Great title which led to me having The Beatles constantly in my head when reading.
Mike Gayle has once again written the uplifting book of the year for me. It will take a lot for a book to beat this one. I already had my print copy on order and I will be passing it around and recommending everywhere. It is on my libraries list of books to buy when available.

Thanks to NetGalley and The Publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this. Poignant and timely for numerous reasons. It covers love and lost, racism, friendship along with the titular loneliness. It was somewhat bittersweet reading this in the mist of the Covid-19 lockdown and the resurgence of the #BlackLivesMatter movement and how this has highlighted how prevalent racism still is in our society along the issues of loneliness and isolation. It's as if Mr Gayle was very prescient when putting this book together.

As a Londoner I could really identify with the all the characters and personalities which is testament to the author doing a great job of capturing the essence of London on the page.

So lovely to read something I could relate to so much.

I've only recently discovered Mike Gayle and look forward to enjoying more of his works.

My thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton fo a copy of “ All The Lonely People” by Mike Gayle.

Another wonderful book by Mike Gayle !
Such a timely read , dealing with the Windrush generation, racial injustice , and loneliness, which as the book tells us “ Is a bigger killer than obesity or smoking”
A hard read at times but ultimately uplifting.
This book shows us that, even more in such uncertain times that we find ourselves in now, we should be more compassionate to those around us. How one small gesture can mean such a lot to someone else’s life
Cannot recommend highly enough.

Mike Gayle's done it again. Admittedly I took a little while to get into this book, but once I did I was hooked. I loved Hubert, the main character, but all the other characters were great too. The story alternates between past and present so we learn about Hubert's life. I loved how the group came together to tackle loneliness. There were some very poignant scenes. Beautiful writing - I can't wait for Gayle's next book. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

To me, Mike Gayle was a new author, I was intrigued by the synopsis when presented with this book. I’m not sure what I expected but it certainly wasn’t the rollercoaster tale that I discovered.
I don’t like to give spoilers in my reviews and will try my best to stick to that policy.
All the Lonely People shouts, rather than speaks, to the part of us all that finds it hard to move on from heartbreak. It’s almost instinctive to curl up and block out the world, protecting ourselves from more pain once a personal disaster strikes.
Hubert Bird, our protagonist, has more reason than most to curl up in a ball.
The book has two perspectives, one tells of Hubert’s arrival from Jamaica and the second navigates the present day and all that he is dealing with. There is a supporting cast of characters who all add to the charm and heartache of this story of Hubert’s progression through time.
Mike Gayle has created a joyous, heart-breaking story of a charming man whose heart has taken a series of blows but wants to help others. I struggled, briefly, with Hubert’s patois but, by the end of the first chapter, found it endearing.
One of the many issues that Hubert deals with remains particularly relevant today and is a stark reminder that, as a Country, we have not committed bigotry to a distant enough past.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book but, I also advise that you have a box of tissues within easy reach, you may just need one.

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher. Another great book from a great author, this pulled at my heart strings and found it very emotional. Would recommend

Oh my, what an emotional book! I fell in love with Hubert, such an endearing and kind hearted character. This book switches between the present day where Hubert is a lonely widower and the past, starting when he leaves Jamaica to travel to England and the story of what happens through the years.
This book touches on a number of issues but overall sends a wonderful message of hope that, although we may think we are different, we are all the same. We are just people who, even if we don’t know it ourselves, thrive, grow and become better versions of ourselves in the company and friendship of others.
At times this book is a bit sad and has many poignant parts. But for the most part it is a warm hearted, upbeat, very well written story which I rated 5⭐️ and would highly recommend.

I was so excited to start this book and it did not disappoint although I did struggle to get into it to begin with. This book was an emotional rollercoaster that also had some surprises thrown into the mix that had me very surprised.

The character of Hubert Bird is a wonderful one, you just can’t help but love him and also feel dreadfully sorry for him at times. Hubert came to England from Jamaica to find a better life and instead he found low paid work and racism. However, he also found Joyce. Joyce and Hubert loved each other through all the odds and their love remained strong, even when it meant Joyce’s family throwing her out and never allowing her back.

This story finds Hubert who has had one too many knocks in his life and so has chosen to isolate himself from everyone including his best friend Gus. Now Hubert spends his days with Puss the cat and a weekly phone call from his daughter Rose who lives in Australia but Hubert tells Rose he is never home and always out with friends so when she says she is coming home for a visit Hubert has to find friends quick so Rose doesn’t find him out.

In walks my next favourite character Ashleigh and her young daughter Layla. Ashleigh is a young single mother who goes knocking on Hubert’s door and she doesn’t give in till she has made Hubert her friend.

This story is so endearing and very true in so many respects, there are many lonely people in this world and because of the speed everyone lives their lives these people often get forgotten and left behind. This book highlights that things can be done to help these lonely people if people take the time to help.

Gayle’s writing in this book is beautiful and how he moves from the past to present is flawless. I highly recommend this book to everyone who is looking for a beautiful story with a wonderfully poignant meaning. I really enjoyed this book but it did take a while to hook me in, although once I was hooked I could not put it down. Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the ARC.

I discovered Mike Gayle books after another well known published author recommended him. I read "Half A World Away" and that was it I was a hooked Mike Gayle fan, who definitely jumped at the chance to read this book - All the lonely people.

I'll be honest when I started reading it, I did find it a bit slow and hard to get in to. However, after my initial reservations my opinions of the book completely changed as we got to know the story and the main character Mr Bird better.

This book is an approach to a very current issue that a lot, if not all of us are experiencing in some way. The added stories of how friendships begin and survive over years and years is highlighted in such a heartwarming way that the love story of Mr & Mrs Bird is a happy addition despite all the adversity they faced as the story touches on racism.

To sum this book up for me it was a story of friendships, old and new. One man's great love of his life and how you should never be surprised by who might be living next door or who you might bump in to in the street.

I am super glad that I made myself a pledge this year not to give up on any book. As once I was over my initial reservations this book really touched me and the ending was definitely a twist I didn't see coming.

🐈 All the lonely people - Mike Gayle 🐈

Okay I can’t even put into words how much I adored this book. It switches between past and present for the main character Hubert. Hubert is a loveable character from the minute you start reading and following his journey. It touches on racial injustices in the UK and honestly it was such an eye opening read in that respect. It also focuses on loneliness and how much of an impact it can have on all types of people, in all different circumstances even in the modern world.

I loved all the characters that came in and out of Huberts story and it had me on the edge of my seat with the unexpected twists and turns. I am totally and completely in love with this book and I advise anyone and everyone to read it.

Mike Gayle always knows how to keep me fully invested and is rising to the top of my favourite Author list.

I just loved Hubert Bird. He is such a wonderful person! I know he is a character, but Mike Gayle brings him to life and I felt like I lived every moment of his journey alongside him.
Hubert was part of the Windrush Generation, travelling from Jamaica to London in 1958. His life is now very different and he is one of the lonely people. He decides he needs to change that. But how?
Hubert’s story is told in a mixture between the present day and going back in time from 1958 to bring up to date. And it really is such a riveting story which had me laughing and crying.
When I reviewed Mike’s last book, ‘Half A World Away’ I thought it could not be topped as it was my favourite of all of his books, but that was before I had met Hubert Bird! All The Lonely People is a definite must read - I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.