I normally end a review of a 5 star book by saying that I would recommend it to everyone. This is not one of those books, this is not for everyone and I think I could understand why some people may not enjoy this (I mean, it has a talking fox and they're definitely not for everyone).

I adored Isaac and the egg and was super keen to read this one and I enjoyed it as much, if not more, than his debut. As someone who had a complex relationship with his father (before he passed) this really hit home with me in a way I didn't envisage.

Loved it and hope you will too.

Oh my goodness this book is truly gorgeous I didn’t think much could be as good as Isaac and the egg but Bobby palmer really has done it again with this lovely book

So I’m nearly into the last month of 2023 reading and here comes a book which shows me precisely how you can never write your list of top 2023 Read’s until the year has actually ended. This book is definitely going to be on it, I really adored it
I loved the book right from the beginning, the talking Fox really got my attention has he really spoken surely not ? I had read and adored the authors previous novel, Isaac and the egg and the author uses the same method of introducing you to the human characters thoughts and feelings by showing you the way they interact with an inanimate, object or animal. In Isaac and the egg It was the egg in this novel It is a feral Fox which appears to be able to talk to 2 of the main characters. They are able to admit their deepest fears and feelings to the Fox. When both characters in reality are men of so few words that they might have been autistic to share their feelings with their family member

The novel by focusing on an elderly man who is gradually losing his memory, to an unnamed dementia, and his son, who is struggling with the world of high finance and city, living allows us to see how both characters issues affect the other ultimately the novel provides a beautifully accurate description of dementia in an elderly person and of its affect on their family .
I found myself in tears at several points as I read the book . Although the subject matter is sad it ends up still feeling, optimistic and hopeful
I love the authors writing style, it’s flows easily and is on occasions deeply poetic .
I would strongly recommend this book to my friends. If you enjoyed Isaac and the eggs, then you would love this one too, if you loved books like Greif is a thing with feathers by Max Porter and a Ellie and the harpmaker by Hazel Prior or a little hope, by Ethan joella then I think you would love this book
I read an early copy of the novel on NetGalley, UK The novel is published in the UK on the 14th of March 2024 by Headline books Headline review
This review will appear on NetGalley, UK, good reads, and my book blog bionicSarahsbooks.Wordpress.com after publication, it will also appear on Amazon, UK

‘A far smaller, infinitely more massive life.’

Bobby Palmer’s writing has spaces in which to breathe, to slow down, and to appreciate the insights he has into life itself.

This book is even better than his first. It sets aside all the striving that humans do, to concentrate on what lasts, season by season and day by day.

I loved it.

Oh my, what a wonderful story. The story of a father and son unable to connect and a talking fox!
Keep a few tissues near by.

"Small Hours" by Bobby Palmer is a captivating exploration of family dynamics, self-discovery, and the intricate web of connections that shape our lives. Palmer, known for his critically acclaimed debut "Isaac and the Egg," delivers another poignant narrative that skilfully weaves together the complexities of human relationships.

The story unfolds against the backdrop of a wild and mysterious place, where a father, a son, and a fox stand at the heart of a tale that is both emotionally charged and beautifully nuanced. Jack's return from the city sets the stage for a powerful examination of the father-son dynamic, with palpable tension between them. The narrative skilfully navigates the delicate balance between the desire to be different and the persistent echoes of familial influence.

Palmer's prose, exemplified by the evocative description of standing before sunrise in the garden, draws readers into a world where emotions are keenly felt, and every moment is pregnant with meaning. The presence of a fox as a symbolic figure adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, hinting at the untamed and unpredictable nature of the relationships at the story's core.

The characters, particularly Jack and Gerry, are portrayed with depth and authenticity. Their internal struggles and the evolution of their identities create a compelling narrative arc. The exploration of memory and the realization that neither character is exactly as the other remembers adds a layer of mystery, inviting readers to piece together the puzzle of their shared history.

The central theme of connection and belonging resonates throughout the novel, reminding readers of the profound impact that relationships have on our sense of self and place in the world. The small hours become a metaphor for the moments that define us, and the narrative encourages readers to appreciate the beauty and significance of those fleeting moments.

"Small Hours" is not just a story; it's an invitation to reflect on the intricacies of the human experience. Palmer's ability to craft a narrative that is both emotionally rich and intellectually engaging solidifies his place as a master storyteller. This novel is a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the profound truths that shape our lives.