I just want to say how beautiful the cover of this book is, it really gives off those Summer vibes. I feel as though this book is going to be a big hit when it is released, and for it to be a debut novel too just blew me away. The writing is superb and really puts the reader at the heart of the story and pulls on their heart strings with the way the story unfolds. It is about two sisters who have a good life living in London and New York, until one day some dreadful happens to their father and they have to rush back to the their family home in Wales. But the sisters are reluctant to return and then things change when important documents come to light, can the sisters sort it all out? I found it an interesting and poignant story about family ties and belonging. I also thought about the story when I was not reading it and wondered what I would do if I was part of that family. Such a great read and I look forward to seeing what Nilopar the author writes about next.

When their father, Shamsur dies suddenly, sisters Nassrin and Sabrina return home to Wales to be with their mother and reluctantly step back into the stifling traditional ways, creating a clash of culture as old meets new. The tension rises when Shamsur’s will is read and the revelation of a long-held secret sends shockwaves through the family, tearing them apart and creating a rift that seems beyond repair… An absorbing debut that is as beautiful on the inside as its striking cover, The Halfways is a kaleidoscopic family saga. Melodic, lyrical, vibrant and evocative, it is a glorious tapestry of a novel. Nilopar Uddin is a gifted storyteller who has crafted an atmospheric, layered, enthralling story filled with humanity. As she explores the many facets of family, culture, identity, belonging and forgiveness, Uddin leads you through the story gently, like a tranquil stroll on a summer's day. It feels light, yet bursting with imagery and emotion, dreamlike, with a stylish and cinematic edge that feels like you’re seeing the story vivid technicolour. This isn’t a book you simply read, but one that you step into. The story is told by multiple narrators over four decades, taking us between London, New York, Wales and Bangladesh. Moving fluidly between narrators, places and timelines, the vignettes from the past offer us a glimpse into the history of this complex family, slowly revealing who they are and what secrets they have been keeping. The chorus of richly drawn, flawed, yet very different, characters draw you into their lives, allowing us to step into their shoes and feel everything that they do: their heartache, grief, struggles, inner turmoil and betrayal. Tender, moving and heartfelt, The Halfways is a captivating and lingering debut from exciting new talent.

I fell in love with the gorgeous cover then I fell in love with this well written and riveting family saga. Great characters, well plotted and gripping. I loved the use of a different language and how it talks about a different culture. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

*I received a free preview copy of this book from NetGalley* The Halfways is about three cousins who live in the US, UK and Bangladesh. Sisters Nasrin and Sabrina reflect on being first and second generation immigrants while Afroz was pressured into accepting an arranged marriage in Bangladesh. A family event brings the three women back together and allows the novel to examine the ways different Muslim women adapt to living in the West. The title refers to those trapped between two cultures and also to their status as women - who have ‘half a man’s worth’ Afroz reflects as she prevents her neighbour beating his sister. Another character observes that ‘a cousin is only half a sister.’ Nasrin and Sabrina’s family business, a restaurant in Wales named the Peacock, plays a central role in the novel and Nilopar Uddin acknowledges this was inspired by her own parents who owned an Indian restaurant. This novel was well written and immersive, but it was challenging to look up the many Sylheti words in the glossary while reading on my Kindle. Some characters are much more compelling than others and the novel starts quite slowly until a family secret is revealed. It also seemed unrealistic that one character came from Bangladesh for a family event and then managed to stay and work in the UK for many months without any mention of a visa. But I enjoyed the chance to read about a different culture and spend time with these three women and their husbands, lovers, parents and friends. It was a great holiday read.