A Story That Leaves You Shattered and Whole All at Once
“It’s strange, the patchwork stories we tell someone when we want them to catch up, a shortcut to knowing us, as if such a thing were possible.”
What a tearjerker of an ending. This is not your fast-paced romance or suspenseful mystery—it’s something far more profound. Broken Country isn’t just a book; it’s an experience, one that lingers in your mind and heart long after the final page.
Plot Summary
“This is a love story with too many beginnings. I refuse to think about how it is going to end.”
Set against the backdrop of Dorset’s quiet countryside, Broken Country follows Beth and Frank, hardworking farmers whose lives intertwine with Gabriel—Beth’s first love, now a celebrated author returning home after years away. His reappearance stirs long-buried emotions and complicates Beth’s present reality. As the narrative unfolds across multiple timelines—the trial, the past, and the present—the tension builds toward a devastating and unforgettable climax. The emotional weight of love, grief, betrayal, and loss carries the story forward, leaving the reader breathless by its conclusion.
“Frank and I dance around each other’s sadness. Any couple who has lost a child will tell you the same. You see it in the other, of course you do, but it’s like you’re on a seesaw of grief, and all you want is to avoid tipping the other one down.”
Themes
Hall masterfully explores themes of:
- Love and longing – A poignant love triangle that forces Beth to confront her deepest desires and regrets.
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Loss and grief – A powerful portrayal of sorrow that tugs at the heartstrings.
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Guilt and consequences – The burden of past decisions and their ripple effects on the present.
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Family and small-town ties – The suffocating yet undeniable pull of home, heritage, and belonging.
What Worked for the Book
What Worked for the Book“You have to fool yourself into thinking you already are the thing you want to become.”
There is something hypnotic about Hall’s writing—poetic yet piercingly raw. The multiple timelines enhance the depth of the narrative, creating layers of mystery and emotional intensity. The short chapters ensure that the pacing remains gripping despite the book’s heavier themes. While the characters, especially Beth, are flawed, they are deeply human, and their complexities make the story all the more immersive. Frank, in particular, is unforgettable—the kind of man who loves fiercely, yet faces heartbreaking questions about the nature of love and sacrifice.
Who Might Enjoy Broken Country
Who Might Enjoy Broken CountryThis book is for those who love character-driven novels rather than plot-heavy thrillers. If you enjoy layered storytelling, emotional depth, and intimate explorations of relationships, Broken Country is a must-read. It’s particularly suited for fans of literary fiction, family sagas, and tragic love stories. Readers who appreciate novels like The Paper Palace or The Light Between Oceans will likely find Hall’s debut captivating.
“This is a love story and it is better, by far, than any of the ones I have dreamed up in the past. If I’m allowed a wish, just one, then it is this: I wish for our story to have a happy ending.”
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t tell if my heart is broken or made whole. The last few pages completely undid me. This novel is evocative, beautiful, painful—all the things that make a book unforgettable. If you’re looking for a story that grips your emotions and refuses to let go, pick this one up. Just be warned—you’ll need tissues
Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for the opportunity to read this book.
About the Author
