The Whole Day Through - Patrick Gale

The Whole Day Through is a story about Ben and Laura, two childhood sweethearts who meet again later in their lives when they are both 40-somethings and the story basically tells of the complications that can arise from these types of chance meetings. The book is called The Whole Day Through as each chapter of the story is split up into specific segments of the day. For example the first chapter revolves around breakfast time whilst the middle of the book is set in the middle of the afternoon. I think this was quite an interesting way to structure a book and it seemed to work quite well. Each alternative chapter is specific to either Laura or Ben. ...  Read the complete review

I found this to be the least enjoyable of Patrick Gales' books to date. It contained none of the atmospheric and evocative descriptions of Cornwall that I love, the plot was over simplified, and many of the characters lacked depth. More than anything, I felt that it lacked the wit and humour of previous books. ~~Plot summary~~ Set in Winchester, the title of the book reflects the plot, which is set around the events of one single day, and the chance meeting of two ex-lovers. Laura is in her forties, and after university has led a successful and rather bohemian life in Paris. She returns to Winchester to look after her elderly mother, an ...  Read the complete review