A story showing the turbelence in a relationship, especially when society deems in "inappropriate" for a number of reasons. Whilst I did enjoy the story, I felt the ending did lack something.

Every once in a while a novel comes along that you just cannot put down and which lingers in your thoughts after you've turned the final page. 'Just Like You' is for me, one of those special, memorable pieces of fiction: it's one of my favourite books of the year and definitely my favourite Nick Hornby novel since 'A Long Way Down'. The story focuses on the fledgling relationship between Lucy, a white middle-class forty something teacher, and Joseph, a black twenty-two year old portfolio worker. (I also feel guilty for defining them as such as this is the core of what the novel is about). Lucy is separated from her alcoholic husband and living with her two boys, whilst Joseph lives with his mother. Their worlds collide when Lucy asks Joseph to babysit and their arrangement gradually becomes romantic and the impact of the age disparity of twenty years between Lucy and Joseph is slowly revealed. Through their developing bond, Hornby cleverly explores the opposing ideologies around Brexit, the nature of racism, inter-racial and age gap relationships as well as the class divide. All these factors are woven into the fabric of their relationship and Hornby has captured the Zeitgeist by exploring their impact. It is what elevates this novel far beyond a fictional romance and I found it to be utterly compelling. The cast of characters are fully realised supported by sharp, insightful dialogue and I hope that once a wide readership has enjoyed this wonderful piece of writing that it is adapted for TV or film so that we can enjoy it all over again.

As a longtime fan of Nick Hornby, this book did not disappoint. Heartwarming and beautifully written, this book explores the differences that can sometimes divide us - politics, race, religion alongside others and details the impact these have on the central characters.

Beautiful writing. All actual nowadays issues are there - racism, Brexit, opposites, class, education. Relationships can be hard. So much more between 40 plus white woman and 20 something black man. Shocking?

Hornby never dissapoints, brilliant characters and witty story.

This was a beautiful and romantic novel that kept me engaged throughout the entire journey. The writer’s depiction of the characters was spot on. Highly recommended.

This was an uncomfortable read for me, reminding me of that profoundly unsettling time after the referendum in 2016.

This takes the backdrop of the EU referendum and adds in a mixed race, different aged, different class couple to reflect on what we have in common as well as how our views, outlook and backgrounds rub along together. Like I said, it made for an uncomfortable read, feeling quite bleak at times, but at the same time it resonated with me and forced me to reflect on a few things which is always a good thing.

Joseph is 22, black and dreams of becoming a dj. He works a few different jobs to earn his keep but doesn’t particularly like any of them. Lucy is in her early 40s separated from her alcoholic ex with two boys, is head of English at a school and is white.

I didn’t particularly feel they had much chemistry, but their conversations were enlightening and along with the wry observations about others, carried much of the book thanks to the dry, dark humour this author does well. I wasn’t particularly feeling any romance there, but this still moved me and resonated with me.

This won’t suit everyone and politics has the ability to turn lots of people off, but if you can stomach reading about it, this is thought provoking and worth your while.

I have been a big fan of Hornby since the early days, though his more recent novels have left me a bit cold.

This is a return to form - fantastic character portrayal, great writing. Like other readers, I did find the continued Brexit discussion arduous but it didn’t detract from the story.

Highly recommended.

What happens when a 40 something white woman with two kids, recently split from her husband, connects with a 20 something black man? That’s the story in this new novel by Nick Hornby, set at the time of the referendum on Britain staying in or leaving Europe. Issues of race, class, education came up and were handled pretty organically, but all the Brexit talk got a bit wearisome at times. A novel I enjoyed but won’t rave about.

A really enjoyable read covering a lot of sensitive topics against the background of Brexit. Lucy is 42, white, in a good job and divorced, while Joshua is 22, black, single and working a variety of jobs when they start up a relationship.
The book covers the difficulties faced in such a diverse relationship by all parties, although the spark between the two is never really clear. Despite that it's an enjoyable read and all the characters are likable, especially Lucy's sons who impart a lot of their wisdom throughout the book.

An enjoyable read that addresses both colour and age discrimination in relationships. Despite the difficult subjects they are delivered with sensitivity and humour.

Written against the backdrop of Brexit, it is clear that division forms much of the basis of this novel which is told from two very different perspectives: that of a well-educated white middle-aged woman with a good career and a directionless young black man with an insecure income. Against all odds these two embark on a romantic relationship and so, a middle-aged divorcee hooks up with a young Idris Elba lookalike – what’s not to like? Well sadly I was left wondering why the pair were together as there was very little in their portrayal that suggested they were into each other that much, which seems such an awful waste of opportunity for a novel that explores how two very different people can bond.

Otherwise, there’s a lot to like about this ‘relationship novel'. Tony Parsons’ humorous prose is peppered with observations about contemporary urban life and there are some hilarious scenes conveyed through his skilful use of dialogue, such as Lucy’s conversation about ‘hit-and-miss’ on a date and Joseph’s many awkward texting moments (best of which was on a packed train to Dorset!). Had I been more convinced about the Lucy/Joseph relationship I would have marked more highly but I was left frustrated by their seeming lack of spark.

Nick Hornby’s contemporary comedy of manners novels are often more than merely entertaining. In ‘Just Like You’ there are some serious topics under discussion, not least Racism and Brexit. Nevertheless, much of said discussion feels shallow and inconsequential, perhaps because it is difficult to believe in the vehicle for these themes, namely the relationship between attractive fortyish mother of two divorcee, Lucy and handsome butcher/sports coach/ wannabe DJ, Joseph.
However, some of Hornby’s minor characters really do come to life. Lucy’s sons are funny, cheeky, lazy and perceptive; Joseph’s mother is aware of the pitfalls awaiting her son whilst also being sensitive to Lucy’s position. Hanna is clever, witty and self-aware. Even lauded middle-aged writer Michael is credible. Whilst appearing, initially, rather too pleased with himself, he is human enough to admit he is past his prime, and he’s kind too.
If Hornby had moved past the obvious in his depiction of the relationship between Lucy and Joseph perhaps their conversations, their motives and their decisions would have been more credible. Whilst this is a readable tale – Hornby is a natural storyteller – it never feels as if the writer is truly at ease in the shoes of Joseph or Lucy and, so, ultimately neither of them develops into more than a creative exercise.
My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review.

This book tells a story that feels very real and at the same time is a contemporary fairy tale. The main character, Lucy, is 42, recently separated, mother of two young boys, witty and reflective, very relatable. The book is about her relationship with a younger man, Joseph. Throughout the book, each of them reflects in their own way on age, race, Brexit, forgiveness, love, belonging, in the new and unexpected perspective given by their relationship.
This is Hornby at his best: well rounded characters, interesting story perfectly woven into the recent political developments, great narrative, not overly descriptive. I enjoyed every word. Highly recommended.

Thanks to the publisher for giving me an advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is a rewarding read. Lucy and Joseph’s relationship may defy social norms but if it works, does that matter? The story is told in a sensitive style but acknowledging how difficult relationships can be. There is very clever use of national and international events as the background to the various relationships going on in the novel. Brexit, political events, racial tension all influence personal lives. The writing is sensitive, sympathetic but realistic too. It makes an enjoyable read and I recommend it.

I always enjoy settling down to read a Nick Hornby book. He has a very special way of weaving real life stories of people you don’t know in to your own world so you end up feeling like the characters are your friends, people you know so well. I love the honesty and humour in this book- I won’t give too much away, but challenge anyone to not enjoy escaping into someone else’s life, just for a change.

A three-part story based around pre-, during and post-Brexit. It's an earnest and sprawling effort, using two generations to unveil layers of class, culture, age, and political perspectives.
I have previously read and enjoyed Nick Hornby novels; I do not rate this as highly as his previous books.
I thank NetGalley, Penguin General UK - FigTree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business and Nick Hornby for a pre-publication copy to review.

I absolutely loved this book - Nick Hornby on top form. Brilliant as ever about relationships, and also so clever and funny about the current political landscape.

I found this really difficult to get into. I don’t understand why because I usually like thIs writer.
I think the content, the characters, the social niceties in the story were so out with my own experience that I struggled to empathise with the characters.
I liked Jospeh but could not understand what a 22 year old would see in a 40 year old mother. The relationships were just too strange. Joseph tales Hana to stay in Lucy’s house and expects Hana to be okay with it?

This is well written and as I skimmed through, thee were scenes that really came to life and others which went right over my head. Perhaps the sexual mores of millennials are beyond me - or I am simply old fashioned.
Sorry this is not for me.

Lucy is in her forties, divorced and bringing up two boys.
This novel set in Brexit Britain, tracks her as she embarks on an unlikely affair.
Hornby has a deft comedic touch and I found parts of the novel very funny.
I found the discussion of Brexit a bit more contrived and it felt a little like an adjunct to the real story.
But this is a sweet novel that treats important themes such a racism and class with assurance and humanity.
It flows well and has a good pace, and I read it in one day.
A little different from Hornby’s previous novels but recommended as a compelling story with a little more heft than you might think.

My rating: 3.5/5

While on the surface Nick Hornby’s ‘Just Like You’ is a romance, it’s far more complicated book than a premise may suggest.

The romance between Lucy, 41-year old (almost) divorcee with two sons, and Joseph, a 22-year old, working multiple different jobs is set nicely against the political and economic climate of Britain on the verge of Brexit referendum. Their different backgrounds as well as their age difference is what drives the story and causes complications between them.

I liked how the setting made the story more complex, with people views and beliefs, often misguided by the lies and agendas spread by various politicians, coming into play and influencing the unfolding relationship between Lucy and Jonathan. For a person like me, essentially immigrant living in London, it brings a lot of painful memories with the attitudes of many people suddenly becoming so much worse and aggressive towards you. Despite that, I have enjoyed following Lucy and Jonathan’s story as they struggle to defeat their differences and figure out what really is between them.

‘Just Like You” has been slow-paced read, not unnecessary underlying any drama, and as a result making the story more down-to-earth and more believable.

Without spoiling the ending, I absolutely loved it. it was very real, and underlined the importance of now, and not trying to focus on what the future may bring. Overall, ‘Just Like You’ has surprised me positively, bringing more complex issues on the table than expected.