Title: Last Night
Author: Mhairi McFarlane
Published: 1st April 2021, HarperCollins UK
Status: Read April 2021 courtesy HarperCollinsUK/Netgalley
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My Thoughts:
“That night was the last night of The Past, and we had no idea.”
I sat down to get a start on Mhairi McFarlane’s newest release and turned the final page just as my husband put his key in the door. The house was dark, the oven was cold, and I realised I hadn’t moved for the past three hours or so. While I very much enjoyed McFarlane’s previous novels, If I Never Met You, It’s Not Me, It’s You, and Don’t You Forget About Me, Last Night just felled me.
Though both romantic and funny, Last Night is much more than the romcom it’s marketed as. It’s a contemporary, captivating story exploring friendship, loss, secrets and love, told with McFarlane’s distinctive blend of insight, heart, and wit.
It would be far too easy to spoil the plot, which is why I’m avoiding my usual introduction to a review, but I can say it centres around four best friends since childhood – Eve, Susan, Justin and Ed, now all aged in their mid-thirties, faced with a shattering event that challenges their comfortable status quo.
There’s an authenticity and nuance to McFarlane’s characters that just appeals so strongly to me, even though I don’t necessarily have anything in common with them. Last Night unfolds from the perspective of Eve, single (and secretly in love with Ed), with an unfulfilling job, but nevertheless content with her life, largely due to her close relationships with Susan, Justin and Ed. The dynamic between the four friends is enviable, though not without its complications, which are brought to the fore in the wake of profound tragedy.
I’m not claiming Last Night is flawless, nor will it appeal to everyone, but it was near perfect for me for so many reasons. The author has a talent for natural dialogue and great timing, and I love McFarlane’s sharp, dry wit, but it’s her ability to evoke a full range of emotions that ensures I become invested in the story. I laughed and shed a tear, sighed and held my breath.
It should be obvious by now that I adored Last Night, its going to be a favourite for this year.
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Apr 10, 2021 @ 06:37:14
I have also previously enjoyed McFarlane’s books, and I love that there’s such a strong friendship featured in this one. I find it easy to like her characters, and I am looking forward to meeting this quartet.
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Apr 10, 2021 @ 11:32:18
I have not read anything by Mhairi McFarlane, but this certainly sounds good. Wonderful review.
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Apr 10, 2021 @ 14:32:01
Yes! So glad you loved this one too!
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Apr 11, 2021 @ 09:01:12
I love it when a book works for me. It doesn’t matter if anyone else likes it or not!
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Apr 12, 2021 @ 01:07:31
Great review that is compelling me to read this one! I am in favor of a book that thoroughly engrosses me, and this one sounds like just that book.
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Apr 13, 2021 @ 15:46:41
Thanks for a review that makes me want to get this book ASAP!
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