Thank goodness Graham Norton does the narration. The story picks up, although it may seem a bit slow in the beginning and the turn of events will not disappoint you. Genre: Mystery, Crime. Review: Holding by Graham Norton. There are of course occasional sparks of Nortonesque wit – I liked the flashily dressed detective from Cork, who everyone secretly thinks is a total prick – but on the whole it is a gentle read. How could anyone else do it? While I tend to prefer non-fiction audiobooks like Rising Strong, I usually recommend charming, satisfying and easy to follow fiction books like Garden Spells. hat an odd, charming little book this is. If you already did read it, let me know in the comments what you thought of it. It’s on that street, while having a cup of tea and scone, that Garda Sergeant Collins is interrupted. While I can get down with grisly details (I’m thinking of you, Jar of Hearts! While I can relate, P.J., my fired, you’ve got to eat the bread! Norton wurde 1963 in Clondalkin, einem Vorort von Dublin, geboren und wuchs in Bandon im County Cork im Süden der Republik Irland auf. Really Into This is a blog created by two best friends, Sarah & Jessica. Holding will now be my go-to recommendation for fiction audiobooks! Graham Norton’s debut novel takes us to rural Ireland and the village of Duneen. Image belongs to Atria Books. The remote Irish village of Duneen has known little drama; and yet its inhabitants are troubled. He has also resisted camp in his style, which, I would think, was a major struggle for him. I have unusually bad form when it comes to predicting which books will be giant successes (Harry Potter seemed a bit too middle-class to me in 1997; Fifty Shades of Grey not hot at all in 2012), but I probably wouldn’t bet the house on this one. His debut novel Holding was a commercial and critical success, winning Norton the Irish Independent Popular Fiction award at the Bord Gais Irish … Compelling, well-written with a great eye for human foibles it is undoubtedly highly readable but for me lacked substance and there isn’t much more to the novel than what becomes pretty obvious early on. For an Irish novel partly set in the past, though, it is blessedly free of priests, nuns and lower-deck-of-the Titanic-style hijinks. Free UK p&p over £10, online orders only. To conlcude, Holding by Graham Norton is not a book you should skip! Sergeant PJ Collins hasn’t always been this overweight; mother of­ two Brid Riordan hasn’t always been an alcoholic; and ele. There is suspense built into the story, but it comes slowly in waves. Norton has a trait which is unusual (and possibly undesirable) in a novelist: he treats all his characters with kindness, even the baddies. Graham William Walker (born 4 April 1963), better known by his stage name Graham Norton, is an Irish television and radio presenter, comedian, actor, author, and commentator.Well known for his work in the UK, he is a five-time BAFTA TV Award winner for his comedy chat show The Graham Norton Show and an eight-time award winner overall. Writing the review weeks on from reading Holding, my heart still aches a little for the PJ, Bird and Evelyn and I find myself wishing Graham Norton would write a second novel featuring them, so I can find closure. I finally became tired of Holding sitting on my TBR. Holding by Graham Norton Book Review. Well, that’s it for this book review! I hope to read more of Graham Norton’s works since this was pretty good for a novel since he has written short stories before and some t.v. . Yes, there’s a murder mystery central to the storyline, but it’s not graphic. Graham Norton’s 2016 debut novel, Holding, surprised critics with its empathy, delicate characterisation and strong plotting.His follow-up again demonstrates these virtues. Graham Norton’s follow-up to his hugely impressive debut novel, Holding, is a bleak family drama set across a parallel narrative forty years apart. Born in Dublin and raised in West Cork, Norton now lives in London. I LOVE how Graham pronounces Eve-Lynn rather than my hideous pronunciation of Evah-Lyn. The remote Irish village of Duneen has known little drama; and yet its inhabitants are troubled. Needing a new audiobook, I picked it up. ‘Holding’ by Graham Norton. It rains and everyone is lonely, but the chatshow host’s debut is an enjoyably unblarneyfied vision of rural Ireland, Last modified on Thu 22 Feb 2018 12.53 GMT. Released: October 6th 2016. Title: Holding. There’s also no evidence of a ghost writer, a fact one gathers partly from endearingly effortful phrases such as “the streetlights bled the shadow of [the fox’s] tail along the pavement behind him like a dark cloak”, and partly because a ghost writer might have suggested occasionally stepping up the pace a bit. Special thanks to Graham Norton, Atria Books & NetGalley for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review. In the small Irish village of Duneen, nothing ever happens. Needing a new audiobook, I picked it up. Enjoying success as a popular talk show host and memoirist in the UK, Grahan Norton has managed to penetrate the consciousness of American popular culture. Every once in a while, I come across someone who is new to audiobooks. Irish television personality Norton (Holding, 2017, etc.) But it remains a highly enjoyable, very readable book. Fiction audiobooks cannot have too many characters, or else I can’t keep them straight! Graham Norton is one of the UK's best loved broadcasters. Graham brings to life this bumbling, overweight Sergeant, P.J. Broadcaster Graham Norton is perhaps best known for his hosting duties for a show on BBC Radio Two and The Graham Norton Show on BBC America and BBC One. . October 16, 2017. Melanie McDonagh. We probably all know Graham Norton for his quirky, sharp-witted, fast-paced chat show, some of us may even remember him for his role in Father Ted as the erratic and chaotic Fr. Posted on 30/09/2016 by Amy @ inkyspells. Graham Norton ‘wasted on TV’: John Boyne reviews his new novel. Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } It’s getting chillier here in London so I’ve been staying inside more reading Graham Norton’s first novel “Holding”. Posted at 06:54h in Books, Life by Anne Dolinschek 2 Comments. Genre: Fiction, Drama, Comedy. I finally became tired of Holding sitting on my TBR. Graham isn’t reinventing the wheel here, but here is something about the way he tells this story that is so endearing & relatable that I can’t imagine someone wouldn’t like it. G. raham Norton — … He appeared, as himself, in the 2016 film adaptation of the beloved television show Absolutely Fabulous. Author: Michael Graves. Norton also deserves praise for his work as a writer, with two memoirs and a best-selling debut fiction novel, Holding, under his belt.His second and latest work of fiction is called A Keeper, a rather suspenseful story spanning two … Graham did a perfect job though. Jenny Colgan. Neil Rasmus/BFA/Rex / Neil Rasmus/BFA/Rex. I was the opposite - I read the summary and thought 'that sounds exactly like a book I would like,' but my cursor hesitated over the request button because of the author. Now, I read a lot of thrillers, but I sure do love me a cozy mystery. This book was such a pleasant surprise & I so enjoyed it. Author: Graham Norton. Let’s connect with books! We’ve spent our lives sharing our pop culture passions with each other, so we created this community to connect with people based on what we are Really Into. My Edition: Kindle. I so hope you enjoy it! 06 October 2016. Posted by jackfabreads on September 2, 2016. ), it’s nice to take a break from the act of murder & focus on the why & the whodunnit. At least, nothing new ever happens. I read this mystery novel after reading the later "A Keeper", which definitely surpassed this novel in plot. There we find no mobile phone signal, an all-one shop, post office and café on one side of the main street and a pub on the other. Holding Graham Norton Review by G. Robert Frazier. We have all of our reviews on Goodreads! Graham Norton employs his acerbic humor to breathe life into a host of lovable characters, and explore—with searing honesty—the complexities and contradictions that make us human. As the frustrated PJ struggles to solve a genuine case for the first time in his life, he unearths a community’s worth of anger and resentments, secrets and regret. has crafted what turns out to be an ominous mystery for his second novel as two stories about motherhood unfurl simultaneously. I have absolutely no idea who or what it’s for, apart from people who couldn’t bear rural Ireland in the 70s and are glad they don’t live there any more, which may or may not include Norton himself. Writing the review weeks on from reading Holding, my heart still aches a little for the PJ, Bird and Evelyn and I find myself wishing Graham Norton would write a second novel featuring them, so I can find closure. The remote Irish village of Duneen has known little drama; and yet its inhabitants are troubled. The novel is set in Duneen, an unpretty corner of Ireland where “time didn’t pass … it seeped”. Graham William Walker is an Irish actor, comedian, television presenter and columnist, known by his stage name Graham Norton. There isn’t a breath of whimsy, and Norton doesn’t have the usual comedian-novelist’s urge to pepper every page with gags (or the opposing tendency of standups such as Ben Elton and Rob Newman, who in their novels feel the need to display their issue-led Serious Learning at every turn). Written by a famous comedian, but not particularly funny, nor meant to be; set in a kind of frozen-in-aspic 1970s, with the odd non-working mobile phone; Graham Norton’s first novel presents an utterly unblarneyfied vision of rural Ireland which makes it seem dreary, sad and miserable, yet still draws you in. Like many, I am a Graham Norton fan. Review: Holding by Graham Norton. He is the host of the comedy chat show The Graham Norton Show and the BBC commentator of the Eurovision Song Contest. Pages: 320 pages. by Graham Norton ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug ... U.K. talk show host Norton’s debut novel is a mystery laced with a sense of humor, from the pointed observations Duneen’s residents make about each other to PJ’s relationship with his housekeeper, Mrs Meany, who keeps him amply supplied with food. Rating: 4 / 5 “PJ Collins had not always been fat . Despite all this buzz about his previous books, and though I’m a big fan of Norton’s – and a regular watcher of The Graham Norton Show – I’d never actually picked up one of his novels. Each of these characters is so utterly enjoyable I can hardly stand it. Graham Norton is back with his second novel, A Keeper, and author and Chief Arts Writer with The Sunday Times Ireland, Eithne Shortall, took a read of it to report back to Sean Rocks on Arena. He is a man whose entire life has been blighted by his own fatness – until a long-buried skeleton is dug up on a construction site and he stumbles upon a Midsomer Murders-style mystery. We also meet a young(ish) mother Brid, who has a drinking problem. Ooh I haven’t this on audiobook and haven’t yet started it so I’m looking forward to getting stuck in soon . It’s not bad of a book so check out the link in the post when you get the chance! I knew he was a talented man, but I would never in a million years have guessed that he was a brilliant fiction writer. I love that his wonderfully animated voice brings them all to life. gant Evelyn Ross hasn’t always felt that her life was a total waste. BOOK REVIEW | Holding by Graham Norton. Read: September 2016. October 31, 2016. By . I am Really Into This book. Holding is published by Hodder & Stoughton. He is the winner of nine BAFTA awards. Norton’s previous two novels, Holding and Keeper, became instant bestsellers in the UK and Ireland, won a slew of awards and earned him dazzling review coverage in the literary community. Graham Norton employs his acerbic wit to breathe life into a host of loveable characters, and explore – with searing honesty – the complexities and contradictions that make us human. Die Familie seines Vaters stammt aus dem County Wicklow, während seine Mutter aus Belfast stammt. So when human remains are discovered on an old farm, suspected to be that of Tommy Burke – a former­ love of both Brid and Evelyn – the village’s dark past begins to unravel. HOLDING. Noel Furthlong.To his list of many talents and achievements Norton has also added novelist with his debut novel Holding. Next up is the pristine Evelyn. Written by a famous comedian, but not particularly funny, nor meant to be; set in a kind of frozen-in-aspic 1970s, with the odd non-working mobile phone; Graham Norton’s first novel presents an utterly unblarneyfied vision of rural Ireland which makes it seem dreary, sad and miserable, yet still draws you in. The book is thoughtfully done, by a writer who really cares about them. I SO appreciate this. Graham Norton discusses his new novel A KEEPER in conversation with Viv Groskop. Follow us to keep up with everything we are Really Into! Holding by Graham Norton review – surprisingly sweet It rains and everyone is lonely, but the chatshow host’s debut is an enjoyably unblarneyfied vision of rural Ireland. Receive our newsletter filled with recs to find your next pop culture obsession. Book Review: Holding, by Graham Norton. [2] I hope you do as well! I have absolutely no idea who or what it’s for, apart from people who couldn’t bear rural Ireland in the 70s and are glad they don’t live there any more, which may or may not include Norton himself. Most reviews I've seen of Holding, both positive and negative, seem to be written by readers who only picked it up because of the name Graham Norton. My review: Holding is a well written, readable crime novel which I have now both read and listened to on audiobook, and both are different but equally enjoyable experiences! Put all preconceptions aside: this is a fine novel - the TV star may just have discovered his true vocation . He doesn’t have the usual comedian-novelist’s urge to pepper every page with gags … Graham Norton. By Gavin Pugh on . Holding has me laughing, guessing & entertained throughout the story. Darkly comic, touching and at times profoundly sad. I am Really Into doughnuts, inside jokes, trash TV, pizza, 48 Hours & George Michael. Holding, set in Ireland, is a small town murder mystery filled with a cast of memorable characters.Holding has me laughing, guessing & entertained throughout the story.. Get the Audiobook, My Friends! Graham Norton has captured the voice of a rural Irish environment without corny brogues. The mystery here in "Holding" is not crafted as well. But you warm to them all. So, when human remains are discovered during a building project, the entire town is in an uproar, wondering who the bones belong to—and who put them there. Much loved Irish talk show host, Graham Norton wrote a murder mystery book called Holding, and it’s marvelous. Holding by Graham Norton review – a solid debut The chatshow host keeps his TV persona out of this amiable debut novel about murder in a rural Irish community No … Really Into This a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. That’s the part that intrigues us all, right? Holding is a wonderful & charming & dare I say it, cozy mystery I’m not soon to forget. Pub Date: October 6th, 2016. Please share on: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. There are several other profoundly damaged central characters: downtrodden Mrs Meany, three mysterious spinster sisters and Brid, an alchoholic. Momma, wife, baker, reader & smart ass. It’s a bit like reading a novel-length version of “Eleanor Rigby”. What an odd, charming little book this is. We are readers, bakers, cooks, podcast listeners & TV addicts. Contact us here! stuff from what I have seen on the Net Galley page for this book. I wouldn’t consider Holding a full-on cozy, but it’s damn close. Holding by Graham Norton - review. Welcome & we want to know what you are Really Into! But aside from a somewhat quirky lead character, this novel is surprisingly down to earth. Seine Familie ist protestantisch. The smart money is on the remains being Tommy Burke, who … The small village of Duneen is what’s really reminiscent of a cozy mystery to me. Reviewed: Graham Norton's debut novel Holding Updated / Thursday, 20 Oct 2016 17:01 After publishing two volumes of memoirs, Graham Norton has written his first novel. It rains, it seems, constantly in Duneen, and every single person there is unutterably lonely and melancholy and filled with bitterness and regret. I am curious to know what you made of it To order a copy for £16.40 (RRP £20) go to bookshop.theguardian.com or call 0330 333 6846. On the other hand, if it comes your way, you might be surprised by its sweetness; this is Graham Norton as Thoughtful Agony Uncle and Empathetic Radio 2 host rather than acerbic Sparkly Friday Night Frontsman, and absolutely none the worse for that. I mean, it’s his book, his cast of characters. I’ve never loved the name more! Writing the review weeks on from reading Holding, my heart still aches a little for the PJ, Bird and Evelyn and I find myself wishing Graham Norton would write a second novel featuring them, so I can find closure. August 02, 2017 At first blush, a debut novel by comedian and BBC late-night host Graham Norton sounds like it would be rife with wry humor and witty antics in the vein of his TV show. books, tv, movies, recipes, beauty & more. Holding by Graham Norton is in the Top Ten General Fiction Books of 2016. At times, the characters seem to almost be running to keep up with the plot twists, which leaves little time for full development or more than surface-level insight into their motivations. Rating: ★★★★☆ Synopsis: Graham Norton’s masterful debut is an intelligently crafted story of love, secrets and loss. The pacing of the story is like clockwork. Y’all, P.J.has such low self-esteem, he can’t even eat a bread basket without thinking everyone is looking at him & judging. Sergeant PJ Collins hasn’t always been this overweight; mother of­ two Brid Riordan hasn’t always been an alcoholic; and elegant Evelyn Ross hasn’t always felt that her life was a total waste. He presents The Graham Norton Show on BBC1 and has a weekly show on BBC Radio 2. Days later, I still see all the characters in my head & imagine what they’re up to now. The hero is Sergeant PJ Collins, an underworked local garda. I was pleased to discover it’ I mean, someone is murdered & we are figuring out who did it. . Holding, set in Ireland, is a small town murder mystery filled with a cast of memorable characters. You can read more book reviews or buy Holding by Graham Norton at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery … Phone orders min p&p of £1.99. Book review: Holding by Graham Norton.