The Other Half of Augusta Hope

What a brilliant, brave, clever book. This is one story that deserves to be savoured and admired.. A wonderful, fragile interweaving of stories and lives that makes the reader question, think and marvel at the skill of the writer. Fabulous. Just wonderful. Highly recommended.

It's difficult to believe that this book is a debut novel. Joanna Glen writes beautifully and from the heart and on several occasions, I found my self fighting back tears. (more about that later.)

Augusta is the second-born twin. Her sister Julia was born on the last day of July and Augusta the first day of August, hence their names. Julia is beautiful and her mother's favorite. Augusta is cerebral, interested in words, reading the dictionary to learn word origins. Augusta is fascinated with other countries and dreams of Burundi.

When Parfait enters the story, it's a bit confusing. He is part of a large family in Burundi during the political unrest and the tribal horrors between the Hutus and the Tutsis. Assassinations, massacres, starvation, rapes, all impact Parfait, making him dream of taking his family across Africa by foot and then crossing to Spain over what looks to him like a narrow sea.

The narrative moves back and forth between Augusta and Parfait. He is very close to his family. she is not fond of her parents. She is fond of her next door neighbors and their "spastic" son, Graham. Her father is annoyed that she pays attention to the special needs boy. He's annoyed about a lot of things. Julia loves and eventually marries Diego, another neighbor whose family has a home in Spain.

The novel is literary and filled with poetry and quotations for Lorca. You will discover the joys of etymology and flamenco, sometimes at the same time.


Hide Spoiler here: Julia commits suicide after the stillbirth of her daughter. She throws herself in front of a train. Augusta, only half of a twin now, cannot cry. I must say here that I lost a daughter in a train accident and this portion was heart-rending for me to read...but very real.

There is much here that defies coincidence, but still results in a believable and affecting book.

Oh my goodness, what a book. Wonderfully drawn characters who give insight into very different lives. Beautifully written, emotional book- not one I would describe as an easy read but definitely a must read! Joanna Glen is an accomplished wordsmith and her use of language is clever , emotional and to be admired.
Augusta is a twin, who has a fascination for words, and etymology and is the complete opposite of her beautiful twin sister Julia. Parfait is from Burundi, Augustas favourite country and so begins a fascinating relationship......
I didn't find this an easy read, but it was a very fascinating tale cleverly told and would urge readers to persevere!

I laughed, I cried, I fell in love. Really enjoyed this and struggled to put it down. Will recommend to everybody

In this beautifully written book I found unexpected similarities between my child self and Augusta: a twin happy to be alone sometimes, a misfit in her family, and a budding etymologist who devours dictionaries and books because words are her soul sustenance and lifeblood. These familiar characteristics helped endear me to her plight.

As August's story unfolds, it is joined by a parallel account of Parfait from Burundi, whose life is vastly different yet intersect with hers. Both of them are seeking a safe place to be their heart’s true home. Slowly, their stories converge and become significantly joined as one. A thread of personal struggle, tragedy, loss and unresolved grief weaves throughout their lives and connects them when they eventually meet one another.

While Augusta cannot unleash tears for the loss of her twin sister, Julia, Parfait cannot get too close to someone for fear of losing them. He has fears and blockages to overcome and so does she. These seem to pull them away from one another at first, but there is more that unites than divides them.

Augusta's love of words and her delving into their origins, plus her ability with languages, might have irritated her family, but they are distinct advantages in helping to bridge the gap between her and Parfait. Once a friendship has been established in fresh territory, they soon recognise one another as soul mates who truly understand one another, and are amazed at how interlinked their stories are.

I was engrossed and engaged with it all, rooting for a happy ending for them both. This intriguing novel, combining poetry, quotes and word descriptions, is a thoughtful and warm-hearted read, with a skillfully drawn conclusion. I loved it! With grateful thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC.

4.5 stars.

From the first sentence, this book felt big, epic, a magnum opus.
The Other Half Of Augusta Hope reminded me of a whirlpool with two powerful stories chasing each other, getting ever closer. There is violence and destruction in the vortex but also beauty and hope.
It’s amazing to think this remarkable book is Joanna Glen’s debut.
The narrative switches between Augusta and Parfait who are both complex characters with wildly different upbringings but who, at the same time, seem to have things in common. Their eventual meeting seems inevitable but getting to that point is a vivid, emotional and sometimes dark rollercoaster ride.
It is cleverly written, full of literary references (which I loved) but not always easy to get along with – although that wasn't a negative for me. I liked the spikiness of it and felt it reflected Augusta's personality in a way.
At first I didn’t feel much of a connection to her, the same as most people around her, but she grew on me and in the end I found it very hard to put this book down.
Joanna studied Spanish at the University of London (and taught Spanish and English to all ages before becoming a school headteacher). It is clearly a passion and she makes good use of it in this book, particularly the way she explored duende (a "Spanish term for a heightened state of emotion, expression and authenticity, often connected with flamenco", according to the dictionary). Those sections of the book felt palpable, I felt transported into the pages as if I was experiencing it too.
The only minor quibble I had was with the ending. I can’t tell you what it is about it that didn’t sit well without dropping some huge spoilers (which I won’t do, don’t worry) but I will say it didn’t alter my enjoyment of the book as a whole.

I loved this wonderful book beautifully written drew me right in and kept me turning the pages hated when it ended.I will be recommending this literary novel.#netgalley #harpercollinsuk

I loved this book from the very first line. It is really difficult to talk too much about the plot, but it follows the stories of August and Parfait in different parts of the world. The language of the novel is really beautiful, and I really fell in love with both of the main characters. This book is totally original, deeply moving and something really special. If this is Joanna Glen’s first book, I cannot wait to read what she comes up with next.

I wasn't sure where this book would lead. Initially I wasn't sure if I would like Augusta Hope but in the end I lived her. The story of her life and Parfait's life so fluidly interlinking that the opposite direction of their lives could eventually flow one way was serenedipity. Both suffering and their pain bringing them together to leave you hopeful. The story made me laugh and cry in equal measure, and now it's finished I'm at a slight loss as what to read next. I read the book in one sitting and enjoyed every page. The description of Burundi and Parfait's brother with his rose garden gives the country beauty in its darkness. Spain showing the migrant problem and the plight of these people, gives the book a real element. Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC it was a page turner from start to finish.

Augusta Hope has always been different. Different from her Mum and Dad and different from her twin sister,her neighbours and friends. She enjoys words and Burundi and she doesn't like the small town she lives in finding it very parochial.
When her life changes forever she escapes to a new life in Spain which feels more like home. Her mother and father follow her to deliver her a present even though they are out of their comfort zone.

A great read which makes you think about the meaning of home.

God what a book! I couldn’t put it down but didn’t want it to end. Amazing characters. I laughed cried and loved right along side them! Will be eagerly looking out for the next book by this author

This book is a split perspective novel, telling the stories of Augusta, a British woman who wants to travel the world to escape her home life and Parfait, a man from Burundi who decides to make a break for it to avoid the ongoing civil war.

Their lives are very different but at the same time there are huge similarities that lead to their lives being intertwined in unexpected ways, even if they don’t know it yet.

Augusta is a fascinating character – she’s not likable, exactly, she has a lot of feelings but she’s awful at expressing them and, paired with the fact that she wants ‘more’ from life than just settling down where she is, she’s always at odds with her family and struggles to find her place in the world. She’s the youngest twin and doesn’t measure up to the ideal that her parents have in Julia, the eldest. Be ready to grab the tissues though, this book has some incredibly sad moments in it. The writing is beautiful and keeps you invested in every single page.

I love the author’s writing style and can honestly say I loved both of the main characters equally. The story is thought-provoking on the topics of home, belonging and family love, it’s given me plenty to mull over before I choose my next read. Above all, this book gave me all sorts of feelings!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Was thrown at first, wondering why these two people, obviously continents apart, were telling their stories in parallel. As the story went on I became more intrigued.
I experienced many emotions in this story. Family and the ties that bind can be powerful but destructive also. Home can mean something very different to individual members of the same family. I was swept along, becoming part of both these characters lives.
The story is eventually woven to its conclusions and the revelations are painful but ultimately beautiful.
I particularly enjoyed the end of the tale. It has a poignancy all its own and perfectly completed the story.

A lovely, lovely read. The characters of Augusta and Parfait are so well drawn (Augusta in particular, Parfait is slightly less 3 dimensional, though still a real person) and the way Joanna has drawn the threads of their very different lives together, weaving coincidence into a believable whole is beautifully done. The tragedy of her blinkered parents is sadly true to life as well, and I felt disgust and pity in equal measure for them.
So many sad things in this book, yet somehow it was uplifting. I read it in one day, staying up reading in bed last night until 2 am until I'd finished. Recommended.

What a wonderful book! I love Augusta - her passion for reading the dictionary, her quirkiness and her journey to find the life she is supposed to have. Parfait's story taught me a lot about Burundi and the intersection of two quite different lives was very well done. Julia's story is heart wrenching and one can feel the pain of the whole family.

All of the characters were carefully created and completely believable - I felt like that I knew them well and I was just not ready to lose them when the story ended.

I will look out for Joanna Glen's next novel and recommend this book to my friends. Thank you NetGalley.

This is a really lovely book. When I chose to read it I had reservations – would it be a bit too cosy and sentimental for me, I thought, but that did not prove to be the case. I was instantly engaged by the narrative, and my heart was scalded by the shocking events that linked the distant lives of edgy, awkward Augusta and her ‘other half’, big-hearted, cool Parfait – two wonderful characters who will remain with me for a long time.

The Other Half of Augusta Hope is a beautifully written, clever novel and I feel like a better person for reading it. I was sorry when it was finished, even though the ending was perfect, and I will definitely be looking out for more books by Joanna Glen in the future.

Many thanks to the author, to Harper Collins and to Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this brilliant debut.

At first, I wasn’t quite sure what to think of The Other Half of Augusta Hope because Augusta is really rather odd. The way that she thinks is seen as odd by everyone around her, her mother seems not to know what to do with her and her father is embarrassed by her.

Augusta feels really quite alone, but she has a twin sister, Julia, who is always there for her. Until she isn’t. As they grow the siblings naturally grow apart, mainly because of a boy that Julia falls for.

Gradually, Augusta Hope worked her way under my skin, there was a lot to love about her and I think that I wanted to be her friend. Another book that made me feel like this was Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and I am sure that Augusta Hope will get compared to Eleanor Oliphant, as they both feature a quirky main character who is isolated and considered strange by many around them. I really hope that the books don’t get compared though, as that would be doing both a disservice.

Part of The Other Half of Augusta Hope is set in Burundi, a small country in Africa that Augusta decides is to be her favourite country in the world and so she devours facts and learns everything that she can about the country.

We also hear from Parfait, a young boy living in Burundi who at first seems quite random, how will he fit into the story? Of course, it soon becomes clear.

Some of this book is set in a small town in England, some are set in Burundi and the rest in Tarifa in Spain. I loved the parts in Spain, Augusta loves it there and that really shows in the story, I’ve never been there but I could see it all so perfectly in my mind.

By the time the book finished, I was totally in love with the story and the characters and I did not want it to end. It is very rare that a book makes me cry, but The Other Half of Augusta Hope came very close. It was beautifully written and it all felt so real.

That The Other Half of Augusta Hope is authors Joanna Glen’s first book is really quite amazing and I can’t wait to hear more from the author.

Funny, sad and moving I didn't want this book to end. The author seems to intuitively understand people as she charts the development of Augusta and Julia from childhood, through adolescence to adulthood with all the pitfalls on the way. Characters were so vividly individual you felt as if you knew them each personally. Running Augusta and Parfait's life in parallel as we got to know them worked well and I found myself desperate for quirky, intelligent Augusta, who doubted whether she was as loveable as her twin, to find her place in the world. The book also deftly illustrates the realities of the refugee problem and the hardships people face for a better life.

Bittersweet coming of age novel with twins Julia and Augusta, born a few hours apart which is enough to give them 2 different birthdays and allows them both to be named after the month of their birth. This isn’t the only difference, Julia was born to please and is happy to live up to their parents limited expectations, marrying the boy next door and staying close to home even though his family are Spanish. Augusta is the intellectual and fiercely contrary. She loves the dictionary and is fascinated by Burundi a country she first came across spinning a globe as a child. She’s also fascinated by Spain and is determined to live there once she finishes university so it’s only a matter of time before her path will cross with the young refugee from Burundi who has lost everything he holds dear. I almost gave up on this during the first chapter as I found the obsession with words and their meanings a bit dull, but I’m so glad I didn’t because I absolutely loved this book.

The story interlinks the life of Augusta Hope with Parfait. Augusta studies the country of Burundi. Parfait leaves Burundi and crosses to Spain in a boat with his brother. Is there a link between the two, will they meet and how does the story develop. Beautiful from start to finish would recommend.

'The dragonfly symbolises transformation. Can move direction very suddenly. Is capable of flying across oceans' ____ Joanna Glen

I picked up this book with absolutely no idea of what it was about.. I started reading it....and nothing and then 20% in and pow! Just like that I started to love it and it became all-consuming.

This is a beautiful and clever story of life, loss and 'duende'. The story moves between Augusta and Parfait, two vivid characters who despite living a world apart, are in many ways so alike. Their lives weave in and around each others and the reader assumes that one day they will meet and their worlds will collide together.

It's a book that will move you and mess with your emotions. One minute it will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, like being wrapped up in a warm blanket, and the next, it will break your heart into a million pieces.

This is a story to be savoured and treasured and is one that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this ARC for which I have given my voluntary and unbiased review.

Wow! This book had me laughing loudly and crying copiously. Augusta brings a smile to your face with her insightful comments, and worldly wisdom.

The storytelling was woven through threads of Burundi and Spain, and at times I suspected or thought I had a glimpse of the ending, but some of twists were certainly not expected. My heart broke a few times, but kept being restored. One of the best books I have read for a long time. Absolutely loved it.

No need to write about the story, others will tell that. But know that you will fall in love with Augusta, and you’ll feel better for having met her.

Thank you #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsPublishers for the chance to read and review.

I was overjoyed to receive an advance copy of the Other Half of August Hope from Joanna Glen. It was a wonderful novel, joyous yet heartbreaking at times. It follows the life of young girl Augusta, living with her twin Julia in suburban England. She longs for change and feels like she doesn´t fit in, losing herself in words and imagination. Parallel to the story, we follow the life of the young and hopeful Parfait in Burundi. Augusta and Parfait are hit by an unspeakable tradgedies and we follow their lives as they pick up the pieces and figure out where exactly they belong.

I felt like this was a novel of our times and raises some important questions about identity, belonging and asylum. I wanted to stretch out reading this novel, but I am afraid I inhaled it over two days. I loved reading about Augusta and I hope to read more books from Joanna Glen in the future.

I wasn't sure what to make of this book when I first started it but I'm so glad I preserved! It's about two beautiful and sad tales, one set in the UK and one set in Burundi. About love, loss, fitting in and the connections we make. Has a beautiful poetic way with words.

"We kept going without speaking, our heads down - and Julia walked between us"

Augusta has a twin sister Julia while Parfait has a brother Wilfred. We follow their lives and experiences and only later find out how their lives are connected.
A beautiful read, full of hope and promise even when pain fills their lives. Cannot recommend this book more, enjoy it.

This is a clever and wonderful book - it has everything; humour, joy, loss, sadness, hope and love, the whole spectrum of human emotions. It’s the sort of book you think about when you have to put it down and don’t want to finish because it is so good. Joanna Glen writes deftly with a lightness of touch which makes even the saddest parts of the book easier to accept. It’s a novel about coming together and hope and redemption. You will smile and laugh and perhaps shed a tear but you will be very glad that you have read it.

Powerful, raw, emotional and strangely filled with hope. This book has so many layers. Simplistically, it switches between the privileged first world life of Augusta, and the devastating third world life of Parfait. She cant wait to flee suburbia and he cant wait to flee the horrors of Africa. I had thought it would the quirky "Eleanor Oliphant" vein, but quickly realised that this was not the focal point but the catalyst.
The author is skilled and weaves the story well, almost poetically. I cant say that knowingly would have read a book that handles such heavy, depressing issues, but I will say that it was delicately handled and threaded with hope so that I felt richer for having read it. It felt like a work of art and it made me think.

I requested this book for personal reasons. I have often felt different in life so I really wanted to read this and like it. Ok pleased to say I did! It resonated me in lots of ways and I’m so glad authors are exploring the differing ways people think.

Thanks so much to Harper Collins, Joanna Glen and NetGalley for the opportunity to read THE OTHER HALF OF AUGUSTA HOPE.
I don't think I can praise this book highly enough, to be honest. It's beautifully written, the prose often laugh out loud which I did, simply because the family dynamic described often resembled my own, and although I didn't laugh at the time felt I could when reading about it. Augusta and Julia are twins. They were born at roughly the same time which made them twins but that is where the similarity ends. They are very different people, Julia beautiful and ready to please, Augusta different, quirky, a little offbeat. I liked her immensely. She loves words, reads the dictionary endlessly and loves etymology. I recognised her immediately. I was the same when I was young and I have autism, so I'm guessing she may also be autistic. Augusta is also an adventurer and wants to see the world, particularly Burundi which she has a special interest in simply because she liked saying the word, and then discovers she wants to know more. Her story is narrated side by side with Parfait, born in Burundi and witness to many atrocities, particularly those which involve his own family.
The writing is so heartfelt that when Julia loses her baby, Rose, you feel it too, and you understand why she does what she does because human beings can fall so low they do things they wouldn't have if they were not so entrenched in grief. There are various human conditions brought about by circumstance and many of them are covered in this wonderful, heartwrenching, beautiful story. And I loved the ending. It was just what it was meant to be.

A bit like Eleanor Oliphant, Augusta Hope isn't your typical heroine and I have to admit that (like Eleanor Oliphant) I put this one down thinking that I couldn't get it to it and then returned to it some weeks later. I am so glad I did. Augusta and Parfait's stories really affected me, to the extent that two weeks on from finishing it, I am still thinking about them. It's a wonderful, funny, heartbreaking book with exceptional characters. I cannot recommend it highly enough and I will be buying it for all my friends! An exceptional debut.

How do I explain how great this book without giving anything away!

Julia and Augusta are the Hope twins - bought up in an ordinary place by ordinary parents who are of their time.
Augusta is extraordinary, clever, eager to learn and outspoken. She can be like this because she has a home - her twin sister.
The threads of this book weave in and out of time, place and experience. Its about family of whatever type and learning from others.

Can highly recommend

She is quirky, she lives in a small town in England, she feels she doesn’t fit in, she has a twin called Julia, she is oppositional, she loves facts, she is obsessed with words - she is Augusta Hope. And I loved her!!!

2 worlds are brought together in this powerful novel of wanting something more than what you have. Both Augusta and Parfait want a better life and both have their sights on Spain.

The novel is engrossing and thought provoking with vivid, relatable characters. It’s the perfect read for fans of Eleanor Oliphant. I predict this book will be HUGE!!!

Augusta Hope is to me is what I imagine Eleanor Oliphant was to everyone else. Quite possibly the most beautiful book I’ve read in a very long time, this is a story of love, grief and home. Highly recommend to everyone as a must read this summer!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperFiction for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a beautifully written book. I felt emotionally connected to all the characters involved who were depicted with empathy and warmth. Augusta Hope's connection with her twin is profound and yet she feels she does not fit in in her home town with her parents and sister. She is a little odd in the way Eleanor Elephant is.

In the novel, she explores who she is and what home means to her and what the meaning of love is. I really enjoyed it! Strongly recommended.

A lyrical, poetic story of loss and love, in that order

The 'other half' of Augusta Pope's childhood is her twin, Julia. The two girls are as different as twins could be. Julia is exactly the child her parents wanted: blonde, biddable, pretty and home-loving. Augusta isn't. Her parents can't understand this clever, feisty daughter whose favourite book is the dictionary, wants to right every wrong and befriends their neighbour's disabled son, whom other people shun. Augusta longs to escape the constraints of her conventional family. Studying an atlas, she sees the name Burundi, wonders what it would be like to live there and decides to find out about the country, its history and the people who live there.

Parfait is the same age as Augusta, but lives in a completely different world: war-torn Burundi. Having seen many of his family killed in the bloody civil war, he decides to leave, aged 14, taking his younger brother with him.

Augusta escapes the constraints of her conventional, rather narrow-minded family to go to university, where she shines. Parfait also escapes. To say more would give away the plot of this memorable and beautifully-written story of two intelligent, courageous people who both resent the restrictions of the life they were born into. A must-read.

I wasn't expecting this, not this story that touched my heart so much. It is very brave, very big and very affecting. It took me a little while to get into the parallel storylines of Augusta and Parfait but these stories grew stronger and stronger as they moved closer together. I loved Augusta by the end, really loved her voice, her spirit and her humanity and also her flaws. This is a terribly sad tale of how desperate people can be and how cruel life is for some but it is also full of life and joy and surprises. Give it a go.

I loved this book. Augusta is such a quirky character, an unusual child who grows into an unusual woman. You will wonder how two such uptight parents could have such a daughter.
Her fascination with words and her obsession with Burundi make it a rather unusual novel. I loved the parts set in Spain, the description of flamenco, local fiestas.
Augusta's involvement with Ollie, Diego and Parfait develop as she grows.
The closeness with hew twin sister adds another aspect to her character.
Beautifully written, I was sorry to finish it

Unique! Extraordinary! Different!

Julia and Augusta are the twin daughters of Stanley. Julia was born on 31 July while Augusta on 1 August. Their names are about as original as their parents will ever be. They are staid, set in their ways, hate anything out of the ordinary, and Julia is their favourite as she is happy to play by their rules. Augusta is the complete opposite. She is feisty, questions everything, she loves reading dictionaries and tracing the origins of words, studying clouds and reading poetry.

When she is seven, she discovers the country Burundi on a globe and sets about finding out everything she can about the country. This fascination will play a critical part in her later life.

She and Julia are very close; their different natures bring out the best in each of them. Life changes and their relationship changes after a two week holiday in Spain.

Parfait Nduwimana was one of nine children. He was born in Burundi and lived through the horrors of civil war. He decides that he cannot go on living in the country, especially after his sisters have been brutalised by the soldiers who frequently come to his village to plunder. He sets off across Africa with his youngest brother, Zion, determined to get to Spain.

What an extraordinary book filled with glorious pictures constructed from words. Words that you want to wrap up and keep in a special place in your head and your heart.

I loved Augusta. I loved her determination to make something of her life even though there were so many obstacles in her path. Julia is equally inspiring, for different reasons. The parents – let's say that they would not be on my Christmas list, but play a hugely important role in this complicated storyline.

Parfait and all the descriptions of war-torn Burundi, made me weep for all the lost souls killed in these senseless power struggles that seem to consume Africa. His story is so compelling, so tragic and so perfect.

A truly awesome book. I loved the wordiness, the descriptions, the quirkiness that Joanna Glen has used to tell this epic tale.

Imbali

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

My interpretation of The Other Half of Augusta Hope is that this is a love story on so many levels. Following Augusta throughout her life from childhood, this is a novel about her obsession with words and their meanings as well as her love for her twin sister Julia. She lives a very sheltered suburban life which she longs to escape, dreaming of exploring the world and in particular is fascinated by the country Burundi. The novel alternates between telling the story of Augusta’s life and that of Parfait who lives in Burundi and longs to escape the horror and brutality he has witnessed in his childhood. Two very different backgrounds but from the start the author leads the reader on a journey that makes you hope Augusta’s and Parfait’s worlds will one day collide.
So many themes are woven into this narrative. Death and grief are explored as well as the sense of belonging, the sense of adventure, of new beginnings and ultimately hope. I particularly liked the way the author explored the special bond that often exists between twins and how Augusta’s obsession with words provide her with comfort and grounding throughout the ups and downs of life. Words give Augusta a sense of identity which is a dominant theme throughout this novel which is at times hilarious (Augusta’s musings on her life in Willow Crescent), at others heartbreaking but also uplifting. I found the writing to be very lyrical as though the author is an artist just like Parfait and some sections really stand out for the exceptional quality of prose regarding Augusta and julia’s relationship. It’s quite quirky and unusual so stands out as a ‘put to the top of my reading pile’ book which I don’t think will disappoint. This novel deserves the five star rating without a doubt so thank you to Netgalley and the Borough Press for allowing me to read this ahead of publication.

Born one of twins, Augusta Hope is different, feels different, she is awkward and searching for something else from an early age. Not satisfied with the settled life she was born into. The opposite of her twin sister Julia, Augusta seeks the something else she is looking for in words, their meanings, in languages and writing...all things that make her stand out further from everyone else around her.
This story is about home, the feeling of home, where home is not a place but a person...it is both as simple and as complicated as that and the storytelling beautifully encapsulates the simplicity and the complexity of this search for home.
Joanna Glen has written this story so beautifully raw and open emotionally that I couldn’t read it without feeling those emotions and causing me to shed many tears. It is a wonderful piece of writing.
I thoroughly recommend this book to others.
My thanks to #NetGalley #HarperFiction #HarperCollinsUK #JoannaGlenBooks

A beautifully written book. It made me laugh and cry.. A story of two parallel lives, Augusta & Parfait from different continents. One needing to escape from narrow minded, racist parents and the other from civil war. Both have real tragedies to cope with. I loved the descriptions of Spain, Andalusia I imagine from the references to Lorca, Blood Wedding & flamenco dancing. Their lives eventually drawn together. A gem of a story.

I really enjoyed this book. Such a clever story, written so well and interweaving in a way that comes to a not wholly unexpected connection at the end. The characters were engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style. I would absolutely recommend and read this author again.

The Other Half of Augusta Hope by Joanna Glen
The quirky style of writing took a bit of getting used to but right from the start I found it an interesting read. The story is run in parallel between Augusta who lives in Britain but finds it hard to fit in with most people, including most of her own family. Augusta is very bright but often says and does things that would be considered socially unacceptable and which make her parents uncomfortable. She is a twin and adores her sister Julia, who is much more of a conformist. The other story is about Parfait who comes from Burundi and has had a very tragic life. Augusta loves to travel and when holidaying in Spain vows to return. Parfait longs to escape the tyranny of Burundi and also wants to head for Spain. The story mainly focuses on Augusta with glimpses in Parfait’s life. They come from different worlds but they have such a lot in common you knew they were bound to meet at some point.
The characters really jump off the page and you can feel the tension between Augusta and her parents. You can also feel Augusta’s obsession with her twin. This is a really interesting book with references to real life events so that you can get a feel for the time it is set. It is also quite informative and I now know a little about a country I had never heard of before reading this book.
The story is one of tragedy and despair but also of hope and new beginnings. It is a book that can make you laugh and also make you want to cry as you get involved with the characters. Joanna Glen has written a very worthy first novel and look forward to her next book.

This was a book which appealed particularly to me. I love words and language and have a special affinity with Spain and Spanish. The story of immigration tragedies resonated deeply with me; the lives lost in the Mediterranean, perusing the dream of a better life, indeed, of any form of life, are heartbreaking. It was so moving to read and understand one of the stories that drives migrants to such depths of despair. I love the way the two stories interwove; such different backgrounds, but both searching for that elusive something or someone. I loved the warmth of family relationships, and the sense of hope from the changes undergone by the flawed personalities. Are we not all flawed? Yet, in this truly moving novel, redemption and hope are clearly possible. Hope, esperanza; wonderful. Read it and prepare to be deeply moved.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started to read this debut novel from Joanna Glen, but one thing I can tell you. I was not left disappointed at all.

We follow the story of Augusta Hope, one half of a set of twins: Julia and Augusta - two girls born on either side of midnight July 31st, meaning on was born in July and the other in August.

As can be the case, the girls were polar opposites in many ways, from appearances and personalities to likes and interest, but they still had that twin pull.

We are taken to Burundi as well, a little known African country, which has captured Augusta's interest from a young age, and meet Parfait and his family, caught in a country suffering from bloodshed.

How the lives and stories of these two characters intertwine, is a testament to the brilliance of the author, and I did wonder... 'Who actually was the other half of Augusta Hope?' at the end.

Definitely a recommended read.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK and Borough Press for granting me a wish with this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

What a fantastic book!

I can honestly say that from the beginning, I was mesmerised. The book is in a dual narrative with alternating chapters between Augusta and another character called Parfait. It’s soon apparent that Augusta is writing these memories in the present, looking back on her past.

Burundi’s political unrest and troubled history is brought to the fore in this novel in a heartbreaking and authentic way. I knew a little about this subject but this really opened up the way it affected people so vividly. War is never an easy subject to tackle but it’s done fantastically.

Interwoven with this is the story of Augusta and her family living in suburban Britain. The familiar sights and smells of this neighbourhood are very easy to relate to for anyone in the UK and the sometimes mundane nature of that is something that Augusta starts to rally against from a young age. Her twin sister Julia is more easy-going and wants to please her parents. Despite this, there is a deep bond they share.

They navigate their way through adolescence to adulthood and then comes a significant event on holiday that is alluded to by Augusta before we learn of it. This is a turning point for the whole family and points everything in a new direction.

Augusta and Julia’s relationship is damaged. There are now secrets between them and as they continue through life, a part of the bond they share is no longer the same. Meanwhile, more catastrophic events are also taking place in Parfait’s life and he suffers more tragedy and ever changing circumstances.

As the story develops there are some definite surprises along the way. Julia’s story is very poignant and moving and had me in tears. As their family starts to unravel, I was caught up in the rollercoaster of emotions they experienced.

Parfait’s story is different and original as we learn more of the culture of Spain and of dancing! There are some very poetic and beautiful moments in his life and as his and Augusta’s stories start to intertwine, there is redemption and hope for the future.

This is such an original storyline and definitely unexpected for me. It weaves you in with a spell and is utterly captivating. It’s a coming of age story with a difference and has everything from love and romance to tragedy and family breakdowns. It is a beautiful observation of the way we live our lives and of the human spirit. I loved every moment and when it comes out in June, I’m sure you will too!

For fans of Eleanor Oliphant...meet Augusta Hope. A very quirky narrator engages the reader throughout, making Augusta Hope feel like a friend. A bittersweet read, heartbreaking but also heartwarming. Really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend!

I loved this book. A wonderful debut from Joanna Glen. There are really two stories here, one told by Augusta and the other by Parfait.

Augusta Hope is a second born twin who doesn't seem to quite fit in with her family. There is something very unique about her. Augusta is the clever and quite intense sister. Her twin Julia is the pretty and popular sister.

Augusta is fascinated by and loves words. When she was 8 Augusta decided that her favourite country was Burundi, simply because she loved the sound of the name. She is determined she will leave home and go there some day.. Following the most dreadful and shocking family tragedy she does eventually leave home, but not for Burundi. She retreats to Spain to a place where she had once spent a holiday with her family.

Meanwhile in war-torn Burundi orphaned Parfait is struggling to keep his family together.. When tragedy strikes he too is determined to leave for a better life and embarks on the long, long journey. to try to reach Europe.

Their stories are told separately and as their stories unfold you see some parallels in their very different histories and also huge differences. Two stories, different continents. Will their stories connect somehow?

I really liked the wonderful storytelling cleverly interwoven. All the characters are interesting, not just Augusta, Julia and Parfait. The tale is funny, sad, tragic, devastating, frightening and heartwarming. and most of all enjoyable.

Definitely recommended.

The Other Half of Augusta Hope is the story of two people: Augusta Hope growing up in Britain, and Parfait growing up in Burundi.

As a child, Augusta is obsessed with words and their layers of meaning and as a 7 year old she finds an atlas and chooses her favourite country by how the word sounds - and she picks Burundi. Over the next few years she learns everything that she can about Burundi. When a new Spanish family arrive in her street she learns Spanish and dreams of escaping her small life here in the UK for a bigger, brighter life somewhere else. She is a kind and thoughtful girl who tries to befriend the disabled boy next door much to her parents disgust. She is the polar opposite to her twin sister Julia who bends over backwards to please her parents and always do the right thing, while Augusta is all about doing what makes her happy.

Meanwhile., life in Burundi for Parfait is very different. Living in a troubled country he witnesses the death of many of his family members, the rape and then disappearance of his sisters and the silence of one of his brothers. Thrust into the role of head of the family at only 14 he struggles to remain cheerful and keep his family safe. He befriends a Spanish missionary who comes to work in Burundi and plots to leave his home land and head to Spain for a better life. He plans to walk to Tunisia and from there sail across the sea that looks like a river and just start again in Spain. Only one of his brothers sets out for Spain with him, the other choosing to stay in Burundi to be near his dead twin brother.

From here it is fairly inevitable that Augusta and Parfait will meet but how they get there is very interesting. This book is gorgeously written and the descriptions are beautiful. It is heartbreaking and uplifting in equal measure.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the story of Augusta and her twin sister Julia and the pull-tug of family bonds. Intertwined with their narrative is the story of Parfait and his family in Burundi and as the stories develop they come together very effectively. I loved this book. It is beautifully written, full of fabulous imagery and poetry and somewhat reminiscent of Lorca, who is often referenced in the novel. If this suggests that the book is hard work, it isn't- it's an easy and very pleasurable read which has lots of fun with language but is never heavy-going. The character of Augusta is gorgeous and she is incredibly vivid and relatable. Recommended.

Joanna Glen's extraordinary debut is fiercy intelligent, lyrical, interspersed with the magic of Lorca's poetry, questions of what home and family means, amidst our contemporary world and the ills that afflict it. Living in Hedley, Augusta is the younger twin, her beautiful sister, Julia, who is supportive of her and her world, despite the fact that the sisters could not be more different. Julia is the favoured daughter, much more conventional, everything their parents wish Augusta was. Augusta is more challenging, so very bright, obsessed with words and her favourite book, the dictionary, but so socially awkward, correcting teachers, so inquiring about everything, so no, she really does not fit in a family that is so restrictive in its world view. Augusta wants to escape the narrow confines of her existence, and at a young age, she decides Burundi is her most favourite country, as she obsessively sets out to find out all that she can about it.

Augusta's close bond with Julia continues until the point that Julia meets Diego, after which the spaces between them grow. Then a tragedy occurs that breaks Augusta, although she is unable to shed tears. Far away, Parfait and his family are wrecked, devastated and broken by the unimaginable horrors and terrors of Burundi's nightmare civil war. Parfait is desperate to escape the war torn country, he dreams of Spain, making a life there as he seeks all that is missing in Burundi, freedom, safety and security. He sets out on his journey, accompanied by his brother, Zion, his sorrow compounded by further tragedies. Augusta, for whom Spain feels more like home than Hedley, and Parfait, with his huge heart, are destined to meet and connect.

Glen's impressive novel touches on the lives that lie behind Europe's refugee crisis, the losses and darkness experienced in their different ways by an Augusta that manages to snag a piece of my heart, as indeed does the incredible Parfait, so tenacious and determined, and the relationship, that against all the odds, which springs up between the two of them. All though it may not sound like it, Glen infuses her writing with humour amidst the grief and loss, in a narrative lifted by hope and light. This is a brilliant, beautifully written read, emotionally heartbreaking, of a search to fit in and a sense of identity, of families that may not always be what we need them to be, of lives torn asunder, and an exploration of the notion of what home is. Highly recommended. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.

Simply gorgeous. This is written by someone who loves words about someone who loves words for those who love words. I read it in a day and a night and found it moving without being overly sentimental.
I found the relationships within the Hope family quite convincing and the wider community was intriguingly diverse; I wound up looking places up online and poems and art.
Augusta and Parfait's stories are complex and interesting, tied to the political realities of their worlds but operating in parallel - it's hard not to root for them. Julia was less easy to engage with for some reason, but I found it hard to forget about minor characters like Graham Cook and Wilfred, who were beautifully-drawn and came alive on the page despite having no real voices - literally and metaphorically.
I would definitely seek out other books by Joanna Glen. Now I'm off to find out what a mollycroft is!

An utterly charming read, start to finish. Such an unusual and well crafted storyline, both poignant and uplifting and absolutely oozing with palpable emotion. Will most certainly be recommending this to my friends. Excellent.

The story of the parallel lives of Augusta and Parfait is fascinating and I loved every minute of it. Joanna Glen's debut is inspired. The tone is perfect, the narrative bursting with moments of melancholy and happiness. It is in turns laugh-out-loud funny and breathtakingly sad. Augusta's earlier recollections were reminiscent of my own childhood. I learned so much reading this and am starting to learn Spanish online because I was so consumed by the notion of 'duende' in the book. "The Other Half Of Augusta Hope" is pure paradisiacal. What a beautiful way to put Burundi on the map!

What a wonderful book. Joanna Glen is a very talented writer with a very literary style which is easy to read. The story is absorbing; often sad but also full of wonderful moments. I don't believe in coincidences and although some may think the book is full of them I prefer to think of it as synchronicity. Highly recommended. And with thanks to the publisher and the author for the e_ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great book. The two people in it, Augusta and Parfait live thousands of miles from each other, both physically and in the life each has. Augusta is an unusual child with a huge fascination with words and meaning, Parfait lives I. Burundi, a bright boy with a hard life. Please read other reviews for details of their lives, and please read this book, it is haunting, funny, heartbreaking, informative and so beautifully written. I can honestly say that this book touched me more than any book I have read in a long time, I loved the characters, and was sad to leave them when the book ended.

I really enjoyed this unusual story of love, friendship, family and words. As a linguist, I completely understood Augusta's obsession with words and language. I loved her interest in the world, wanting to find out and explore, see the world beyond her boundaries.

Augusta's story (and that of her twin sister Julia) is interwoven with that of Parfait from Burundi. For me, this added a different dimension to the story telling, and I loved seeing how the two stories developed.

I found this hard to put down, and whilst I wanted to race to the end to find out what was going to happen, I was disappointed to finish and leave Augusta and Parfait behind.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the advance copy of #AugustaHope.

A fantastic read. The Other Half of Augusta Hope tells the story of Augusta, a twin, who loves words, facts and has big ambitions to leave her town and be somebody and Parfait a refugee from war torn Burundi who ends up in Spain and working as an artist. The novel explores issues of belonging, family, grief and holding onto dreams. It’s about being brave, being yourself and the consequences of our actions.
I really loved reading this book and easily got through it in one day as I had to know what was going to happen. Augusta as a character was incredibly likeable and I found myself rooting for her throughout the pages. Glen captured life, emotions and growing up so well in this. Will definitely be one I reread. Only downside was that it ended!

Thanks to Net Galley and publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book, for me, was all kind of wonderful. Through Augusta I learned a bunch of new facts, some of which I have already used myself! I kinda see a bit of me in her and that's always a good start when you get to know a new character.
At the ripe old age of 8, she picks her favourite country - Burundi - based solely on the sound of its name, well... it's as good a reason as any, and then proceeds to learn everything about it. She has a good, if unusual, relationship with twin sister Julia but something happens on a family holiday that drives a bit of a wedge between them. Now grown up and she is still living her life in her own inimitable way and has little interest in what is happening with the rest of her family and then tragedy strikes.
We also hear from Parfait and his family growing up in Burundi in the midst of civil war. Desperate to escape and take his family somewhere safe, he starts to plan. But his plans don't quite go right as we soon find out.
Just how these two stories continue I'll have to leave to you to discover in the way the author intends as to do anything else would just spoil things. Needless to say, both stories are equally powerful but in very different ways. The author has definitely done a lot of research into Burundi and the goings on there and that side of things is delivered in a non-glorifying way but still managing to pack the punch required to make it feel completely real.
As you can gather, it is a very character driven story and all characters, even those who only play a small part, are extremely well drawn, and the ones that linger a while develop nicely as the story progresses. It's also a very emotional book which pretty much tugged on my heartstrings throughout as well as delivering some really wonderful lighter, tender, moments.
The way that the story segues between Augusta and Parfait is brilliantly done. There is a fair bit of mirroring which means that the book flowed very well rather than jumping about as the action changed person and place. Hats off to the author for a job very well done there.
And the ending is just perfect - I'm leaving it at that!
And then I find out that it is a debut book. You could have knocked me down with a feather when I found that out! It definitely had the air of a seasoned author as I was reading it and that's no exaggeration. This leaves me very excited to see what the author has in store for her follow-up book - I'm definitely keeping an eye out for that.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

great book, loved the scene the way it was written. Characters were portrayed very well, kept me reading and gripped to the end of the book.

I simply loved this clever and wonderful book. For me, it had a little bit of everything; from hope, love, humour and joy to loss and sadness. It was in my thoughts even after I had put it down and I didn’t want to finish it because it was so good. Joanna Glen has written this novel so beautifully and with a lovely lightness of touch which made even the most sombre parts of the book easier to digest. It’s a novel about coming together and redemption. I smiled and laughed and shed a few tears whilst reading "The Other Half of Augusta Hope" but I am so immensely pleased that I gave this novel a try.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from HarperCollins/HarperFiction via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

This beautiful novel is told alternately by Augusta Hope, living in England, and Parfait from Burundi.
Augusta is a twin and an unusual person, growing up in suburbia with her lovely but dull twin and neurotic parents. As a child, she decides that her favourite country is Burundi.
Parfait leaves war-ravaged Burundi in the midst of civil war, and so their stories start to intertwine in the most unexpected ways.
I found this novel beautifully written and a real page-turner. It really moved me and I honestly felt Augusta and Parfait’s losses.
But it is also very funny and suburban life is wickedly observed.
Both characters and their families are so well-developed and the plotting is clever and subtle.
I whole-heartedly recommend this novel: once you start reading it, you won’t want to stop.

The other half of Augusta Hope
It’s been a while since a book gripped me but this was the one! Well written and with just the right amount of detail, characterisation and reflection, I just grew to love Augusta and root for her fullness of life and fulfilment. The “odd” one, the contentious one, the bright one, the dissatisfied one, the passionate one! The twin storylines are great and the plot development of Augusta’s growth, pain and discovery was just brilliant! Predictable ? Yes! But that didn’t detract from the storyline and the emotional connection I felt with Augusta and Parfait. I totally loved this book and the messages of determination, ambition and destiny are healing and inspirational. The book deals with racism and discrimination based on fear and ignorance really well. Hope and furtiveness follow! Barbara and her husband are total heroes! Go get this now and enjoy every page!

The Other Half of Augusta Hope by Joanna Glen is such a special book and I am finding it impossible to find anything to compare it to. It is, for the most part, two stories running side by side. We meet Augusta who is bright with a fascination for words and is thought a bit strange at school. Thankfully she can count on the friendship of her not-so-strange twin sister, Julia.

The second plotline takes us to the war-torn African country of Burundi, where young Parfait is determined to help his brothers and sisters escape poverty by travelling to Europe.

Although both narratives tackle distressing themes, there is also poignant comic observation included too. However, this is still a tissues-at-the-ready kind of read. A clever, emotional novel about two lost souls struggling to find their place in the world. It touches upon so many interesting themes - grief, belonging, friendship, migration - that once I finished reading, I longed to discuss it with someone. I wholeheartedly recommend The Other Half of Augusta Hope as a superb book club pick.

This is a beautiful novel! Augusta Hope is such a relatable character and I was rooting for her from the beginning of this novel all the way through. Augusta grows up with her twin sister Julia, but in between the chapters on their lives the novel also follows Parfait who lives in another part of the world and seems unconnected to the two sisters at first. This novel is all about finding the strength to get through the darkest of times, about accepting who you are in the wake of tragedy and finding happiness and contentment again. I don’t have enough superlatives to describe how stunning this book is, it really has made such an impact on me and I think it’s a book I will read again in the future. I particularly loved its exploration of fate, coincidence – about how in the aftermath of things we go over and over them and wonder if we could have known, could have acted differently. In the end it’s a novel about forgiving yourself for the things you couldn’t have known, couldn’t have changed. It made me cry, it made me smile and in the end I just felt really content. I highly recommend this book!