Call Time

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2023
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Sliding Doors meets High Fidelity in the enthralling debut novel from Channel 4 F1 presenter Steve Jones. Joyously unpredictable, clever, witty and warm, this is a gorgeous read from Ruth Jones. I was immediately gripped by the story and the characters, and found myself completely absorbed in the unfolding tale. A great read, this is a born writer from Lorraine Kelly, ITV.

Bob Bloomfield is, in the words of his best friend's wife, a selfish, arrogant a*sehole who hasn't spent a great deal of time making friends in his 49 years on earth. But what if he could change? What if Bob could stop the very thing that has made him the man he is, the death of his younger brother, Tom, in 1986? If he could save Tom, could he save himself?

And what if all it took was a phone call - to his childhood self?

The novel takes us on a journey through Bob's life, as he attempts to make amends for his past mistakes and find redemption. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, including his childhood self, who he hopes can help him change the course of his life. The story is filled with humor, heartache, and moments of pure joy, and I found myself completely invested in Bob's journey.

One of the things that I particularly enjoyed about the novel was the way that it explored the themes of regret and redemption. Bob is haunted by the memory of his brother's death, and he feels that he has never been able to live up to his brother's expectations. He is determined to make things right, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goal.

The novel also explores the power of friendship and family. Bob's relationships with his friends and family are complex and nuanced, and they play a significant role in his journey toward redemption. He learns that true friendship is about being there for each other, even in the darkest of times, and that family is not always about blood ties, but about love and support.

Overall, I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good story with well-developed characters. It is a great read that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted, and I am sure that it will resonate with readers for years to come.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 145 x 224 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241561409