This Much Huxley Knows Book Review

Title: THIS MUCH HUXLEY KNOWS

Author: Gail Aldwin

ISBN: 9781684337316

Publisher: Black Rose Writing

Pages: 217

Source: Review Copy from the Author

I’m seven years old and I’ve never had a best mate. Trouble is, no one gets my jokes. And Breaks-it isn’t helping. Ha! You get it, don’t you? Brexit means everyone’s falling out and breaking up.

Huxley is growing up in the suburbs of London at a time of community tensions. To make matters worse, a gang of youths is targeting isolated residents. When Leonard, an elderly newcomer chats with Huxley, his parents are suspicious. But Huxley is lonely and thinks Leonard is too. Can they become friends?

Official Summary

15 October 2021

Today I am reviewing something a little different. Gail Aldwin contacted me and requested that I give her book a try. This Much Huxley Knows is not my usual genre of choice but what a brilliant change. This book will touch every mother’s heart as the author allows you a glimpse into a seven-year-old little boys world. I was transported back to a time when I had small children, I loved it.

Gail tells this story from Huxley’s perspective, an only child that is lonely and desperate for a sibling and eager to make friends. She captures the thoughts of this little boy beautiful and highlights the dangers of misunderstanding as well as the creativity of children to eavesdrop on adult conversation.

When starts befriending an older gentleman in town his parents are suspicious and do not want Huxley anywhere near this strange man. Huxley does not understand his parents’ reaction, Leonard is a nice man, he understands Huxley’s jokes and he is lonely too. Can Huxley convince his parents that his new friend is a nice person?

This book transports you back to childhood. It is warm, sweet, and filled with innocence. I loved what a fantastic job the author did with highlighting the creativity of a child who is curious about adult conversation. In this book, Huxley eavesdrops on adult conversation and his lack of understanding and miscommunication leads to loads of misunderstandings by the adults in his world. This book reminds us to embrace innocence, to see things for what they are and not jump to conclusions based on assumptions.

Huxley is a marvellous little guy. The author captures the innocence of a seven-year-old beautifully. I adored his sweet nature and sense of humour. Huxley highlights the adventure of having a young child in your home.

While This Much Huxley Knows does not fall in my usual genre of choice, I am delighted that I was given the opportunity to review this book. It is full of humour, innocence and misunderstanding, a fun read that left me smiling. I loved this one. I highly recommend this book to moms of children young and old.

This Much Huxley Knows is a heart-warming, enjoyable read this will leave you looking at the world with a child’s wonder and innocence. This is one of those books that will remain with you long after you closed the last page.

About the Author

Author Bio from GoodReads

A writer of novels, poems and short fiction, Gail Aldwin is also a member of 3-She a comedy sketch writing trio. When she’s not busy at her computer, Gail reads contemporary fiction, women’s fiction and literary novels. She tries to emulate the writing of authors she admires, such as Helen Dunmore and Anne Tyler.

‘The String Games’, Gail’s debut coming-of-age novel was a finalist in The People’s Book Prize and the DLF Writing Prize 2020. Following a stint as a university lecturer, her children’s picture book ‘Pandemonium’ was published. Her second contemporary novel for adults ‘This Much Huxley Knows’ uses a young narrator to show adult experiences in a new light.

Prior to Covid-19, Gail volunteered at Bidibidi in Uganda, the second-largest refugee settlement in the world. When she’s not gallivanting around the place, she writes at her home in Dorset.

Thank you to Gail Aldwin for reaching out and suggesting this book to me. Sadly, I would never have selected this book myself. This is a wonderful story that deserves to be added to your TBR. It is a wonderfully entertaining read. Have you read This Much Huxley Knows? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review, your support is appreciated. Until next time… Happy Reading!