Title: Homes

Author: Hayden Thompson

Genre: Contemporary, Literary Fiction

 

Homes by Hayden Thompson is a reflective novel following Dr. George Harrington across more than two decades of his life. George leaves France for a new career in Asia and later settles between England and Italy, and the journey he takes explores family, career, relationships and his understanding of what it means to feel at home.

One of the strongest aspects of this novel is its focus on George’s relationship with his son, Hugo. As a single father, a lot of George’s decisions are influenced by his desire to provide a secure future for his son, even when making difficult personal choices. Their relationship develops as Hugo grows older and distance between them becomes an important part of George’s emotional journey. Readers may find that the novel captures the difficulties of wanting to protect a child while also recognising that they must eventually become independent.

Homes carefully explores how personal priorities can change throughout different stages of life. George’s career is initially a huge part of his identity, but as circumstances change, such as becoming a single father, his attention starts to move toward family, friendships, and his own sense of fulfilment. This gives the novel a reflective quality, allowing readers to consider how people’s definitions of happiness and success can change over time.

The setting in this novel plays an important role in supporting the themes explored. George’s work takes him across Asia and Europe, to places such as France, England, and Italy. The descriptions of these places allow readers to have a sense of the environments George experiences, while also showing how his idea of home changes from one place to another. This gives the reader a stronger understanding of George’s sense of displacement, as each new location offers a different experience and highlights what he has left behind in the previous location.  

The pacing throughout the book is steady and reflective of the nature of the story. Rather than focusing on dramatic events, Thompson has allowed time for George to consider experiences and relationships. This will likely appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven fiction as readers expecting a more plot-driven narrative may find some sections slower paced.

The large amount of time covered also means that the story moves through significant periods of George’s life relatively quickly, resulting in some events receiving more attention than others. For some readers, this can make certain periods of George’s life feel less developed, while others may appreciate that the novel focuses on experiences most significant to his personal journey.

Another strength of Homes is the way in which Thompson presents travel as part of George’s personal development. His moves aren’t just changes in location but reflect different stages in his life, from building his career and supporting Hugo to finding a sense of independence later in life. This gives the frequent changes in location a clear purpose and allows the reader to see George’s priorities change alongside his surroundings.

For readers drawn to stories of family, change, and self-discovery, Homes offers a thoughtful journey through the places we live and the people who make them meaningful. Thompson reminds us that home is not simply where we live, but where we find connection and a sense of belonging.

 

 

This Editorial Review was written by the Book Review Directory staff. To receive a similarly honest, professional review for one of your own books, click here.