Two strangers, one bench. Two lives, one lie.
Two strangers, one bench. Two lives, one lie.
Coming of age, Contemporary, Literary
When Gavin meets Jackie on a bench in the local park, he thinks she's a stranger. She knows better. She’s connected to him in ways he can’t yet imagine.
She swore she wouldn’t do this again but it's real this time. So real, she might do something reckless and tell him everything.
He’ll understand. It wasn’t her fault, not really. Perhaps he’ll forgive her, even if she can never forgive herself.
Click on the circles below to see more reviews
This is a beautifully written and engaging story that instantly grabbed my attention and didn’t let it go until it hurtled me headfirst into an ending which somehow inverted all of my expectations. Every individual introduced as the story progresses contributes something significant and Cooper is clearly adept at bringing to life people you feel you really know – even when they inhabit the story only briefly – without ever falling back on cliché or stereotype to create an impact. I loved the way that so many different themes relating to modern life converge on these pages. Combining superb characterisation, authentic dialogue and the sorts of life challenges we can all relate to, Life, Slightly is an excellent story from start to finish. I highly recommend getting a pre-order in as soon as you can – you wont regret it. ~ Bookaholic Bex (Book Blogger), https://bookaholicbex.wordpress.com/2021/12/03/life-slightly/
This book was wonderfully like no other I have read. I literally closed it with a smile on my face. Compulsive, raw and gentle at the same time. I loved this story of relationships, mystery and resolution. I will definitely be recommending this. ~ Em (Nightreader Book Blogger), Goodreads
A beautifully-written book. I was lucky enough to be given a review copy. I was immediately drawn into Gavin’s life, marriage and past. As his story unfolded I was desperate to know how it would end… and how he was connected to Jackie, the unsettling woman he meets in the park one morning. Their meeting changes both their lives – I won’t include any spoilers here, but Cooper weaves their lives together expertly. His characters are as real and flawed as your own friends and family might be. Themes of friendship, love and forgiveness are at the forefront of Life, Slightly, but more than that, it asks the question of all of us: are we truly being ourselves? Do we even know who that is? ~ Andrew Seel, Goodreads
Beautiful, thought-provoking and unusual. Will stay with me a long time. Five stars. ~ Louis Beech (Author), Goodreads
I thoroughly enjoyed Life, Slightly – I was very moved and at times felt quite emotional and tearful as I read. A good choice for a reader who wants to be immersed in the lives of two very different but interesting characters and follow them over many years! They will hold a special place in your heart! ~ Intensive Gassing About Books, https://intensivegassingaboutbooksblog.wordpress.com/2021/12/03/review-life-slightly-nigel-jay-cooper/
A brilliant third novel by Nigel Jay Cooper. Each one even better than the last. I loved the contrast in this one; the tranquility of the entire book taking place on one bench, but the agony of the story unfolding. I love how all the characters are entangled so you get to enjoy them all just a little bit longer. Left wondering if there’s a 4th to come. This one only lasted me 3 days! ~ Emily Layton, Goodreads
Wow! What an amazing, emotional, thought provoking read. The first chapter made me cry, which doesn’t happen very often and the dedication is beautiful. I’ve enjoyed this author’s previous book ‘ The Pursuit of Ordinary’ and was fortunate enough to be offered a preview copy of this one and I’m so blessed to have had that opportunity. It’s a book about life, relationships, sexuality, choices (wrong and right ones) and the complexity of emotions. It’s so well written, the characters are real, flawed, human beings with damage from childhood and heartache and regret and, apart from my occasional frustrations with Gavin, I loved every page. For those of you needing an escape from life, slightly (see what I did there)? This is for you. Thanks so much to Nigel Jay Cooper for the opportunity to preview in exchange for this honest review. ~ Sharon Adair, Goodreads
Compulsively readable like a thriller and beautifully written like a Sally Rooney novel, this is a story I won't soon forget. Heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time, this book is certainly going places! ~ Awais Khan, Author of In The Company of Strangers, No Honour
I was deeply moved by this beautifully told story of love, forgiveness, and finding your way. The characters really shone and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. ~ Laura Pearson, Author of Missing Pieces, Nobody's Wife, I Wanted You To Know
