Layered, clever and hopeful - I adored this book. This is a wonderfully rich and unforgettable novel that so deftly tackles that huge, enduring question of how best to live our lives. Centred around flawed but lovable characters, it’s a story of working out what we want, and what we owe to others and to ourselves. And it is a beautiful but painful love story set against a backdrop of prejudice. Life, Slightly is cleverly structured around a seemingly chance encounter between two strangers, Gavin and Jackie. We listen as Gavin tells the story of his first love to Jackie and as she urges him on, often with questions bound to be on the reader’s lips. The shifting between perspective and between past and present is effortless and so satisfying as Gavin remembers his school days, university and the life he fell into. I felt so invested in Gavin that I couldn’t put this down. I already miss him and those around him and find myself wondering how they are getting on! The ending is exquisite and so is the writing. The mix of strong voice and approachable and floundering characters meant it was exactly my kind of book. And it is a book I will return to, thanks to beautiful lines and descriptions like these: XXX had somehow flung their lives up in the air. Now everything was waiting to drop and find a new place, a new position in the world, but gravity hadn’t kicked in yet, so everything just floated, unsure of itself or its purpose. What did people do when they couldn’t cope anymore but had no choice but to carry on coping? That was the most exhausting thing, the endless necessity to continue, stretching into infinity, choking him while being careful to allow enough air in to keep him alive. Life, Slightly would be a great book group choice, not least thanks to the (sometimes questionable) decisions that Gavin and others make along their way – lots to discuss! It is also worth noting for book groups and potential discussions that it’s one of the first books I’ve seen to bring the Covid pandemic and lockdowns into the plot (though the book does not overly focus on this). In short, Life, Slightly is a painful but beautiful tale of love and friendship that is ultimately full of hope. It is a story so expertly told, so richly layered and so cleverly structured that I will be recommending it far and wide. (I was lucky to receive an advance copy of Life, Slightly and my review reflects my honest reaction to this book.) ~ Katie Allen (Author), Goodreads

After reading Nigel Jay Cooper’s first 2 novels, I was desperate to read the third. This book didn’t disappoint. The best yet! A gripping and beautiful read. I laughed and cried. It kept me awake at night and ended so perfectly. Would definitely recommend, but read Beat the Rain and The Pursuit of Ordinary first. You won’t regret it. 5 stars. ~ Jo Tyler-Harrington, Goodreads

I was carried along with the beautiful prose and pace of this book. The writing is superb and it reminded me of Eleanor Oliphant in its general theme and feeling – of sadness but with great hope. I read it very quickly in almost one sitting and just ploughed through totally absorbed in Gavin’s life, and nasty Louise. At times I got a bit scared of Jackie and wondered whether there was a supernatural element but I laughed out loud, and also cringed for some characters too. Highly recommend. NJC is a great writer. 5 stars. ~ Ms H Trevorrow, Goodreads

I often struggle to read "coming of age" books. Usually I don't find books in this genre pull me into the story enough to get me thinking, or are compelling enough to force me to pick up the book in a spare moment. This book was different. I could buy into the characters, believing their struggles and their mistakes. And the ebb and flow of the story was so intriguing that it was a true page-turner. It is an impressive book that doesn't need to force unnecessary cliff-hangers upon the reader to be captivating. 5 stars. ~ Tim Ayling, Goodreads

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

Gavin meets Jackie in the local park. He doesn't think he knows her but she knows exactly who he is. As they talk and share their personal stories, their connections gradually emerge. There is a delicate drip feed of past actions and and consequent emotions. This is a beautifully written novel about the nature of life and the way in which we choose to live it. Do we know ourselves well enough to live our best lives? Are we brave enough to do so or be prepared to live with regret? The characters are totally realistic and the author demonstrates his mastery of genuine and engaging dialogue. I can hear and see Gavin and Jackie as they converse in the park. Although the narrative moves between the present and the past it all takes place on the bench in the park. There is a rewarding intimacy in this setting which is completely engaging. I highly recommend this very special book. It is rewarding as a standalone but it also features characters from Nigel Cooper's previous novels, Beat the Rain and The Pursuit of the Ordinary which are also terrific reads. ~ Mary (@mozidogreads), Goodreads

A brilliant novel about the complexity of life, love, relationships, growing-up & adulting and the long term repercussions of choices & actions. Highly recommended. 5 stars. ~ Emma Dallos, Goodreads

Oh wow. Totally could not put this down from when I started reading it. Hits sensitive subject matters in such a clever way and its so poignant and thought provoking. Great concept.Did prefer Gavin's story to Jackie's but their relationship together as strangers is gripping. Five stars. ~ Emma Hardy, Bobs and Books (Book Blogger)

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

I was lucky enough to get a review copy of Nigel Jay Cooper's third book and it is definitely my favourite. The main character featured in the previous two books and I found her very intriguing. It was great to hear her story at last and learn the reasons for her eccentricity. I love the way Nigel's characters interweave and connect with each other. The story is very moving and keeps the reader guessing. Can't wait for next book! Five stars. ~ Kate Rogers, 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