Let me start by saying this: Broken Country is the kind of book that stays with you long after you've turned the last page. Clare Leslie Hall has crafted a story so emotionally rich and complex that I found myself thinking about the characters during my morning coffee, on my commute, and even while doing mundane chores.

The prose is absolutely stunning - reminiscent of Julian Barnes at his best. It's elevated without being pretentious, poignant without being melodramatic. I devoured this book over a single weekend because I simply couldn't put it down.

What really shines are the characters. Beth, Frank, and Gabriel feel like real people you might know. Their emotions, their flaws, their impossible choices - all ring terrifyingly true. The way Hall jumps between timelines keeps the narrative fresh and suspenseful.

That said, I did struggle with some character decisions that felt inconsistent (why wouldn't Beth and Frank want another child?). And Dave's sudden disappearance from the narrative did leave me scratching my head.

The ending is masterful - satisfyingly complex without being neatly tied up. It left me emotionally wrecked in the best possible way. My only complaint? That it had to end at all.

If you're tired of predictable plots and cardboard characters, this is your next read. Just be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you both devastated and profoundly moved.