Home Stretch: A Novel

Written by Graham Norton

Narrated by Graham Norton

In this “compelling, bighearted, emotionally precise page-turner” (Sunday Times), the New York Times bestselling writer and acclaimed television host explores the aftermath of a tragedy on a small-town to illuminate the shame and longing that can flow through generations—and how the secrets of the heart cannot stay be buried forever.

It is 1987 and a small Irish community is preparing for a wedding. The day before the ceremony, a group of young friends, including the bride and groom, are involved in an accident. Three survive. Three are killed.

The lives of the families are shattered and the rifts between them ripple throughout the small town. Connor survived, but living among the angry and the mourning is almost as hard as carrying the shame of having been the driver. He leaves the only place he knows for another life, taking his secrets with him. Travelling first to Liverpool, then London, he eventually makes a home—of sorts—for himself in New York, where he finds shelter and the possibility of forging a new life.

But the secrets—the unspoken longings and regrets that have come to haunt those left behind—will not be silenced. Before long, Connor will have to confront his past.

A powerful and timely novel of emigration and return, Home Stretch demonstrates Norton’s keen understanding of the power of stigma and secrecy—and their devastating effect on ordinary lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Jun 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9780063112124

Graham Norton

Graham Norton is the author of the novels Holding, which was a New York Times bestseller and won the 2016 Irish Independent Popular Fiction Award, and A Keeper. One of the UK's best loved broadcasters, Graham has won eight BAFTAs and is the host of The Graham Norton Show on BBC1 and BBC America, has a weekly show on BBC Radio 2, and writes a column for the Telegraph. Born in Dublin and raised in West Cork, he now lives in London.

Reviews for Home Stretch

[Val Menzies · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Excellently written and read beautifully. I thoroughly enjoyed the story.

[Michelle Fodal · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love Graham Norton. I liked the subject matter. It was a great audiobook.

[Susan · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This began as a good, interesting story. Unfortunately it evolved into a gay saga including a very graphic sex scene.

[Christopher Dimmock · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very enjoyable, pleasent tale to listen to. I recommend this read.

[Dalma K · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I like the way he writes, a good read. Graham Norton is such a lovely person, this really comes through in all his books.

[Ivana · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Don't like the voice and how female voices are played