The Half Moon: A Novel

Written by Mary Beth Keane

Narrated by Norbert Leo Butz and Rebecca Lowman

“An insightful, riveting study of marriage.” —People

From the bestselling author of Ask Again, Yes, a masterful and “absorbing” (The New York Times) novel about a couple in a small town navigating the complexities of marriage, family, and longing.

Malcolm Gephardt, handsome and gregarious longtime bartender at the Half Moon, has always dreamed of owning a bar. When his boss finally retires, Malcolm stretches to buy the place. He sees unquantifiable magic and potential in the Half Moon and hopes to transform it into a bigger success, but struggles to stay afloat.

His smart and confident wife, Jess, has devoted herself to her law career. After years of trying for a baby, she is facing the idea that motherhood may not be in the cards for her. Like Malcolm, she feels her youth beginning to slip away and wonders how to reshape her future.

“A quick and impactful read that will stay with you long after you finish it” (theSkimm), The Half Moon takes place over the course of one week when Malcolm learns shocking news about Jess, a patron of the bar goes missing, and a blizzard hits the town of Gillam, trapping everyone in place. With a deft eye and generous spirit, Mary Beth Keane explores the disappointments and unexpected consolations of midlife, the many forms forgiveness can take, the complicated intimacy of small-town living, and what it means to be a family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: May 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9781797154725

Mary Beth Keane

Mary Beth Keane was born in New York City to Irish parents and grew up in Rockland County, New York. She attended Barnard College and the University of Virginia, where she received an MFA in Fiction. In 2011, she was named by Julia Glass to the National Book Foundation’s “5 under 35.” She lives in Pearl River, New York, with her husband and their two sons.

Reviews for The Half Moon

[Melissa Brewer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book has an authentic feel to it. The voice actors are very. good. I enjoyed the book.

[hageyb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Easy read. Good story. The ending was just
So so

[Sirvasha Evans · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Long drawn out and boring with very unlikeable characters. The premise was interesting but the execution left a lot to be desired. I switched to audio book hoping that would help. It did not. I ended up skimming the last couple of chapters. Should have DNF’d.