
Just Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane turned out to be as poignant and impactful as I imagined it would be. It’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming, and I loved every part of it. In a span of a few minutes, the lives of four friends changed tragically forever. This is the story of those four friends, before and after that last night.
This book is part of My Winter 2023 Reading List.
My Overview
Over the span of a few months, along with flashbacks to previous years, the story of four friends unfolds in a way that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Eve, Susie, Ed, and Justin are longtime friends who value trivia night as much as their friendship. When an unexpected event occurs on that last night, the aftermath becomes the catalyst for painful changes and truths they’d never anticipated.
This is a multilayered story about love, friendship, family, and trust. Loss and grief are a big part of this story. As heavy as those themes are, it never felt too dark or overwhelming. As we learn about each of the characters’ secrets and struggles, there’s humor and kindness interspersed throughout. I didn’t expect this story would make me laugh, but at times the characters’ witty remarks did! What I loved most about this story were the characters, their commitment to each other, and the way the themes of loss and grief were handled. What a truly memorable and relatable story that will stay with me for a long time.
My Recommendation
This is my fourth book by this author, and I’ve enjoyed each of them. The writing style, character development, and poignant storylines are what I’ve loved. This story, however, will likely always stand out to me from the rest. Needless to say, I highly recommend this book. If you can, listen to the audiobook, which makes the story more captivating and real.
The other books I’ve read by this author (and recommend) are:
What was the last story you read that has stayed with you?
Lindsey @ Lindsey Reads
I’m so glad to hear you loved this one! I loved it so much, it was indeed such a memorable and emotional read.
Lucy
Glad you loved this one as much as I did. It’s definitely a memorable and emotional read. I can’t wait for this author’s upcoming book 😃.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
Nice that some of the heavier aspects were balanced with some humor. Never read this author, but I guess I need to search out her books.
Lucy
It was definitely well balanced. I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read by this author, so of course I hope you’ll give her books a try 😁.
Deanna @ A Novel Glimpse
I’m not a big fan of flashbacks, but I think it might be worth trying this one anyway. It sounds so good!
Lucy
It’s definitely worth a try. In this case, the flashbacks to previous years made the story whole and gave perspective to the characters’ actions.
Dedra @ A Book Wanderer
This one is waiting on my kindle, so I’m happy to see how much you enjoyed it!
Lucy
Thanks! This book is now one of my favorites. I hope you’ll enjoy the story as much as I did 🤩.
Wendy
I”ve been wanting to read a book by Mhairi McFarlane, and this one looks good.
Lucy
I hope you’ll get a chance to read this one. It’d be a good one to start with 🙂.
Sam@WLABB
I have read several books by McFarlane, and I like the humor. This one sounds like one I should get to soon. Glad it was a hit
Lucy
Glad you enjoy her books too! You’ll definitely have to read this one.