This book was a joy. I laughed out loud far too many times to count. I also cried. Not wept in a pretty, delicate way, like I was in a period drama, but sobbed. Into my cat’s fur, who was utterly disgusted by the whole thing. I must just mention here that my cat’s favourite character was Malcolm, who coincidentally is also a cat. A cat with a penchant for hair ties, which my Tabitha also shares. The main character Ally wasn’t perfect, far from it, but her feelings of being totally at sea after the split, her desperation to reach out, to grasp at the strands of their relationship, it was all so heartbreakingly believable. Her father was wonderful, strong and supportive, but also ready to give her that kick up the bum that she came to need. Jeremy was the friend Ally really needed at her side, and the glimpses into his depression were so realistic that more tears were shed into Tabitha’s fur. Watching Ally and Jeremy’s attempts to train for a half marathon were probably my favourite parts. There was no startling transformation of a ‘normal’ woman into a lycra clad Wonder Woman (as so often seems to happen when characters take up exercise) but hilarious descriptions of huffing and puffing up hills, sweaty leggings and the desperate need for a post run doughnut. All in all, this book was far more than I could ever have hoped for. It was an LGBTQ+ ‘rom com’ (I hate that phrase!) with true heart, a very energetic, exceptionally kind woman called Jo, a grumpy cat, and the most wonderful array of baked goods.

How not to act in a break-up! I really enjoyed this book. It starts with the split - Ally is broken-hearted when her girlfriend of 7 years (Emily) ends the relationship. It is obvious that there have been issues for a while, although Ally initially denies this to both Emily and herself. Emily is Ally’s lifeline, at this point - she lives on Emily’s boat, relies on Emily as Ally gave up her teaching job to try and “find herself”, but really both Ally and her relationship have just been coasting. With nowhere else to go, Ally leaves London and goes back home to stay with her dad - taking the cat with her. The cat that is actually Emily’s - a present from her parents. Ally believes that Emily will come for the cat and take Ally back too. Once home, Ally meets up with an old friend - Jeremy - who has also recently split from his boyfriend. To begin with, for both Ally and Jeremy, the plan - often hilarious - I mean, would you really enter a half marathon when you don’t run? - the plan is to get their respective partners back. However, the story charts how Ally grows into herself, and yes, grows up. The story is messy - Ally is messed up - but then relationships and people are messy, so is a good reflection of real life. The renewed friendship with Jeremy (they were school friends) is lovely too. Both characters develop well, and learn to rely on themselves rather than others. I loved the characters so much and had some real laugh out loud moments as well as some real cringe moments when you just wish Ally would not do what she is doing / writing in the emails! Definitely recommended.

This is a very funny and warm book to read at any time, but reading it in ‘Lockdown’ really lifted my spirits. The main characters are a treat, emotionally messy and a bit immature but I loved them. Their families, friends and the cat just add to the whole thing, and I would happily buy this book for my friends I enjoyed it so much

I really enjoyed this book and will defiantly be reading more from the author. This book tells the Story of Ally who has split up with her girlfriend and takes the cat and moves back to Sheffield to live with her dad. What follows without giving any spoilers away is amazing story of adventure, friendship and more. I loved this book and all the different characters esp the cat as I am a cat lover. With thanks to Netgalley & Quercus for the arc of this book in exchange for this honest review.

Oh my goodness, I loved The Split so much. I raced through it (a bit of a pun as you'll see in a moment) and I just didn't want to put it down. It's a brilliant debut from Laura Kay. The book begins with Ally being unceremoniously dumped by her girlfriend of seven years, Emily. Whilst fleeing from London back home to her dad's in Sheffield, she manages to pop their shared cat, Malcolm, in a cat carrier and take him with her, something Emily isn't very pleased about. Once she's back home her dad suggests she meet up with her old friend, Jeremy, who she hasn't seen for some years. Jeremy is also nursing a broken heart and they become really great friends again. I absolutely loved the dynamics between Ally and Jeremy. They egg each other on and have a lot of fun together, whilst putting back together their shattered lives. There are actually so many gorgeous friendships and family relationships in this book and each and every character is written with such warmth. I felt like I knew them all, they all seemed to pop off the page. Ally's dad was a particular favourite of mine and I thought it was lovely how he just adjusted to her being back after so long, especially with a cat in tow. I had a real soft spot too for his dog, Pat, and Malcolm, of course! Even the animals were portrayed beautifully. Ally and Jeremy decide to run a half-marathon, mainly because Jeremy thinks he's seen his ex, Ben, doing some running locally. The running scenes had me in stitches. This is a true laugh-out-loud book. Laura Kay's humour just completely hit the spot with me. Another thing that I loved about this book was that it's set in Sheffield, my home city, and so it was lovely to see local streets and landmarks being referred to. I could just imagine our hapless pair struggling up and down the hilly city in their running gear. I truly thought this book was just brilliant. It's been a pleasure to read it. It's full of heart, focusing on friendships, family, and getting up and putting your running shoes on when all you want to do is veg on the settee feeling sorry for yourself. It's fresh, funny, foodie, and feel-good, and I loved it!