- Date Published:
2025 - Length:
320 pages—Listening Time: 8 hr 57 minutes - Genre:
Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance - Setting:
Dual timeline: 1955 and 1968; Dorset, England - Awards:
LibraryReads Monthly Picks Top Ten March 2025: this book was released in March 2025, so will probably win other award and accolades - Language:
English, Dutch - Sensitive Aspects:
Death and grief, child death, animal cruelty, infidelity, complex romantic relationships, alcoholism, gun use, classism, and prejudice - Movie:
Sony's 3000 Pictures has acquired the film rights to Broken Country, with Hello Sunshine set to produce it. - Recommend for Book Club:
Yes, book groups that enjoy complicated romance reads will enjoy
I read Broken Country by Clare Leslie Halk because it got such rave reviews from several of my online reading groups, and it was the Reese's Book Club read for March. It's a "torn between two lovers" romance. My mother, who read at least 4 romance novels a week, would have loved it.
For me, a self-proclaimed no-romance kind of reader, it was decent, or maybe even good. It worked on so many levels. The characters were well-written and believable, the plot didn't drag, and the setting was immersive. Overall, it was a pretty good romance read until the end. The ending wowed me and made me rethink all of the events that led up to it. The ending made this book unforgettable. Thus, 8 stars.
This novel defies the conventional formula of romance. I really enjoyed it.
Broken Country is a sweeping, emotionally charged historical novel set in rural Dorset, England, spanning from the 1950s to the late 1960s. The story is told through a nonlinear structure, alternating between timelines and culminating in a tense murder trial whose details are only revealed at the climax.
Beth Johnson is at the heart of the novel. In 1968, she is a farmer’s wife, married to the gentle and reliable Frank. Their marriage, though outwardly content, is haunted by the tragic loss of their nine-year-old son, Bobby, who died in an accident two years earlier.
The narrative flashes back to 1955, when a teenage Beth first meets Gabriel Wolfe, a charismatic young man with whom she shares an intense, formative romance. Their connection is immediate and transformative, but Gabriel eventually leaves, breaking Beth’s heart.
Frank, Beth’s eventual husband, helps her rebuild her life after Gabriel’s departure. Their marriage is built on stability and shared love for the land, but Beth’s grief over Bobby’s death and the unresolved feelings for Gabriel linger beneath the surface.
The story’s present-day tension is set off when Frank’s brother, Jimmy, shoots a dog that is attacking their sheep. The dog belongs to Gabriel, who has just returned to the village after many years, now accompanied by his young son, Leo—a boy who reminds Beth painfully of her own dead child.
And then, a farmer is murdered. You w
Gabriel’s return stirs up old passions and unresolved emotions. As Beth is drawn back into Gabriel’s life, secrets and jealousies from the past begin to resurface, threatening the fragile peace of her marriage and the stability of the village.
The novel explores the enduring impact of first love and the all-consuming nature of grief, especially the loss of a child. Beth is torn between the woman she once was with Gabriel and the person she has become with Frank, forced to confront her desires and the consequences of her choices.
And then, a farmer is murdered. The novel toggles between three timelines: Beth’s teenage romance with Gabriel in 1955, her married life with Frank in 1968, and a 1969 murder trial in London. Hall deftly conceals the identity of the farmer and the person accused of his murder until the novel's conclusion. As the plot moves toward the murder trial, the story examines how buried secrets and unchecked passions can lead to devastating outcomes.
Hall’s prose is lyrical and evocative, with a strong sense of place and a deep appreciation for the natural world. The rural landscape is not just a backdrop but a living presence in the story.
Broken Country is a novel about impossible choices. I'm not so sure I could choose between the two men that Beth loves. She is also dealing with the enduring scars of loss and the explosive consequences of passion. It combines the emotional depth of a love story with the suspense of a thriller, making for a compelling and heartbreaking read.
You should read Broken Country if you’re looking for a novel that will tug at your heartstrings, keep you guessing with its twists, and immerse you in the emotional landscape of love, grief, and the choices that shape a life. It’s a standout debut that has already garnered acclaim, including being chosen as a Reese’s Book Club pick, and it is recommended for anyone seeking a powerful, beautifully written story.
Unforgettable Storytelling and Emotional Depth
Many praise Broken Country for its evocative, layered storytelling, which blends the emotional resonance of a family saga with the suspense of a mystery. The novel centers on Beth, a woman whose seemingly stable life is upended when her first love, Gabriel, returns to her small English village, bringing with him memories, unresolved passions, and a son who reminds Beth of her own tragic loss. The book delves into themes of love, loss, grief, and the profound effects of decisions made in the moment.
Compelling Mystery and Twists
The narrative is structured around two timelines—Beth’s youth in the 1950s and her adult life in the late 1960s—interwoven with scenes from a gripping murder trial. This nonlinear approach engages readers by gradually unveiling secrets and revelations. Reviewers highlight the novel’s clever twists and the suspense that builds up to an unexpected, satisfying conclusion.
Rich Sense of Place and Community
Hall’s descriptions of rural Dorset and the farming community are immersive and atmospheric, providing a vivid backdrop for the story’s drama. The setting is not just a backdrop but a character in its own right, reflecting the ties of family, tradition, and the weight of the past.
Complex, Realistic Characters
Beth is a deeply human protagonist—flawed, passionate, and resilient. Her relationships with her husband, Frank; her lost son, Bobby; and Gabriel are portrayed with nuance and empathy. The supporting characters, including Frank and Gabriel’s son Leo, add further depth, making the story emotionally engaging and relatable.
Exploration of Social Issues
Beyond its romantic and suspenseful elements, Broken Country explores issues of social class, women’s education, and the lingering effects of structural inequalities in rural England. Beth’s thwarted ambitions and the societal constraints she faces add a layer of realism and poignancy, making the novel thought-provoking as well as moving.
Beautiful, Transportive Prose
Critics consistently praise Hall’s writing style as poetic, raw, and transportive. The short chapters and reflective tone make the book highly readable, while the emotional intensity ensures it lingers in the reader’s mind long after finishing.
Who Will Enjoy This Book?
- Readers who love character-driven novels and family dramas
- Fans of literary fiction with elements of romance and mystery
- Those who appreciate layered storytelling and emotional complexity
- Anyone interested in stories about the impact of the past on the present and the complexities of love and loss
Get Clare Leslie Hall Books
A beautifully written debut!
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If you enjoyed Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall—a novel praised for its dual timelines, exploration of generational trauma, rural setting, and blend of literary fiction with mystery and romance—there are several other books you may find equally compelling. These recommendations are based on thematic resonance, narrative style, and critical comparisons from both readers and reviewers.
- Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
The novel follows the Salt family on a remote island, covering themes of love, grief, and the fragility of life. Like Broken Country, it weaves emotional healing and ecological reflection into a suspenseful narrative. - The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
Frequently cited as a perfect match for fans of Broken Country, this novel explores long-buried secrets, forbidden love, and the consequences of choices across generations. Its dual timeline and atmospheric setting echo Hall’s approach. - Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Set in rural America, this bestseller combines a coming-of-age story with a murder mystery and themes of isolation, resilience, and the impact of the past—much like Hall’s work. - All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
This literary thriller skillfully combines suspense with deep emotional exploration, with a focus on trauma, family dynamics, and the pursuit of truth. - The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
This historical novel features a strong female protagonist, rural setting, and a murder mystery intertwined with personal and societal challenges, mirroring Hall’s blend of crime and romance. - Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Set against a rural backdrop, it is a reflective, multigenerational story about love, regret, and the stories we tell ourselves.elves. - Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
This contemporary Appalachian novel addresses generational hardship, resilience, and the intricacies of rural life, striking a chord with Hall's examination of class and place. - Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
While lighter in tone, this novel shares themes of loss, healing, and community in a small-town setting.
Readers who appreciate Hall’s exploration of class, gender, and rural life might also enjoy novels by Elizabeth Strout, Anne Tyler, and L.P. Hartley, whose The Go-Between inspired some of Hall’s thematic choices.
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