The Half Moon

A Novel

By: Mary Beth Keane

Narrated by: Norbert Leo Butz, 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.

Real life

Beautifully written about the reality of marriage and loss. Two people who truly love each other find their way back to each other.

loved the story!

pre-ordered this book because i love this author. i will listen to/read anything she writes. this did not disappoint. i’m also a norbert leo butz fan so the audio was a treat.

Love Mary Beth Keane, but this was my least favorite

Mary Beth Keane writes believable characters and stories. She’s one of my favorite authors. However, Malcolm and Jess didn’t always ring true for me. I kept thinking of them as being in their 20s, when they were supposed to be in their 30s & 40s. I did feel that many of their life travails were relatable—infertility, marriage problems, work problems, etc. The subplot of fraud was interesting but didn’t completely tie into the story line. Ask Again Yes & Fever are two of my favorite Mary Beth Keane books & I would give both of them 5 stars. This book was not as solid. The narration was good.

Good Listen!

This book is good, interesting & the characters keep you entertained. I’d definitely go to the half moon.

Depressing

Since I used a credit on this book I kept listening and waiting for it to get better, but it was disappointing; dark and depressing

the writing, but not the storytelling.

Nice writing but no plot. I kept waiting for the payoff, but there really wasn’t any.

It's a Teachable Story

I read a lot of reviews saying how slow and unexciting it was, but I genuinely feel as though those stories are necessary. Reading fiction is used as an escape for most, but there are no rules stating one cannot use it to document the human experience. That is exactly what The Half Moon does. It's a good read for someone, like myself, who is in their twenties and not sure who they are or where they stand in life. It is a testament to being okay with that and learning that your wants and needs change as you grow, and the relationships can change with that. I appreciate this little mundane story for everything it is

not sure id recommend

Extremely sad story bogged down with many depressing details last chapters were an excellent mystery and family story; too bad the first 2/3 were so tedious

awesome

A new life for them both. Happy they worked out their relationship. a new beginning.

Wonderful

A great story and narration, I enjoyed every moment! A truthful reflection on marriage,friendship and family