Book description
'A considerable achievement ... one of the more authentic debuts I've read in recent years ... in such an understated manner, eschewing linguistic eccentricity ... in favour of genuine characters and tender feeling...this is a fine novel.' John Boyne, Irish Times
'Poised and perceptive' the Sunday Times
'It's funny and…
Why read it?
1 author picked Holding as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Graham Norton, the popular talk-show host, is witty and a bit OTT. I expected that any book by him would be equally funny and silly. And I felt like a light, amusing read. What a surprise! I found myself reading about troubled, lonely characters. Norton demonstrates a deep understanding of them and love for them.
The very overweight police Sergeant, for instance, isn’t treated as a joke, as overweight characters so often are, but portrayed as a sweet, loving, hurt man. All the characters have similar depth. There is a humorous observation of Irish village life, but nevertheless, the story…
If you love Holding...
Aggressor
It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.
The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…
Want books like Holding?
Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 32 books like Holding.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,395
readers submitted
so far, will you?
📚 If you like Holding, you might also like...
Ramón Ramirez's Dog
Ramon Ramirez’s Dog is a collection of essays written over the years about the adventures and misadventures, mostly outside but occasionally inside the diplomatic career of a U.S. ambassador. Common threads weaving the stories together are a desire for a life well-lived, balancing career with family and friends, keeping physically…
I, Robot Alien
“Intelligent, unique, and tremendously entertaining.” - Readers' Favorite 2025
BOOKLIFE EDITOR’S PICK!
EARTH… CENTURIES AFTER THE FALL!
I was created by beings who couldn’t touch this world... only watch it crumble. Every twenty years, a new tribe... a new hope... a new failure.
I was told, “Do not interfere.” But…
