Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall: Book Review
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall is one of those books you can’t shake off. It’s beautiful, heartbreaking, and ultimately redemptive. As soon as you pick it up, it’s easy to see why it’s been receiving so much attention—it’s not just good; it’s unforgettable. With its tragic and beautiful story, this book captivated me in a way that I wasn’t prepared for. I cried, I reflected, and I came away with a deep sense of both devastation and hope. If you’ve been seeing this book everywhere, there’s a reason for it: Broken Country really is that good.
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Synopsis
Beth and her gentle, kind husband Frank are happily married, but their relationship relies on the past staying buried. But when Beth’s brother-in-law shoots a dog going after their sheep, Beth doesn’t realize that the gunshot will alter the course of their lives. For the dog belonged to none other than Gabriel Wolfe, the man Beth loved as a teenager—the man who broke her heart years ago. Gabriel has returned to the village with his young son Leo, a boy who reminds Beth very much of her own son, who died in a tragic accident.
As Beth is pulled back into Gabriel’s life, tensions around the village rise and dangerous secrets and jealousies from the past resurface, this time with deadly consequences. Beth is forced to make a choice between the woman she once was, and the woman she has become.
My Thoughts/Review
At the heart of Broken Country is a story of love, loss, and life-changing decisions. The novel opens with a murder, the mystery of which serves as the driving force of the narrative. We know a crime has been committed, but not who was murdered, who did it, or how it all went down. The suspense around these unanswered questions pushes the plot forward, and you’re drawn into a whirlwind of emotions as the truth slowly unravels.
Short Chapters and Writing Style
One of the first things I noticed about Hall’s writing is the short, punchy chapters. They create a sense of urgency and make the story feel more intense, even when the action is slow. Each chapter is a small, emotional journey, which allowed me to really connect with the characters in a way that longer chapters might not have. It also kept the pace moving, which is crucial when dealing with such a heavy and emotional storyline.
Love Triangle/Forbidden Love
At the core of Broken Country is a love triangle that cuts deep. The tension is palpable, and the love between the characters feels forbidden in the most heartbreaking way. It’s the kind of love that leaves you questioning everything—decisions, priorities, and the things we choose to hold onto. The characters are beautifully flawed, and their emotions are raw, making their relationships complex and painful. It’s a love story, but it’s far from typical. You’ll find yourself rooting for these characters even as you’re cringing at the choices they make.
This is a love story with too many beginnings. I refuse to think about how it is going to end.
Murder and Mystery
The story opens with a murder, and while you know the crime, the mystery of who was murdered, how it happened, and who is responsible takes center stage throughout the book. The tension keeps you guessing, and every new revelation leaves you with more questions. By the end, you realize the true impact of the crime—not just the who and the how, but the way it changed the lives of those involved. It’s a masterclass in storytelling, combining mystery with deep emotional exploration.
Themes of Life, Loss, and Redemption
Broken Country is an honest look at life’s toughest decisions. The characters face challenges that feel painfully real, and their journey is a stark reminder of how our choices, both good and bad, shape our futures. It’s a book about the consequences of our actions, but also about hope. There’s a powerful message woven throughout that no matter how difficult things get, brighter days are ahead. The devastation you feel while reading is balanced by a sense of redemption and personal growth. The ending left me in tears, but also filled with a sense of hope.
Lives should be measured in intensity.
Remember mine
For its glory-stretch of furious light
and wondrous beauty.
Title: Broken Country
Author: Clare Leslie Hall
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published: March 4, 2025
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Broken Country is a beautiful, tragic story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. With short, intense chapters, a gripping love triangle, a murder mystery, and themes of loss and redemption, Clare Leslie Hall has crafted a masterpiece that will resonate deeply with readers. This book left me devastated, yet hopeful, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who appreciates a complex, emotional narrative that tackles the darkest aspects of life while reminding us of the light that still exists. If you haven’t yet picked up Broken Country, don’t wait. It’s worth every tear.
Have you read Broken Country? Share your thoughts in the comments, or let me know which part of the story left you the most heartbroken or hopeful. If you haven’t read it yet, is it on your TBR? Let’s chat about it!
