My second contemporary novel for adults This Much Huxley Knows will be released on 8 July 2021. In preparation for the launch, advance reader copies have been sent to fellow authors and I’ve received some lovely early reviews posted on Goodreads.
One of my favourite reviews is from fellow Black Rose Writing author Sasha Lauren:
This book surprised me. It’s an innovative, delightful, and insightful story told in first person by a child. The narrator, Huxley, is an innocent, playful, provocative seven-year-old, an “only lonely,” (no siblings), who is achingly searching for a true friend and pushing those around him to be caring and reasonable. What is so extraordinary is that Gail Aldwin beautifully transports the reader inside Huxley’s head and heart.
Huxley is a busy guy: he avoids football but longs for his turn on the monkey bars, covets the relationship his best mate Ben has with his wee sister, Juno, (which is both adorable and sightly heartbreaking), and strikes up a sweet friendship with Leonard, an old man in a scooter. All the while, he keeps himself amused, (and captivates or annoys others), with his whimsical words-within-words.
The adults in Huxley’s life are loving and self-absorbed; generous and selfish. They gossip, flirt, jump to conclusions, and sometimes act more like children than Huxley, who stirs up a ruckus with his own chatter.
For everyone’s sake, I was rooting for them to stop arguing with each other about Brexit, (Breaks-it), and pay attention to their dear ones. And my goodness, give Huxley a little sister!
“Mum says I can’t go to Light Club again because she’s fallen out with Lucy. This is not fair on me. I haven’t done anything wrong and I’m missing my chance to make true friends. Ben is only a friend half of the time and that isn’t true. Samira is a new friend. And Leonard, he’s a not-allowed-to-have friend. In my mind, a true friend is someone who is interested in the same things. They laugh at the same jokes. they’re friendly even if there are accidents or times you don’t think the same.”
Ah, out of the mouths of babes comes unfettered wisdom.
I enjoyed this book immensely and recommend finding out what Huxley knows.
About Sasha Lauren
Sasha Lauren, poet, artist, professional organizer, and screenplay consultant, was a globetrotting licensed massage therapist for cast and crew on feature film sets. She won first place in the Channillo Publishing short story contest for The Country Fair, and first place in Writers Assembled contest for The Paris Predicament, which is her first dramatic novel. She loves to review films, study world culture through art and music, and juggle.
This Much Huxley Knows
The novel is currently available for pre-order in America from Black Rose Writing (use code PREORDER2021 for 15% discount) and will be released internationally July 2021. If you would like to receive a pdf ARC of the novel in exchange for an honest review, please contact Gail by email gail@gailaldwin.com, by Twitter DM @gailaldwin or through the contact page.
the writer is a lonely hunter 
Lovely review, Gail.
All the best for publication!
Thank you, Jim. Roll on 8 July!
Jim?!
I think you might have hit the celebratory Champagne a little early, Gail!
Best wishes.
Oh Lord! Thanks for commenting again, Sally. And cheers, that champagne will get opened!