Title: The Last Weekend

Author: Hannah Begbie

Genre: Fiction

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: 10th April 2025

Rating: 4/5

Cover:

Summary:

Four women

Annie has brought her three best friends and their families together for a long weekend away in a gorgeous seaside Airbnb. It should be idyllic – sun, sea, sand, cocktails and laughter.

One shocking secret

But below the surface, none of these friendships are quite what they seem. And Annie has a secret – and an earth-shattering favour to ask of one of her friends.

A life-changing decision

As the idyllic weekend turns sour – arguments, grudges and a boat trip that goes awry – Annie must make her devastating decision – and change everyone’s lives, forever.

Review:

First off, I would say that the cover of The Last Weekend is a little deceptive, as lovely as it is! The book is actually quite a bit more thought provoking and serious than the lighthearted cover – and for me, that totally worked. I really enjoyed this emotional story of a friendship group laden with deceptions, secrets and some very complex dynamics. One the whole, these characters are not a particularly likeable group, but it’s in a way that feels very fitting with reality. Most human beings are a complicated mix of good and bad, and nothing is ever as simple as it first appears to be. I personally enjoy a book with characters I don’t necessarily like as I feel it’s often more intriguing. The Last Weekend is a compelling portrait of a group of friends grappling with personal challenges and relationships whilst also trying to maintain a friendship with potentially toxic aspects – all in the face of a life changing secret. It’s a book that I think will provoke discussion and which I found really quite emotionally immersive. If you enjoy stories of intense and fraught friendships then I would absolutely recommend The Last Weekend. 

★★★★

Thank you so much to Anne Cater of Random Things Blog Tours for inviting me on this tour and organising it. I kindly received a copy of the book from the publisher. My review is entirely my own honest opinion.

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