Hardback: 351 pages
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton 2026
Source: Tywyn Public Library
First Sentence: For the millionth time since the incident, I apologise to my god-mother as we stand inline at the cafe.
Review Quote: 'Told with warmth and charm' WOMAN & HOME
Main Characters: Cal and Zoe
Setting: Europe
My Opinion:
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton 2026
Source: Tywyn Public Library
First Sentence: For the millionth time since the incident, I apologise to my god-mother as we stand inline at the cafe.
Review Quote: 'Told with warmth and charm' WOMAN & HOME
Main Characters: Cal and Zoe
Setting: Europe
My Opinion:
This is only the third title I have read by the prolific author Mike Gayle so I would not call myself a regular fan of his writing'
'On We Go' is about an inter-railing trip across Europe that Cal plans with his step-daughter Zoe, to include an opportunity to collect an award for his late wife. The plan goes awry when the trip turns into a big family expedition. The problem is that whilst on their travels disasters keep befalling the group!
A relationship story with mainly realistic situations and relatable characters that makes for a pleasant read.
Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:
There's nothing quite like family. Except family on holiday . . .
When Cal loses his beloved wife Nikki, and his teenage step-daughter Zoe moves out to live with her father, his whole world falls apart.
But life works in mysterious ways. And when a prestigious university wants to pay tribute to Nikki with a posthumous award in Zurich, Cal sees an opportunity to both honour his wife, and mend things with Zoe.
The plan is a European inter-railing trip to Zurich - but what Cal hasn't anticipated is Zoe lying to her father about it, and inviting their other relatives to join too. What starts off as a very awkward family reunion - punctuated with some sightseeing - quickly takes a turn as tempers fray, secrets are revealed, and the pent-up grief they're all still carrying is unleashed.
Perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, David Nicholls and Nick Hornby, ON WE GO is a funny, moving and powerful story about love, loss and what it truly means to be a family.
Previous Review: The Man I Think I know. Hope Street
Author Profile from Goodreads in his own words:
I was born in the 70s — the 70s were great. I would recommend them to anyone.
I was also born in Birmingham — in my humble opinion the greatest city in the world with the nicest people too.
I used to live in London — a great city too. But a bit on the pricey side.
I also used to live in Manchester — another great city (although technically I lived in Salford which is next door but that’s sort of splitting hairs).
Before I went to university I wanted to be a social worker — I have no idea why. It didn’t last long.
After I left university I wanted to write for the NME — I’ve always loved music but it was only when I went to uni that it started loving me back. I can’t play any instruments or sing so writing about music seemed to make sense.
My first paid writing gig was for a listings magazine in Birmingham — (Actually my first unpaid writing gig was an interview with Kitchens of Distinction for Salford Student Magazine. I can’t begin to tell you how terrible it was.)
I used to write a music fanzine — it was called Incredibly Inedible and I co-edited it with my mate Jackie. We typed up the first issue on my dad’s olde worlde typewriter and then literally cut and paste on to A4 sheets using scissors and glue. Over the three years of its existence we interviewed many bands and artists including: Smashing Pumpkins, The Cranberries, Pavement, Bill Hicks and Blur.
I was also born in Birmingham — in my humble opinion the greatest city in the world with the nicest people too.
I used to live in London — a great city too. But a bit on the pricey side.
I also used to live in Manchester — another great city (although technically I lived in Salford which is next door but that’s sort of splitting hairs).
Before I went to university I wanted to be a social worker — I have no idea why. It didn’t last long.
After I left university I wanted to write for the NME — I’ve always loved music but it was only when I went to uni that it started loving me back. I can’t play any instruments or sing so writing about music seemed to make sense.
My first paid writing gig was for a listings magazine in Birmingham — (Actually my first unpaid writing gig was an interview with Kitchens of Distinction for Salford Student Magazine. I can’t begin to tell you how terrible it was.)
I used to write a music fanzine — it was called Incredibly Inedible and I co-edited it with my mate Jackie. We typed up the first issue on my dad’s olde worlde typewriter and then literally cut and paste on to A4 sheets using scissors and glue. Over the three years of its existence we interviewed many bands and artists including: Smashing Pumpkins, The Cranberries, Pavement, Bill Hicks and Blur.
Photographs, Trailer and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites.
