The Half Moon: A Novel

“An insightful, riveting study of marriage.” —People

From the bestselling author of Ask Again, Yes, a masterful and “absorbing” (The New York Times) novel about a couple in a small town navigating the complexities of marriage, family, and longing.

Malcolm Gephardt, handsome and gregarious longtime bartender at the Half Moon, has always dreamed of owning a bar. When his boss finally retires, Malcolm stretches to buy the place. He sees unquantifiable magic and potential in the Half Moon and hopes to transform it into a bigger success, but struggles to stay afloat.

His smart and confident wife, Jess, has devoted herself to her law career. After years of trying for a baby, she is facing the idea that motherhood may not be in the cards for her. Like Malcolm, she feels her youth beginning to slip away and wonders how to reshape her future.

“A quick and impactful read that will stay with you long after you finish it” (theSkimm), The Half Moon takes place over the course of one week when Malcolm learns shocking news about Jess, a patron of the bar goes missing, and a blizzard hits the town of Gillam, trapping everyone in place. With a deft eye and generous spirit, Mary Beth Keane explores the disappointments and unexpected consolations of midlife, the many forms forgiveness can take, the complicated intimacy of small-town living, and what it means to be a family.

BUY THE BOOK

320 pages

Average rating: 5.57

63 RATINGS

|

Community Reviews

Anonymous
Jan 22, 2025
4/10 stars
Slowest book in the history of literature but it did get interesting in the last hundred pages. Disliked every single character.
Anonymous
Aug 02, 2024
6/10 stars
For me, this was such a weird, clunky read. I think humor could have diffused some of the chunk.
Amymc713
Jun 03, 2024
7/10 stars
Really absorbing story about a middle aged couple dealing with all the middle aged problems that most of us face in some form or other.
SouthLady
May 25, 2023
8/10 stars
Enjoyable

See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.