ShortBookandScribes #BookReview – The Falling by Carole Hailey

The Falling by Carole Hailey is published by Atlantic Books and is available now. My thanks to the publishers for the proof copy.

Cassie had an unconventional childhood, growing up with a father who spent all of his time preparing for the apocalypse. Instead of going to school, she had an eccentric curriculum at the kitchen table with her mum, and instead of going out to play, she either snuck off to see her beloved grandparents or went to the family safe space, a garage that had been sealed off and stocked with tinned food and emergency batteries.

Now middle-aged and living alone, Cassie continues the rhythms of preparing for the worst, even though her dad failed to prepare for the slow-motion tragedy that became their family. But when an asteroid is located in the solar system, the chance of impact in northern Europe climbing every day, the worst finally seems to be confirmed. Cassie’s strange dad might just turn out to have been her salvation…

The Falling is Carole Hailey’s third book (and the third I have read) and she’s become an author whose work excites me with its fresh and unique feel. Whilst this book is speculative fiction, it also feels distinctly possible which gives it a personal and empathetic slant.

Cassie grew up preparing for disaster. Primed by her father who taught her everything he knew about survival, it was an unconventional childhood, but now, as a massive asteroid travels towards the UK, all of those preparations seem vital and foresighted rather than eccentric and unnecessary. For much of the book, the story is told in two narrative arcs: one follows Cassie in the present day as she learns about the asteroid, the likelihood of impact and the consequences if it does hit; the other looks back through Cassie’s past, her childhood, and a life dealing with losses that she blames herself for and a rather lonely but self-sufficient existence, grappling with all-consuming anxiety and OCD.

The Falling portrays the failings in human nature when disaster is about to strike. People trying to flee and being conned or displaying duplicitous behaviour themselves in their desire to get away, with other countries showing a distinct lack of humanity and refusing to help, or helping only affluent people or those who have something to offer. It doesn’t show the human race in a great light but Cassie is a wonderful creation and what’s particularly moving is how the impending impact changes Cassie’s life, surprisingly for the better, giving her something to care about and survive for, restoring some of her faith in humanity.

This is a truly thought-provoking book, beautifully written and full of heart. For the majority of it, it was quite simply an excellent read but the ending came and nearly broke me. What a remarkable book – I won’t forget it in a hurry.

Carole Hailey completed a six-month Guardian/UEA novel writing course taught by Bernardine Evaristo, then promptly abandoned her career in law to undertake an MA in Creative Writing at Goldsmiths and a PhD in Creative Writing at Swansea University. Her debut, The Silence Project, was a BBC Radio 2 Book Club Pick, Waterstones Welsh Book of the Month and a Kindle No. 1 bestseller. Carole’s second novel, Scenes from a Tragedy,was shortlisted for the 2026 CWA Twisted Dagger.