Jam by Jake Wallis Simons

As darkness falls on the M25, the flow of traffic comes to a halt. Time passes. More time passes. Then more. Drivers switch off their engines, then get out of their cars. And so the story begins ...In this bold, state-of-the-nation novel, Jake Wallis Simons brings together characters from all walks of life and explores what happens when lives collide on the M25.

 

A story about a traffic jam may not sound very interesting but this book had me gripped from very early on. As time passes and there's no sign of the traffic moving or even confirmation of what has caused the hold up, people get more and more stressed, especially as they have no food or drink and absolutely no idea of when they'll be on their way again.

 

 

What I loved about the novel was how it brought people together from all walks of life who may otherwise never have met. These include Jim, a grocery delivery van driver who has never married or had children and lives for his work. Also, Max and his wife Ursula who've been having marriage problems and have their young daughter with them in the car as well as her friend. Ursula is panicking as they're trapped in a phone signal black spot so she can't contact the girl's parents to let them know what's happened and that she's okay.We find out about a lot of the characters' backgrounds as well. 

 

A quick and enjoyable read by an author I'd never heard of before Jam but one whose other books I will definitely have to read.

Rating: 4 out of 5