April 2018 Book of the Month
“It’s a bit weird,” says Danny to James and indeed it is. Here are two thirty-six year old single young men who were once rival star scholars at an elite public boarding school now damaged. Danny was the scholarship student from a council estate, James an upper-class lad from wealthy parents. Both have sunk into a pit. How they got there and are desperately trying to climb out makes for a sensitive and highly compulsive read. Danny suffered loss and has been unable to get over the trauma, James had an “incident” which has left him brain damaged, he is now looked after by his restrictive parents. James is inadvertently responsible for Danny quitting his job and so hits upon the idea of being able to get away from his parents by having Danny look after him. A bit weird indeed. I truly loved this book, unusual for Mike Gayle and very special indeed.
Head to our 'Black Lit Matters' list to find more must-read novels by black writers.
| Primary Genre | Romance / Relationship Stories |
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This is not the sort of book I would normally read, however I would highly recommend that you do the story will stay with you forever.
I have never read any of the books by this author, but I will be now.... Read Full Review
Such a moving and true-feeling story of men's friendship and mutual support. A mature work, a wonderful relationship between two male friends. Moving, heart-warming and real. Loved it.
I've read several Gayle books, and have always been impressed with how men are portrayed - they aren't macho, posturing, lazy lads; Gayle creates layered, complicated humans with serious issues, deep friendships and realistic character arcs.
Both protagonists here attended a top boarding school, both were academically gifted and seen as future leaders. But now one is in a care home and the other working as a temporary carer... just what has happened to derail such promise?
We soon learn more: recovering alcoholic Danny has had his benefits revoked and takes a carer job to make ends meet, and James, a newly-elected MP was assaulted and suffered brain damage.... Read Full Review
It's heartwarming;wonderfully written. A fantastic read that captured the unexpected happening to someone. It makes you aware of how a life can be turned upside down within a split second.
James and Danny become friends who support each other through their difficult circumstances, and provide a shoulder to lean on for one-another. The Author really does have you hoping things will turn out okay for James and Danny, and that both will be able to build a future.... Read Full Review
'What a beautiful, tender, unexpected story. It uplifted me a lot. It was LOVELY' Marian KeyesThis is the stunning new novel from bestselling author Mike Gayle. A powerful story of male friendship, a thought provoking storyline told with Mike's distinctive wit and insight, touching on issues which affect us all. Crucially, though, it focuses on what we mean by success and reminds us of the simple courage at the heart of every human being.Ever since The Incident, James DeWitt has stayed on the safe side.He likes to know what happens next.Danny Allen is not on the safe side. He is more past the point of no return.The past is about to catch up with both of them in a way that which will change their lives forever, unexpectedly. But redemption can come in the most unlikely ways. For fans of Jojo Moyes and Ruth Hogan, this uplifting read has all of Mike's warmth and humour but at its very core life lessons for us all.
The Man I Think I Know features in the following genres: Books of the Month, Books with reviews by our Reader Review Panel, eBooks of the Month, Sharing Diverse Voices, Romance / Relationship Stories, Fiction, Recommendations
The Man I Think I Know is available in Hardback, Paperback
The Man I Think I Know was written by Mike Gayle and published by Hodder Paperback an imprint of Hodder & Stoughton
The Man I Think I Know has 310 pages
£9.89
