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. The story of James De Witt and Danny Allen captivated me from start to finish.
The two men had gone to the same private school were expectations and success were expected.
However now in their early thirties life has dealt them a cruel hand.
Danny is on benefits which will be cut if he does not find a job, reluctantly he takes a job in a care home.
There he meets James, who has suffered a brain injury after being attacked.
Without giving away the plot they form a bond with male friendship and second chances being discovered.
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.
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. Their chance meeting and recognition set off a slow-burning but powerful connection that they find mutually beneficial.
I adored both men, James reminded me of Will Traynor in 'Me Before You', a man whose prime years and potential have been whipped away (though in James' case he is a much more 'black and white' moral character from the get-go). Danny is also a 'good guy', he's hurting about something we aren't allowed to learn about for most of the book, but tries to do right by an old school acquaintance and is never allowed to be acting for selfish reasons. He's not quite a Lou Clark (not as sparky or quirky) but does come to form a caring relationship with James that is just as trusting and interdependent.
It is refreshing as a woman to read a novel about grown-up men supporting each other, a tale of friendship. Both have relationships with others through the book that also work excellently well, and Gayle doesn't ever treat his creations as stereotypes or palm off their difficult feelings.
A five star read.
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. It's heartwarming with a few comical situations, that make it difficult to put down.
Good story about a friendship.
I haven't read a book by Mike Gayle before. I chose it as I love finding new authors. I will definitely read more by him.
The Man I Think I Know is a story about 2 men who knew of each other at school but didn't mix in the same circles. Life has not been kind to either of them and it's a story of people overcoming these difficulties and moving on with life.
James was well written and it was lovely to see his character grow and develop. I love the character Vicky, she was funny and beautiful all in one.
Danny, the other main character, was troubled and mysterious not finding out what his issues were until later on which kept me guessing!
The book is well written and I loved the characters, they felt like friends towards the end. You really felt for James and was proud of how he overcome his issues. It made you think how you'd cope in this situation. It was a pleasing end and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Highly recommended for those that enjoy relationship novels.
Mike Gayle is one of Britain's favourite authors, I have to admit that is the first book of his that I have read! Thanks to LoveReading for giving me the opportunity to read and review 'The Man I Think I Know' I will now be looking out for more of his work.
Having not read this author before or seeing any reviews prior to reading I was able to pick this up with absolutely no preconceptions and to be honest I was surprised as it was not what I expected. A completely for me anyway, new approach to male friendship, an emotional rollercoaster, yet also realistic and humorous. Two young men with difficult experiences in their recent past reconnect after having not seen each other since schooldays. Chapters alternate with James and Danny recounting the story, which works as the reader can see that although they at first do not realise it themselves, they are really good for each other. To say anymore would spoil the impact so I urge you to read this for yourself as it provides plenty of emotive issues for you to think about.