The Man I Think I Know

Brilliant. I could not put this book down. It charming and witty and covers sensitive subjects. James’s character is exceptionally well written and sympathetic. I don’t want to give away any of the story and just say read this book you will not regret it.

The Man I think I know by Mike Gayle one of the most powerful books I will ever read. I have read several of the authors book before and enjoyed them, but this one blew me away. This was such a well written story, it touched my heart and made me openly weep it’s a powerful story of a different type of love, the love of friendship. I am even crying writing this review and smiling at some of the funny moments in the story, I think its touched me more than I imagined as the subject matter was very close to my heart, I don’t want to give the story away but Danny and James aren’t the boys they were in school. Life has moved on for both of them, and not in ways either of them would have dreamed about. Each man has their own story to tell and each story will pull you in deeper. The subjects touched upon aren’t to everyone’s taste but they are true to life and dealt with in an honest manner, its real life in its truest and most beautifully written form.

Now I love a Mike Gayle novel but I knew as soon as I started this one that I was in for something different, this was something extra special! This books lured me in right from the word go by being structured as a dual narrative. Both of our narrators are Male which is unusual for me, but I loved both of them and wanted to know everything about them as soon as they started telling their story. The title of this novel is so clever because it is them talking about themselves as much as it is them talking about each other, just mind-blowing!

I loved both of these characters because they are both such strong characters but they both have their flaws. I loved reading about people who aren't perfect because we aren't perfect and I love an author that tells the truth like that. James is a fabulous character because he had a life changing event and so her is very much starting again and forming a new life for himself. Danny is pretty much doing the same thing although for completely different reasons. They are connected in so many ways and on so many levels that I'm not even sure I have discovered all of them yet! They have both made questionable decisions and sometimes not been 'nice' to other people but it's who they are now that matters and boy are they learning that as well!

The story takes place as these two men become involved in each others lives but we get to know their individual lives as much as we get to know their lives together and so this storyline can get fairly complicated. It also deals with some difficult issues which may prove to be triggers for some readers so make sure you read the synopsis before digging in. I went in blind but I felt that the more troubling and difficult of the issues that these men have to deal with were dealt with incredibly well. I loved the narrative and I left this novel feeling totally uplifted and like I had gone through this journey with them. I loved this book and I now feel like there is some hope in the world!

I have been a fan of Mike Gayle for many years so I was excited to read this book. However as I began reading I noticed a change in his writing, I can’t really describe what it is that made me think that but this book really grabbed me early on and made me realise it would be one that would stay with me long after turning the last page.

James and Danny are introduced gradually from each of their point of view. This is really cleverly done as the initial perceptions you have of them both develop in really interesting ways. These guys have been written so well you feel you know them, and there is something beautiful about their relationship both with each other and with the other people in the book.

This book has gone straight onto my “favourites read in 2018” list and I am already looking forward to the next book by Mike Gayle.