Hope

Duncan is able to make one laugh and cry at the same time, and jump up in surprise the next page. I remember closing the book several times and just picturing this story in my mind. Not that Glen Duncan is all bent on superficial scenery language. If you want to read a writer that examines the dark side of the human condition (especially the man-side), and is adept at describing the intricacies of human connection (or disconnection-) read this book. Then go online and find Love Etc.

I read this book about 6 months ago, and enjoyed it to the nth degree.The anguish expierenced by the main charachter was very plausable. Although at times I did become confused with the addition of some lengthy parts which did not fit in with the rest of the story.

This book is an absolute must - for those women who keep saying "what I wouldn't give to figure out what's goind on in your (boyfriend's/husband's) mind," and for all those men who live a life in silent despair. Rarely has a book written by a man been as introspective and yet at the same time been as mercilessly narrative.It's not that all guys are addicted to pornography as Gabriel is. A lot aren't susceptible to it at all, some a little, some quite a bit, and a few may even be deliberate and guiltless addicts, but that's not what makes the book so universal.Strangely enough, the pornography aspect in "Hope," even though it appears to be the main theme of the book, is really more a means to an end than the end itself. I found the strongest device in "Hope" to be the patterns of self-destruction that Gabriel experiences. He's trapped in a nature he can't fight, and as he has given up trying, he knows that his addiction will eventually cost him all that's valuable in his life. Knowing this and yet being unable to pull himself away from his desires is the reason for the self-hatred and self-disgust that occupies most of his mind....Glen Duncan is a master storyteller. His sense of suspense is frightening - as it dawns on the reader where exactly the abyss is that Gabriel will fall into, you want to scream, but like Gabriel, you have fallen silent in the light of the inevitability of what is to happen, and the tragicomedy of the string of events escapes you until you re-read the book.

Well read 'hope' and you will find out. I have to tell you that my understanding of my ex-girlfriend's condition has improved dramatically after reading this book...Thats not to say that it's a bad book, quite the contrary actually...I enjoyed reading 'hope', and found the ultimate confrontation with his long-lost love one of the most riveting i've ever read. He just goes on a bit, thats all..

As an author, I like to read books similar to ones I'm writing. Right now, I'm working on something that prompted me to pick up "Hope". It's a fascinating read. The main character of Gabriel Jones is compelling, and his outlook and perceptions are astonishing. If certain taboo subjects (prostitution, explicit detail of pornography, etc.) do not disturb you, then check this out.