1986. If David hadn't missed his train and if Rob hadn't been in the kitchen when his mother was baking a birthday cake, they might never have met. Both found themselves sitting at the same table in the cafe on waterloo station and got talking. There was an instant rapport between them, despite their differences. David twenty eight with a good job and a house all to himself, Rob more than ten years younger and homeless. The solution to the latter seemed obvious... But was David, who'd admitted his homosexuality when asked, just being a good Samaritan or were his motives suspect? And why had Rob left home?
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sweet simple love story is a must read!,
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This review is from: The Dandelion Clock (Paperback)
David is a 28 year old Brit with a good job, living in the house of his parents while they travel for his father's business. Commuting home one day, he misses his train and meets Rob, who says he is 19 and a runaway. David is fascinated by the young man in many ways, and, very unlike his normally careful nature, offers to let him stay in the guest room in his parents home for the night. Rob guesses correctly that David is gay, but David assures him that the offer has no strings attached. Rob accompanies David home, but nervously eyes the locked bedroom door all night.Despite the rocky beginning, Rob continues to live with David for more than a year, and they become friends. David tries not to pry into why Rob never talks about why he left home, and is puzzled by some of Rob's quirks, such as being very emphatic about not having his photo taken. But the bigger problem is that David has become very fond of Rob, to the point where he is in love with him and has cut his other friends out of his life, fearing they would criticize David for foolishly lusting after someone he could not ever have. What he does not realize is that Rob has sensed David's feelings for him, although they never discussed the situation. When David's parents come home for an extended stay, Rob moves out, they make a clean break and don't see each other, while David tries to put his life back together, but finds the hurt is just as great in losing a love that was never reciprocated. A very sweet, simple love story, with realistic but complex characters, parents that know of their adult child's sexuality and accept it, as well as supportive friends and co-workers. The novel especially has relevance for those who have dealt with unrequitted love, or who have been in a mentoring role with a younger man. While some British slang leaves his American scratching his head, I had no such problems dealing with Mandel's verbiage, and the story could have very easily have happened in the states. My summary above only takes you through half of the book, as any further would have spoiled this lovely story for the reader. Check it out yourself, and you'll be glad you did.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great read....,
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This review is from: The Dandelion Clock (Paperback)
While waiting for his delayed train, 29 year old David gets acquainted with homeless, 18 year old, Rob. They talk and find that they get along very well. David offers Rob a place to stay. Rob accepts...temporarily, of course. Eventually David falls in love with Rob. But Rob harbors a secret that tears him apart and prevents him from returning David's love. I kept turning the pages to find out what the secret was...and then kept turning pages to learn the outcome.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Heartfelt and at the end fulfilling !,
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This review is from: The Dandelion Clock (Paperback)
It is refreshing to read a gay love story, when love between same sex is not an issue but is accepted by parents and peers. The problem here is a real social problem about impact of child sexual abuse on one of the lovers and it is beautifully handled by the writer. Mandal is an expressive writer, dealing deeply into the emotions of the two protagonists as each struggle with his love towards the other. How does one cope when one's lover tells you he does care but does not love you... and this definitely provide some heart wrenching moments. The ending is most satisfying, with the last few chapters giving a sense of continuity to a relationship which the reader appreciates will stand the test of time. I hope Mandal's next novel is not too far away.
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