Customer Reviews

Hope

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

Book arrived quickly and in great condition. I have become a fan of the author since reading 'I, Lucifer' and I have enjoyed this book also.

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.

Glen Duncan's Hope has been accused of pretentious, over-the-top prose. But I think the point is that Mr Duncan tries: with so many thoughtless, characterless muzakky novels, it's nice to see someone who does. And when he gets it right, it's really right.

The problem I had with the book was that Hope begins the novel as a strong character, and in the end she is revealed to be, like all the female characters, another victim of abuse. While it's almost endearing to see exactly how guilty Glen Duncan is about the whole porn thing and how much he despises men, he could go a little easier on himself. Women aren't the delicate little flowers he imagines them to be, and some of them know what goes through men's minds and can just about come to terms with it.

It's readable, though, consistently readable, and if he doesn't actually hit the heights, at least he has his eye on them.

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..

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 is kind of a silly book in which a young Londoner takes his own sweet long-winded time to recount the tale of how his addiction to pornography led to his losing his one true love. Narrator Gabriel Jones explains how his messed-up childhood relationship with Katherine led to his betrayal of the beloved and perfect Alicia six years ago, and thus to his current reliance on prostitute Hope to stave off his crushing despair over his failed life. While there are some nice paragraphs scattered here and there, the musings are just too pretentious most of the time. Ultimately, it becomes somewhat frustrating due Gabriel's annoying self-pity and inability to take action, as well as general predictability. You know there's going to be a reunion scene with Alicia, and you should be able to figure out Hope's story by the midpoint of the book. This takes all the air out of what is meant to be a robust shocker of an ending. This book has nothing particularly new or insightful to say about pornography that I could tell, and unless you're into other people's angst, there isn't a whole lot worth spending time on.