Frothy But Fun
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I know I liked this book as I finished it in one day whilst travelling long distance on a variety of trains. So that must say something about its appeal.
Gayle writes blokish kind of books that seem to wrap you up inside them. They are very simply written with relationships the key. This one surrounds three thirty something blokes trying desperately to re-live their youth in Crete. But with them goes all the trappings and angst of their age. They feel out of place in the youth culture, but somehow try to hold onto what they once had.
The problem is they have taken a considerable amount of baggage with them and this is always going to put their friendship at risk. It is a well crafted book. Again its lack of literary merit is more than made up for by the enjoyment it gives.
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Wish you were here
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This is the first Mike Gayle book I have read and I thought it was terrible!! Shallow, boring and dull! Charlie seems a very boring person, and there weren't many (any?) laughs. Could have been a really funny read if done by the likes of Tony Parsons or Nick Hornby, someone with a lighter touch and more insight, but this was drivel.
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Mike's done it again!!
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Having read the majority of Mike Gayle's books I have to say that Wish You Were Here didn't dissappoint. He has a way of writing that makes me want to keep reading and reading way past bed time!! Very good xx
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Great as an undemanding read
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Charlie, Andy and Tom have been friends since college and are now in their early-mid thirties. Each has reached a juncture in their life; Charlie has just come out of a long term relationship; Andy is getting married and Tom has a health scare; which is how they come to be on holiday together.
The majority of the book is set whilst they are on holiday in Crete and most of what happens is instantly recognisable to anyone who has done one of the cheap package deals to the Med; the themed bars; the regular haunt for breakfast; the groups of people you meet; the lack of anything even vaguely foreign!
I have read other Mike Gayle books and this did seem fairly typical to me. He writes well about male friendships and their complications without things ever getting too heavy, and even though they are described as lads-lit, I still find them very enjoyable.
Great beach reading.
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Loved it
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I loved this book, I love all of his books and its enjoyable and cant wait for the next one to come out August 2008.
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