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crazygoangirl 's review for:
The Testament of Gideon Mack
by James Robertson
What a book!! This book was longlisted for the Booker in 2006, which was eventually won by one of my least favorite books, the Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai. Pity :P
I found this an intriguing read not in the least because of the subject matter, which if I were to put in one word (!), would be Faith. Religious for the most part, but also the faith we choose to have or not to have in humanity, in life, in our friends, in ourselves...and how Faith is first and foremost a matter of choice. It's a subject that appeals to me and interests me, always has and the author's chosen style of presenting his story as a memoir, in a simple, direct style made it more so.
I recognized Gideon Mack in myself instantly! I have asked myself the same questions he asks himself and for many years have lived a duplicitous life trying to blend into the herd, until I grew up and understood that Life is all about standing out. I had my 'Stone' moment! It isn't an easy journey and it certainly wasn't for Mack, but I love that he was honest to himself if no-one else (notice how I speak of him as a real person?!). He is one of those characters that I wish was real...we would have chatted for hours :)
His story is weird and wonderful in the way only stories involving Faith and the Devil and God can be. There are no neat solutions nor excessive explanations which give the story a real ring of authenticity and keeps the pace of the story going. My favorite parts are of course the ones where we meet the Devil...he seems just like he should be...by which I mean, he could just as easily be God! Clever that!
A well-written, well thought out book and a true testament to the author's talent! This one goes on my 'Reread' List!
I found this an intriguing read not in the least because of the subject matter, which if I were to put in one word (!), would be Faith. Religious for the most part, but also the faith we choose to have or not to have in humanity, in life, in our friends, in ourselves...and how Faith is first and foremost a matter of choice. It's a subject that appeals to me and interests me, always has and the author's chosen style of presenting his story as a memoir, in a simple, direct style made it more so.
I recognized Gideon Mack in myself instantly! I have asked myself the same questions he asks himself and for many years have lived a duplicitous life trying to blend into the herd, until I grew up and understood that Life is all about standing out. I had my 'Stone' moment! It isn't an easy journey and it certainly wasn't for Mack, but I love that he was honest to himself if no-one else (notice how I speak of him as a real person?!). He is one of those characters that I wish was real...we would have chatted for hours :)
His story is weird and wonderful in the way only stories involving Faith and the Devil and God can be. There are no neat solutions nor excessive explanations which give the story a real ring of authenticity and keeps the pace of the story going. My favorite parts are of course the ones where we meet the Devil...he seems just like he should be...by which I mean, he could just as easily be God! Clever that!
A well-written, well thought out book and a true testament to the author's talent! This one goes on my 'Reread' List!