I have fallen in love with the novels of Mike Gayle. I find them totally compelling to the extent that once I start, I just have to read on. I devoured The Man I Think I Know (2018) in just over twenty four hours. My father, who wasn’t fond of fiction, used to tell me I lack all self control. Actually, I think it’s a huge testament to Gayle’s writing. There’s nothing “literary” or remotely pretentious about it. He simply tells a story about people, usually troubled in some way, whom you quickly come to care a lot about. His characters are people you know, or very much like them. Moreover, Mr Gayle is a black man (presumably the son of immigrant parents) and some of his fictional creations are probably black but he rarely bothers to tell you because it doesn’t matter. He writes about people not races and I really like that.
The Man I Think I know presents two men who were at school together but not close friends. It was a top notch success-guaranteed independent boarding school with Buildings and History. Imagine Eton relocated to the Midlands. James is from a privileged background. Danny, who is a super bright, full scholarship winner, is not. Now in their mid their mid thirties both are damaged and unable to function normally for different reasons. All this is revealed by alternating first person chapters so we’re inside both their heads where shall I probably remain for a while because Gayle knows exactly how to get under your skin.
Danny dropped out of Cambridge after the death of his younger sister for which he blames himself. He has cut himself off from his parents and thinks he is unable to work. James, who has been a property developer and had just been elected as an MP, is the victim of a devastating assault which has left him permanently brain damaged. The circumstances under which they meet – and eventually recognise each other – are neatly contrived. Then, very gradually, a friendship forms. Neither man is gay – they are each hoping to meet the right girl having both lost live-in girlfriends because of their troubles – and yet the warmth of their growing affection and respect for each other is tantamount to a lasting love affair. We know that this friendship will endure. By the end of the novel, and after lots of anxious moments they have effectively rescued each other so that their futures look positive but obviously I’m not going to spoil it for you here.
All the characterisation is rich. Any reader will identify with James’s parents who are trying desperately hard to support and protect him but so often get it wrong. Then there’s his sister, Martha who acts as a go-between with love and intelligence. When Danny eventually gets in touch with his ex, Simone, you could almost reach out and touch her she’s so natural and realistic. Even the barman who upsets James by assuming that he can’t produce the money for a round of drinks and so addresses Danny is beautifully observed.
I think what I like most about Mike Gayle’s work (and this is the third one I’ve read) is that they’re totally even handed and unjudgemental. There’s never anyone evil although some people make mistakes. Everyone is simply trying to live life as best they can and deal with what it throws at them. And quite often that includes helping others so the novels frequently celebrate kindness and decency and, goodness knows, we could do all with plenty of that.
Next week on Susan’s Bookshelves: Daniel Deronda by George Eliot
