The Bookie's Runner

by Brendan Gisby

Bob Dylan wrote the classic song "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" and thereby unforgettably marked the passing of an otherwise insignificant character in the movie "Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid".

Brendan Gisby has written this utterly beautiful novella to honour the short life of his father, a man of seemingly as little significance.

The story is narrated with haunting subtlety, rhythm and depth of feeling by his teenage son as he takes a bus ride back to school for the first day of a new term, where he will have to announce his father's sudden death and deal with the resultant reactions without bursting into tears. He also has to come to terms with the fact that, on reflection, there is a huge amount he doesn't know about his father and that all he is really left with are snippets of personal memories.

Make no mistake, THE BOOKIE'S RUNNER is a modern masterpiece. In writing it, Brendan Gisby has not only honoured his father, he has ennobled him.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

90 pages, Paperback

First published January 18, 2011

About the author

Brendan Gisby was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, halfway through the 20th century, and was brought up just along the road in South Queensferry (the Ferry) in the shadow of the world-famous Forth Bridge. He now lives in splendid isolation in the wilds of Strathearn in Scotland.

Retiring from a business career in 2007, Brendan has devoted himself to writing. To date, he has published four novels, four biographies and several short story collections.

Brendan is also the founder of McStorytellers, a website which showcases the work of Scottish-connected short story writers.

Reviews

[Shervin Jamali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gisby never disappoints; that should be the title of his autobiography. What a perfect homage to his father. The prose, as always, is rich and dripping with delicious melancholy. If the author was present at the completion of this read, I would have given him a hug. Were I to compile a bucket list, one of the items would be to read everything Gisby has ever put out. Scratch that, I will read all of it and more. It would be to become as gifted an author as he is.

[Robert Cowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written tale, told by a son wistfully looking back on his father's life. As he sets off on the bus to school on the first day back after the holidays, Brendan uses the bus journey as a metaphor of his dad's life journey, each stop triggering another chapter, a device that works wonderfully well. It's not a story of high drama and exceptional achievement, but rather finds and shows the extraordinary in the ordinary in a way that few writers can. It's not a misty eyed rose tinted remembrance, as Brendan doesn’t shirk from baring his family's failings and there is anger amongst the pride. It's not the Walton's. Real life isn't, but it reminds us of the poignancy of everyday life and indeed everybody's life, that we all take for granted. I've got a few more of his books loaded onto the kindle, which I look forward to. Highly Recommended.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only is this book a wonderful tribute to a father lost too soon, it is also an historic record of what life was like before people could get help when they fell on hard times. A book that should be read by anyone who doesn't understand what it means to not be able to afford a visit to a doctor or dentist, to have to rely on looking for pennies in the mud or do several jobs to simply survive.

[Beth Erwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an unexpected delight. The story, the voice, and the characters aligned to make it well worth picking up - and hard to put down. A bit outside of my ordinary choices, i'm glad I took the time to read this one.

[Babette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad. It lovely short story

I read Brendan Grisby's The Bookies Runner in the 3.5 hrs from Kansas City to home Thanksgiving evening. It was sad & lovely & a fantastic read. I will be visiting Mr. Grisby's website for more!

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read, it unfolded like a conversation with the author, the details of his father's life gradually unfolding with detours to various memories along the way.

[Patricia Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life can be tough!

If there is a follow up, it would be good to know that life can get better - an easy read.

[Robert Davidson]

I have yet to finish this book but am sufficiently far enough into it to be able judge the style, tempo and facility with which Brendan Gisby presents prose. So far, The Runner has been touching, sensitive and in turn heart-warming and sad.
I finished the book several days ago and it fulfilled its promise. As a young child I spent several years in Edinburgh and although I have no distinct memories of Queensferry there is no doubt that Brendan has captured the ambience of those times. I thoroughly enjoyed his work and his literary style

[David Makinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very touching and well written short memoir of one man describing his father's life and how it influenced and shaped him. I love the fact that it isn't about anyone well known outside his own circles. It is a lovely reminder that the real richness in life comes from observing and sharing the experiences and emotions of ordinary people, not the banal antics of publicity seeking muppets on reality television shows. Try it. I think you will find the short time it will take you to read it well worth the effort.