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Going with Gabriel
A person can have more outstanding talents than one and one talent can be infinitely more destructive or infinitely more creative than another.
Are there really too many of us? Are we all trying to grab much, much more from our planet than our planet has to give? Going with Gabriel is not the first to answer those questions in the affirmative, nor the first to assert that these most acute of problems threaten all forms of life on earth, even our own. But perhaps a possible solution is already known; perhaps it has already been triggered.
33 years old Dr Gabriel Nicolson is trying to escape from the frightening reality of his own bio-scientific discovery by disappearing into what is for him a new world, a preferred world; the world of street music. Having left behind his past life Gabriel can keep moving with his new found friend Sonny Ojitsu but can he preserve his precious anonymity? Not if a celebrity hungry media in search of another rags to riches story has anything to do with it. Definitely not if they should get to hear the merest whisper of this gifted singer-songwriter’s abandoned science.
Going with Gabriel is a powerful story about exceptional talent and a man’s conscience and about freedom and the lack of it, love and no love, celebrity and anonymity. It is a truly thought-provoking literary adventure. Truth can sometimes be the bitterest pill but fiction, written well enough, can make it just that bit more palatable.
Written throughout in single viewpoint, third person present tense, this novel immerses you in Gabriel’s story. You will care about both the question and the questioner as you share his hazards, trials and tribulations.
The final third of the novel leads you, with Gabriel, into one possible answer.
Are there really too many of us? Are we all trying to grab much, much more from our planet than our planet has to give? Going with Gabriel is not the first to answer those questions in the affirmative, nor the first to assert that these most acute of problems threaten all forms of life on earth, even our own. But perhaps a possible solution is already known; perhaps it has already been triggered.
33 years old Dr Gabriel Nicolson is trying to escape from the frightening reality of his own bio-scientific discovery by disappearing into what is for him a new world, a preferred world; the world of street music. Having left behind his past life Gabriel can keep moving with his new found friend Sonny Ojitsu but can he preserve his precious anonymity? Not if a celebrity hungry media in search of another rags to riches story has anything to do with it. Definitely not if they should get to hear the merest whisper of this gifted singer-songwriter’s abandoned science.
Going with Gabriel is a powerful story about exceptional talent and a man’s conscience and about freedom and the lack of it, love and no love, celebrity and anonymity. It is a truly thought-provoking literary adventure. Truth can sometimes be the bitterest pill but fiction, written well enough, can make it just that bit more palatable.
Written throughout in single viewpoint, third person present tense, this novel immerses you in Gabriel’s story. You will care about both the question and the questioner as you share his hazards, trials and tribulations.
The final third of the novel leads you, with Gabriel, into one possible answer.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
4 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 27, 2011
Won this from a giveaway. I haven't received it yet, I assume it'll arrive sometime in the new year, but I'm looking forward to it. Looks interesting.
Note: this has now arrived, signed by the author. I'll try and get round to reading it very very soon!
Edit: I know I read this, a long time ago, and don't know how I never came to review it. Unfortunately, I can't remember much about it, save that it never made a great impression on me.
Note: this has now arrived, signed by the author. I'll try and get round to reading it very very soon!
Edit: I know I read this, a long time ago, and don't know how I never came to review it. Unfortunately, I can't remember much about it, save that it never made a great impression on me.
January 26, 2010
I was fortunate enough to win this in a Goodreads giveaway and generously received a copy signed by the author.
The style of prose in Going With Gabriel is elegantly poetic and flowing, but without ever becoming inaccesible. Reading it was akin in the feelings it provoked to listening to a Bob Dylan album. The freedom that the protagonist had, lost and craved was beautifully evoked until it became almost a character in its own right; the same can be said for the music. It made me want to go out and travel the world with nothing to rely on except my music!
In addition to being lyrically written, the book also contained elements of a thriller novel (and later on, even the science-fiction genre). The twists and turns of the plot as Gabriel tried to escape his new-found fame and the discovery of his former life kept me rivete. Although I did enjoy taking my time to read this novel as I felt there was a lot to take in and absorb.
I found the about last one quarter of the book to be a marked contrast to the story that preceded it. When Gabriel first finds himself in Farland, it left me with a sense of soul-crushing oppression and desolation. The rules of the place also smacked of Nazi-like eugenics and discrimination, although this aspect of the Farlands is never deeply explored. As Gabriel - a character I had been led to believe valued his freedom above all - settled happily into his new home I couldn't help but find it a little disturbing, as if he had been sinisterly 're-educated'.
I'm not sure if this is how the author intended his Farlands to be seen (of course, they were a necessary evil due to the PXP virus), but it was how they made me feel. The later exploration of the Outside was also very dystopian and desolate, containing hints of the science-fiction genre. It certainly made me think and consider what 'freedom' really is, as well as the right that people have to change the world around them.
The only complaint that I think I could make would be that the prologue and letter at the end felt a little redundant, as I felt personally that they didn't really add anything to my understanding of either the story or its themes (even though the Prologue was beautifully written). Also perhaps that Gabriel's willingness to fall swiftly in and out of love was a little juvenile and alienated me a little from him; but that added to him as a person, so it wasn't too much of a problem for me.
A very good book!
The style of prose in Going With Gabriel is elegantly poetic and flowing, but without ever becoming inaccesible. Reading it was akin in the feelings it provoked to listening to a Bob Dylan album. The freedom that the protagonist had, lost and craved was beautifully evoked until it became almost a character in its own right; the same can be said for the music. It made me want to go out and travel the world with nothing to rely on except my music!
In addition to being lyrically written, the book also contained elements of a thriller novel (and later on, even the science-fiction genre). The twists and turns of the plot as Gabriel tried to escape his new-found fame and the discovery of his former life kept me rivete. Although I did enjoy taking my time to read this novel as I felt there was a lot to take in and absorb.
I found the about last one quarter of the book to be a marked contrast to the story that preceded it. When Gabriel first finds himself in Farland, it left me with a sense of soul-crushing oppression and desolation. The rules of the place also smacked of Nazi-like eugenics and discrimination, although this aspect of the Farlands is never deeply explored. As Gabriel - a character I had been led to believe valued his freedom above all - settled happily into his new home I couldn't help but find it a little disturbing, as if he had been sinisterly 're-educated'.
I'm not sure if this is how the author intended his Farlands to be seen (of course, they were a necessary evil due to the PXP virus), but it was how they made me feel. The later exploration of the Outside was also very dystopian and desolate, containing hints of the science-fiction genre. It certainly made me think and consider what 'freedom' really is, as well as the right that people have to change the world around them.
The only complaint that I think I could make would be that the prologue and letter at the end felt a little redundant, as I felt personally that they didn't really add anything to my understanding of either the story or its themes (even though the Prologue was beautifully written). Also perhaps that Gabriel's willingness to fall swiftly in and out of love was a little juvenile and alienated me a little from him; but that added to him as a person, so it wasn't too much of a problem for me.
A very good book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2010
Won this in a GR giveaway and was very glad I did. It follows the story of Gabriel, a wandering musician, and his friend Sonny who travel across Britain and Ireland playing to small crowds in pubs, bus stations and wherever else the mood takes, until a record producer records them, and sets them on the road to fame. In the meantime Gabriel’s past as a genetic scientist begins to catch up with him as BIO Corp takes an interest in his work with PXP, a genetically modified virus that results in permanent infertility in humans. This leads him and his friends on a path through intrigue, conspiracy and moral dilemma as he tries to keep out of the limelight, get rid of his past and those interested in it and settle into a more normal life.
The contrast between Gabriel the music man and Gabriel the scientist is interesting and at times they seem like two completely different men. The competing desires of these two sides of Gabriel’s character reflect on the competing desires of every person on Earth and of humanity as a whole. This book raises many issues about mankind and how it lives and uses the Earth’s limited resources and how this should be addressed. Although the solution proposed is one of the more extreme options, it is one that may well be necessary in the future, especially if the future is similar to the one in the latter half of the book.
My only slight problem with this is the concept of Farland itself. I felt it was a little too unrealistic being so cut off from the Outside world and think it is a little unlikely that so many Farlands could be kept secret from the world for so long, especially as some were located in fairly well populated areas. The Dorset Farland is a good example of this as it is located on an ex-military range, likely to be one of two I know of in the county, both of which the public use frequently for walking, rambling etc. But this is being a bit fussy and I would imagine that trying to create a realistic Farland would be very difficult and Islip has tried to keep it as real as possible, accepting that there would be conflicts and differences of opinion even within these communities.
Overall a very good book, one that you can read and enjoy but that also makes you think, not only about your own actions but those of humanity as a whole.
The contrast between Gabriel the music man and Gabriel the scientist is interesting and at times they seem like two completely different men. The competing desires of these two sides of Gabriel’s character reflect on the competing desires of every person on Earth and of humanity as a whole. This book raises many issues about mankind and how it lives and uses the Earth’s limited resources and how this should be addressed. Although the solution proposed is one of the more extreme options, it is one that may well be necessary in the future, especially if the future is similar to the one in the latter half of the book.
My only slight problem with this is the concept of Farland itself. I felt it was a little too unrealistic being so cut off from the Outside world and think it is a little unlikely that so many Farlands could be kept secret from the world for so long, especially as some were located in fairly well populated areas. The Dorset Farland is a good example of this as it is located on an ex-military range, likely to be one of two I know of in the county, both of which the public use frequently for walking, rambling etc. But this is being a bit fussy and I would imagine that trying to create a realistic Farland would be very difficult and Islip has tried to keep it as real as possible, accepting that there would be conflicts and differences of opinion even within these communities.
Overall a very good book, one that you can read and enjoy but that also makes you think, not only about your own actions but those of humanity as a whole.
July 23, 2010
I recieved this in the post today with great excitment!! I just love the cover and the feel of the book.
So far I have read only about 5 pages and looking forward to reading more of it very soon.
So now I have finished reading the book this is what I thought of it:-
First of all I would like to thank the author as I won this book on Goodreads. I also like the idea of having won a book and being able to read a different type of book than you would normally read!!
I found the idea behind the book really interesting, but the actual reading of the book hard going.
I personaly found the begining of the book however rather slow paced, the plot and story didnt move fast enough. I liked the charcters and did really enjoyed it while I read it.
BUT.....
Once I got to the part where Gabriels past caught up on him it made it a real page turner. I am glad that I stuck out with it and finished it in the end.
So far I have read only about 5 pages and looking forward to reading more of it very soon.
So now I have finished reading the book this is what I thought of it:-
First of all I would like to thank the author as I won this book on Goodreads. I also like the idea of having won a book and being able to read a different type of book than you would normally read!!
I found the idea behind the book really interesting, but the actual reading of the book hard going.
I personaly found the begining of the book however rather slow paced, the plot and story didnt move fast enough. I liked the charcters and did really enjoyed it while I read it.
BUT.....
Once I got to the part where Gabriels past caught up on him it made it a real page turner. I am glad that I stuck out with it and finished it in the end.
March 6, 2010
I found this to be a slow going book and there were a lot of parts that didn't need to be there. However, I loved Gabriel (the main character), he was interesting and had a great perspective on life. I was really busy when I read this and I tried to rush through it which is probably why I didn't enjoy it much. I'll try reading it again soon...
Gabriel has been trying very hard to escape from the frightening reality of his own scientific discovery into what is for him in a new world - his preferred world, the world of music and the street.
Having left behind his past life he can keep moving with his friend Sonny Ojitsu but can he preserve his precious anonymity along the open road? Not if a celebrity hungry media has anything to do with it; definitely not if they should get to hear the merest whisper of an echo of Dr Gabriel Nicolson's abandoned science...
Gabriel has been trying very hard to escape from the frightening reality of his own scientific discovery into what is for him in a new world - his preferred world, the world of music and the street.
Having left behind his past life he can keep moving with his friend Sonny Ojitsu but can he preserve his precious anonymity along the open road? Not if a celebrity hungry media has anything to do with it; definitely not if they should get to hear the merest whisper of an echo of Dr Gabriel Nicolson's abandoned science...
March 4, 2010
First of all I liked the concept but the book didn't grab me. The character of Gabriel has carried out unethical medical experiments in the past, unleashing a sterilising 'disease' onto the world. Yet this is supposedly a likeable charcter that feels no guilt nor is he an evil villain that we can hate.
The whole musical genius part seems to be a drawn out vehicle to get Gabriel noticed by the press. I found those parts boring and he could have just as easily got in the papers for something more mundane and believable.
I am hoping the copy I received was an uncorrected proof as was full of typos and would benefit from some editing of awkward sentence structure in places. I really struggled to finish this one.
The whole musical genius part seems to be a drawn out vehicle to get Gabriel noticed by the press. I found those parts boring and he could have just as easily got in the papers for something more mundane and believable.
I am hoping the copy I received was an uncorrected proof as was full of typos and would benefit from some editing of awkward sentence structure in places. I really struggled to finish this one.
February 25, 2010
I finally got done with this one. I stuck it out, but I really didn't enjoy it very much. The topic is interesting: global population control by means of sterilization obtained through sexual intercourse. Hmmm... given the promiscuity across many of the world's cultures, this could work. However, there is really no plot to the story, the characters are not likeable, and I don't particularily care for the author's style of writing. Plus, I may add, there's too much unnecessary sex and description of people's eliminations - TMI. It just wasn't enjoyable to read. I wouldn't recommend this book.
February 9, 2010
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the concept. The idea that someone could introduce a virus that would sterilize everyone is something that could really happen. It really makes you think. I like the way the book ended. It really wasn't what I expected. Its hard to say how great this book was without spoiling it for anyone. I won this book from Goodreads and it was even signed. I really appreciated having the chance to read it before it is released and I put it on the top of my list to read first.
December 29, 2009
Another book that I won on Goodreads. Very interesting concept, but could have left the section where Gabriel went to Farland for another book. It was almost as if too much information was being put into the book. There are a few typos still, but this was an unedited version that I was allowed to read. Would be a good book for a book study group as would get some very heated discussions.
January 25, 2010
I won this book through a first-reads giveaway.
OK, quick review. Intriguing idea, OK story. Sentence structure a bit over the top sometimes. LOADS of spelling mistakes, not proof read properly?
OK, quick review. Intriguing idea, OK story. Sentence structure a bit over the top sometimes. LOADS of spelling mistakes, not proof read properly?
February 24, 2010
I enjoyed this book. Certainly was very thought provoking and interesting. the ending was especially good as i didn't expect it at all!
July 29, 2010
A well written novel on an emotive topic with some interesting and well defined characters. A thoroughly enjoyable read and it certainly got me thinking. I would recommend it.
March 11, 2010
I won this book on Goodread's Giveaways and I am really so pleased that I did! being a privately published book I doubt it'll be readily available in the bookstores and that is in itself a crime!
This is such an unusual book, I expected it to be a sort of Tom Sawyer for grown-ups if you will, a collection of on road tales ..but I couldn't have been more wrong!
The story does indeed start out with an introduction to Gabriel's life on the road as a homeless and virtually penniless but talented musician and that was the only part of this book where I was even remotely right in my guesses! Not long into the book some of Gabriel's past begins to catch up with him and we find out that he was a scientist in the field of genetics. Now here's where I stop telling you any more about the plot because if I do, I can be sure not to do the book justice! Brian Islip makes some very astute observations on the nature of humans in general,religion vs creationists, the music industry and the problems of the planet. It is moving and thought provoking.. so thought provoking that it has taken me over a week to decide exactly how to word my review! (I'm rarely lost for words!) The book does poke you into some uncomfortable areas of thought, but that's not a bad thing at all! It makes you ask questions of yourself and of the world around you, it's ugly and violent in places and beautiful and nirvana like in others. It's not a book for the beach maybe, but a book for the quiet of a mid-winters night to be read by the warmth of the fire when you have time to appreciate it and all the questions it raises within it's pages.
I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a book that asks them for their opinion, but not one for younger readers as it does contain some sex, violence and swearing although none gratuitous and all perfectly in context with the vents that unfold.
Buy it and challenge yourself to answer it's questions, it is an extraordinary read!
This is such an unusual book, I expected it to be a sort of Tom Sawyer for grown-ups if you will, a collection of on road tales ..but I couldn't have been more wrong!
The story does indeed start out with an introduction to Gabriel's life on the road as a homeless and virtually penniless but talented musician and that was the only part of this book where I was even remotely right in my guesses! Not long into the book some of Gabriel's past begins to catch up with him and we find out that he was a scientist in the field of genetics. Now here's where I stop telling you any more about the plot because if I do, I can be sure not to do the book justice! Brian Islip makes some very astute observations on the nature of humans in general,religion vs creationists, the music industry and the problems of the planet. It is moving and thought provoking.. so thought provoking that it has taken me over a week to decide exactly how to word my review! (I'm rarely lost for words!) The book does poke you into some uncomfortable areas of thought, but that's not a bad thing at all! It makes you ask questions of yourself and of the world around you, it's ugly and violent in places and beautiful and nirvana like in others. It's not a book for the beach maybe, but a book for the quiet of a mid-winters night to be read by the warmth of the fire when you have time to appreciate it and all the questions it raises within it's pages.
I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a book that asks them for their opinion, but not one for younger readers as it does contain some sex, violence and swearing although none gratuitous and all perfectly in context with the vents that unfold.
Buy it and challenge yourself to answer it's questions, it is an extraordinary read!
January 23, 2010
Overall this book was an interesting read. The poetry embedded within the lyrics was sweet and lulling and was a constant reminder of the softer side of life set against the inner turmoil and struggles of Gabriel.I loved the whole monstrous idea of PXP and controlled pregnancies etc. I was initially intrigued by the characters and the mystery of what Gabriel had done but then the intrigue did tail off a little because I wasn't entirely sure where the plot was leading and felt a bit lost.
I sometimes felt like I couldn't quite marry up Gabriel the music man and Gabriel the Doctor and found the musical area of the story a little bit difficult to believe. It just seemed at times, like the travelling musician was a little too far removed from the Doctor. I personally would have liked there to have been more about Farland life, which I found horrific yet thoroughly entertaining and truly through provoking...
I felt moved when I put this book down..in a good way, I had gotten attached to the characters and the strange world that they lived in. I felt a sadness for them and sheer gratitude that I live in the world that I do. It seems like sometimes the 'system' struggles to function how we would like it to and we moan about how it doesn't work... but actually it does allow us certain freedoms, certainly in the Western world anyhow; we have a lot at our fingertips, not least of all relationships with people we love.
For the most part the book kept me engaged and there were some really beautifully written lines in the book... "The new silence is broken only by the scrunch of boots into snow. Footprints from where, leading where? Wherever, forever gone when melts away the cold." (p.248) Well worth a read! Thank you for sending me a copy of this book as a pre-published gift it was a wonderful journey.
I sometimes felt like I couldn't quite marry up Gabriel the music man and Gabriel the Doctor and found the musical area of the story a little bit difficult to believe. It just seemed at times, like the travelling musician was a little too far removed from the Doctor. I personally would have liked there to have been more about Farland life, which I found horrific yet thoroughly entertaining and truly through provoking...
I felt moved when I put this book down..in a good way, I had gotten attached to the characters and the strange world that they lived in. I felt a sadness for them and sheer gratitude that I live in the world that I do. It seems like sometimes the 'system' struggles to function how we would like it to and we moan about how it doesn't work... but actually it does allow us certain freedoms, certainly in the Western world anyhow; we have a lot at our fingertips, not least of all relationships with people we love.
For the most part the book kept me engaged and there were some really beautifully written lines in the book... "The new silence is broken only by the scrunch of boots into snow. Footprints from where, leading where? Wherever, forever gone when melts away the cold." (p.248) Well worth a read! Thank you for sending me a copy of this book as a pre-published gift it was a wonderful journey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2010
I won this in the giveaway section - I rarely win anything let alone a *book* so I feel particularly churlish in not liking it.
I found it really hard going - without really knowing why. I found the 'musical genius' stuff implausible - Beatlemania over a tramp singing folk songs in bus stations? I think not. And the use of present tense in the narration was jarring & I couldn't see any need for it. Despite that it's not badly written but I just could not get into it - I had to force myself to continue to the end of the page / even paragraph before stopping.
I think it's because I found the protagonist so very unengaging. The scientific McGuffin that he's supposed to have been involved in is absolutely immoral, unethical and unforgiveable. They have done something irreversible; endlessly infectious and all without telling their victims, let alone getting consent.
I persevered & then around page 200 (in my pre-release copy) the plot took a turn for the ludicrous - I nearly threw the thing across the room. Until then I would have given it 2 stars - the 'not my cup of tea' vote.
I promised myself I would finish it and I have but unless you find Dan Brown's conspiracy theories convincing or Ian Fleming's SMERSH a tenable plot device I think the last 100 pages will undermine anything you liked about the first 200.
I was also uncomfortable with his writing of the African-American characters.
Having said all that he's got some rave reviews so what do I know? Perhaps a fundamentalist, pseudo-Christian, paternalistic, open prison with a ceilidh every night is your idea of paradise? I would rather gnaw my own arm off.
I found it really hard going - without really knowing why. I found the 'musical genius' stuff implausible - Beatlemania over a tramp singing folk songs in bus stations? I think not. And the use of present tense in the narration was jarring & I couldn't see any need for it. Despite that it's not badly written but I just could not get into it - I had to force myself to continue to the end of the page / even paragraph before stopping.
I think it's because I found the protagonist so very unengaging. The scientific McGuffin that he's supposed to have been involved in is absolutely immoral, unethical and unforgiveable. They have done something irreversible; endlessly infectious and all without telling their victims, let alone getting consent.
I persevered & then around page 200 (in my pre-release copy) the plot took a turn for the ludicrous - I nearly threw the thing across the room. Until then I would have given it 2 stars - the 'not my cup of tea' vote.
I promised myself I would finish it and I have but unless you find Dan Brown's conspiracy theories convincing or Ian Fleming's SMERSH a tenable plot device I think the last 100 pages will undermine anything you liked about the first 200.
I was also uncomfortable with his writing of the African-American characters.
Having said all that he's got some rave reviews so what do I know? Perhaps a fundamentalist, pseudo-Christian, paternalistic, open prison with a ceilidh every night is your idea of paradise? I would rather gnaw my own arm off.
September 7, 2010
“Going With Gabriel” delves into a subject which seems to be something of a taboo, despite being one of the most serious threats facing humanity in the 21st century.
The story moves along at a rhythmical pace following the musical Gabe as he moves from place to place with his songs, his penny-whistle and his accompanist pal Sonny. His talent gets him noticed wherever he plays but his desire for anonymity prevents him from staying in one place. Relationships, the media, greedy opportunists, secret organisations and his past life all conspire to bring him out into the open and force him into making some difficult decisions.
This is a well written book from an author previously unknown to me. Islip manages to keep a non-scientist like myself interested in the scientific technicalities and, at the same time, retain a poetic feel befitting of the song-writing lyricist Gabriel.
My only real gripe is the underlying religious zeal that some of the characters display, which at best is unnecessary, and at worst seems unrealistic given their profession and the work they are undertaking, which would surely make such beliefs unlikely. Maybe my atheistic mind is getting the better of me here, and anyhow the impact of this on the whole story wasn’t enough to spoil my enjoyment.
Overall this was a thoroughly enjoyable holiday read and raises important questions that mankind is going to have to face up to sooner rather than later.
The story moves along at a rhythmical pace following the musical Gabe as he moves from place to place with his songs, his penny-whistle and his accompanist pal Sonny. His talent gets him noticed wherever he plays but his desire for anonymity prevents him from staying in one place. Relationships, the media, greedy opportunists, secret organisations and his past life all conspire to bring him out into the open and force him into making some difficult decisions.
This is a well written book from an author previously unknown to me. Islip manages to keep a non-scientist like myself interested in the scientific technicalities and, at the same time, retain a poetic feel befitting of the song-writing lyricist Gabriel.
My only real gripe is the underlying religious zeal that some of the characters display, which at best is unnecessary, and at worst seems unrealistic given their profession and the work they are undertaking, which would surely make such beliefs unlikely. Maybe my atheistic mind is getting the better of me here, and anyhow the impact of this on the whole story wasn’t enough to spoil my enjoyment.
Overall this was a thoroughly enjoyable holiday read and raises important questions that mankind is going to have to face up to sooner rather than later.
March 4, 2010
'Going with Gabriel'... what would you choose?
There are no stereotype "good guys" and "bad guys" in this story, no clear black and white, only our flawed humanity mirrored in an equally complex lead character - Gabriel the wandering musician. Gabriel's survival may lie in staying invisible, but his magical musical talent makes that near impossible. As he weaves the people he meets into his songs, he tries to keep them from being woven into his heart, but is that possible? Gabriel seems to be hiding from his past, but is he actually trying to run away from his future... How long before the secrets he is running from finally catch up with him? Where is Gabriel really going and does he have any choice?
Gabriel's secret fears are not the stuff of fantasy, they are based on genuine concerns facing this planet as we sit here reading. That's what makes this book more than merely an enjoyable adventure story - the research that Bryan Islip has used to place his fiction upon a foundation of fact. Whether you agree with Gabriel's choices or are appalled by his decisions this book is bound to change the way you look at the world... and that, in my opinion, is the sign of a really good story.
Thought-provoking and provocative in its theme and theories, 'Going with Gabriel' is definitely worth reading.
There are no stereotype "good guys" and "bad guys" in this story, no clear black and white, only our flawed humanity mirrored in an equally complex lead character - Gabriel the wandering musician. Gabriel's survival may lie in staying invisible, but his magical musical talent makes that near impossible. As he weaves the people he meets into his songs, he tries to keep them from being woven into his heart, but is that possible? Gabriel seems to be hiding from his past, but is he actually trying to run away from his future... How long before the secrets he is running from finally catch up with him? Where is Gabriel really going and does he have any choice?
Gabriel's secret fears are not the stuff of fantasy, they are based on genuine concerns facing this planet as we sit here reading. That's what makes this book more than merely an enjoyable adventure story - the research that Bryan Islip has used to place his fiction upon a foundation of fact. Whether you agree with Gabriel's choices or are appalled by his decisions this book is bound to change the way you look at the world... and that, in my opinion, is the sign of a really good story.
Thought-provoking and provocative in its theme and theories, 'Going with Gabriel' is definitely worth reading.
August 7, 2010
I enjoyed this book for its original ideas, relevant to today’s issues. It’s a thought provoking read which makes one aware of one’s own views, so whether liked or not I think something can be taken from this story. Due to the fact that these are widely covered modern day concerns though, people are likely to have already considered the matters prior to reading.
The scientific discovery was very plausible; however I found some of the other aspects of the book less so. This didn’t matter too much to me, because fiction is precisely that (fiction), but some may find it distracts.
My main reasons for not having scored ‘Going with Gabriel’ higher is that I didn’t really warm to any of the characters and found the plot dragged somewhat in places.
I wonder if I had not known before starting what the scientific discovery had to do with, whether I might have found it confusing initially until the revelation. Also, I don’t know if I am the only one who found this, but I did find the style of writing seemed a little unusual, though perfectly readable. Not sure if I am imagining this or not?!
‘Going with Gabriel’ presents an interesting future scenario, providing lots to contemplate.
The scientific discovery was very plausible; however I found some of the other aspects of the book less so. This didn’t matter too much to me, because fiction is precisely that (fiction), but some may find it distracts.
My main reasons for not having scored ‘Going with Gabriel’ higher is that I didn’t really warm to any of the characters and found the plot dragged somewhat in places.
I wonder if I had not known before starting what the scientific discovery had to do with, whether I might have found it confusing initially until the revelation. Also, I don’t know if I am the only one who found this, but I did find the style of writing seemed a little unusual, though perfectly readable. Not sure if I am imagining this or not?!
‘Going with Gabriel’ presents an interesting future scenario, providing lots to contemplate.
March 10, 2010
Gabriel is an interesting man. I enjoyed reading this book, and am glad to have won it. It was oddly fascinating because of how easily the story line could be place into the real world right now, or in a few years.
Gabriel is a microbiologist who doesn't want to live with the things he's discovered in the laboratory. He becomes a wandering musician, a talented one. His past comes back and he must face it. In the process a lot of things happen that he has to come to terms with.
Personally, it took me a while to get into this book. The beginning was almost too conversational for me to be able to read for more than a few pages at a time. I still was able to picture the story as it unfolded, but it felt like I was just eavesdropping on someone elses conversation. About half way through it became a page turner, about the time Gabriel's past catches up with him. If you are interested in the what-if's of life, on a scientific level you should definitely read this book.
Gabriel is a microbiologist who doesn't want to live with the things he's discovered in the laboratory. He becomes a wandering musician, a talented one. His past comes back and he must face it. In the process a lot of things happen that he has to come to terms with.
Personally, it took me a while to get into this book. The beginning was almost too conversational for me to be able to read for more than a few pages at a time. I still was able to picture the story as it unfolded, but it felt like I was just eavesdropping on someone elses conversation. About half way through it became a page turner, about the time Gabriel's past catches up with him. If you are interested in the what-if's of life, on a scientific level you should definitely read this book.
March 9, 2010
I won this book in the "giveaway" and would like to thank the author for sending it to me. I did enjoy this book and even thought there were spelling/grammar mistakes this did not detract from the book, The problems I had with the book were, the main character seemed to be "placed" there with no real substance behind him, the song "quotes" (to me anyway) did not add anything to the book and in fact at times were a bit tiresome...I did think the music/Sonny and the "science" parts did combine well until the book turned surreal, I think the ending could have been stronger and in a way spun the book on its head and went from being believable to being a little over the top...I did enjoy the book and was actually sad to see it end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2010
I really struggled to get into this book. The story idea is really intriguing, and the arguments made by the characters really make you think. But I didn’t like any of the characters; I found them all a bit unrealistic. I also found a lot of the book too political and scientific, so I didn’t always understand what was going on.
I really enjoyed the last part of the book, after Gabriel has moved into Farland 101. I think I would have preferred the book if more of the story had been set in the Farland. I also enjoyed it when Gabriel went ‘outside’ again. It was an eye-opener as it showed how the world could be like in a few years time.
I really enjoyed the last part of the book, after Gabriel has moved into Farland 101. I think I would have preferred the book if more of the story had been set in the Farland. I also enjoyed it when Gabriel went ‘outside’ again. It was an eye-opener as it showed how the world could be like in a few years time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2010
Well, I'm a little slow getting around to writing this review, but it's a chance to see if my feelings have changed.
Nope, all is still good. I loved this book, it was straight into my top ten list for Mr Islip's debut novel (a feat only managed by one other author). The unique plot, the original/very believable characters, the amount of detail given, the timescale covered (bordering on the epic), all led me on a magical read that I will not forget in a long time. Thanks, Bryan.
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I have to disclose that I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Nope, all is still good. I loved this book, it was straight into my top ten list for Mr Islip's debut novel (a feat only managed by one other author). The unique plot, the original/very believable characters, the amount of detail given, the timescale covered (bordering on the epic), all led me on a magical read that I will not forget in a long time. Thanks, Bryan.
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I have to disclose that I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
November 2, 2010
This was a very thought provoking book. The idea of a scientific method of permanent birth control being slipped into the main population without containment is a bit scary. I'm not sure I agree that the Farland utopia's would be able to exist in such secrecy nor that everyone would be as overly happy in them as the book suggests.
Overall the book did keep me intrigued and I did stay up later than I should have to finish off the last 50 or so pages so that is a sign that it was better than average.
Overall the book did keep me intrigued and I did stay up later than I should have to finish off the last 50 or so pages so that is a sign that it was better than average.
February 11, 2010
The author bryan islip tells you that this is his first published work, well i hope that there are more to follow. this book is interesting from the first page until you finish. he manages to describe the scene without being overly detailed and allowing you to imagine what the characters are experiencing. there are many twists in the plot and just when you think you know where the plot will go next, it heads in another direction. i recommend this book. enjoy
November 3, 2010
I received this as part of the Goodreads First Reads program.
A really interesting concept, I enjoyed the middle bit the best. Some of the scientific explanations I had a hard time wrapping my head around, and I didn't really agree with the protagonist's moral standing. But I enjoyed the way the story developed and I thought the balance of Gabriel's scientific discovery and notoriety and later celebrity status were well played.
A really interesting concept, I enjoyed the middle bit the best. Some of the scientific explanations I had a hard time wrapping my head around, and I didn't really agree with the protagonist's moral standing. But I enjoyed the way the story developed and I thought the balance of Gabriel's scientific discovery and notoriety and later celebrity status were well played.
March 30, 2012
I received this book from the author ,thanks Brian, wasn't sure if it was my sort of book but I really enjoyed it. Found the start a bit slow but the more I read the better it got and in the end couldn't put it down. I thought it raised some very interesting questions about mankind and the future very thought provoking. Think I Will probably reread it sometime and would also love to read more by this author.
December 1, 2009
I've been lucky enough to get a pre launch copy of this book.
If you want a book to stimulate and provoke your thoughts on what is going on in the world today then this is a must!
The author skilfully takes you on a journey with Gabriel who has a past which just won't leave him alone, and in the end has to confront it...
Highly recommended. Great second novel!
If you want a book to stimulate and provoke your thoughts on what is going on in the world today then this is a must!
The author skilfully takes you on a journey with Gabriel who has a past which just won't leave him alone, and in the end has to confront it...
Highly recommended. Great second novel!
July 21, 2010
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway. It was a good opportunity to read a book that I probably wouldn't normally have picked up in a bookshop. It had an interesting and complex central character and was extremely thought provoking in terms of some of the ideas that were discussed and raised throughout the book. I found it a little slow going at times but worth a read.
August 19, 2010
This book was actually something of a surprise. I received this through the Goodreads First Reads and, like a few others, I did find the beginning quite hard going, but I'm glad I stuck around as things really picked up with a mid-book twist.
I thought it finished a little abruptly, but I suspect that is just me - I always want to know what happens next!
I thought it finished a little abruptly, but I suspect that is just me - I always want to know what happens next!
March 6, 2010
This turned out not to be my type of book. I couldn't get into the story as I found it to be confusing. In addition, it could use some editorial polishing.
I received this book free through Goodreads.
I received this book free through Goodreads.
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