On a moonlight drive I lost my dream. Jill was that dream. Why did I drive the car so fast? I knew the road was wet. Why did there have to be that big old tree waiting for us on the corner? And why did I live while she died? Each fine moment keeps coming back to me. Her face, that smile, her skin so soft and eyes so wild. I wake up to her husband at my bedside, holding my hand and crying. He knows nothing of our love. I will survive, he assures me. I can go home to my wife and children. See my parents again. Go back to my old job. Run and play sport again. I want none of this. Only Jill. I need to be with her. I need our love. I must escape this pain. I need another moonlight drive.
Chris Cloake was born in 1964 and began telling stories a couple of years later. He grew up in Kent, England. He is motivated to write by a deep interest in life, particularly the cruel, deeply flawed nature of people contrasted with their incredible creativity and inspiration. The power of the natural world is a common theme in his work as a writer and professional photographer. He lives happily with his wife, two children and a large collection of music, books and board games.
Moonlight Drive is the story of Rob. Rob is married to Kate, and father of their two beautiful daughters. He has a good job, nice parents and a best friend he can always rely on. Unfortunately, he is also having an affair with his best friend’s wife Jill. To top it all off, whilst the two lovers are together they have an accident, one where Rob is heavily injured, and Jill died.
After the accident Rob finds himself in a world where he feels that he doesn’t belong anymore. The guilt he feels over Jill’s death is nearly destroying him, and his family and friends too. Rob is trying to fight his demons, and searching for the person he really is.
His journey see him facing sadness, guilt, disappointment, but also new friends and hope. This takes the reader onto a trip similar to riding a roller-coaster.
The plot is so different to what I’ve have read in the past. It felt so fluid, not tangible – in a good way. I never knew what Rob was up to, or what he was really like. Rob himself doesn’t even know who he is anymore, so why should the reader? I felt a deep sympathy for him, and nearly as torn as he did. I literally let myself fall into the story as if I was actively watching it, rather than merely reading.
Yes, I was hooked. Although, it isn’t a crime novel, nor a thriller. It simply is a story about a man who is torn between his feelings, and responsibilities. It is Rob’s story of a man soul-searching and finding his approach to life again.
The story is sad, yes, but it is also about hope and aiming for a new beginning. I can wholeheartedly recommend it to everybody. A great read that I am happy to give four brightly shining stars.
I'm not sure where the author was going with this story. Basically it seemed to me it was a whiney, misguided man who made a mess of his life. There wasn't really a plot or an end point and I don't believe any of the characters were very likable (especially the main character). That being said, the book was still a good read and there were only a few parts that drug on for me.
I loved this book, the story keeps you guessing and has emotional twists you are not expecting. It is definitely recommended by me. I hope there are more books from this author as I want to read another of his books.
Received a free signed copy from the author for honest review.
Rob and Kate are married with 2 children. For the most part they lead normal lives, have good jobs, raise their children and have friends like married couple Tim and Jill. Tim is Rob's best friend but that doesn't stop him from having an affair with his wife. One evening Rob and Jill are in a terrible accident and Jill is killed and Rob severely injured. Afterwards Rob has serious trouble adjusting to a world without Jill. He feels tremdous guilt because he was driving and it is slowly destroying him. The author takes us on the ups and downs of Rob's journey, his sadness and his hope for the future. I enjoyed parts of this story but found Rob to be a rather annoying unlikable character. He was rather whinney and not only almost destroyed his life but the lives of others as well. He was selfish and seemed to care only for himself.