E-luv: An Internet Romance

by Dave Roberts

What happens when online dating is more appealing than a real life encounter, when cybersex is more satisfying than the real thing, and when the boundaries of fantasy and reality blur beyond recognition? All these questions, and more, are answered in E-Luv, a compelling tale of cyber romance, cyber cheating, cyber weddings, and the glorious fantasy land of cybersex (where literally anything is possible). Follow Trevor and his cyber persona Lord Brett Sinclair, along a three-year marathon of online flirting, dating, and fornicating. Share the highs and lows of an unmitigated obsession with the internet, a gradual disconnection from reality, and the hazards of reply all, intimate photography, and unpleasant packages in the post.

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 16, 2006

Reviews

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy books that are written in letter/email/diary form so I knew I'd enjoy this. It follows the online adventures of Trevor and his online identity Lord Brett Sinclair, as he succombs to a severe internet addiction! For anyone who's been even slightly addicted to the internet, and I think most people have at some point, it's very easy to identify some of the types Trevor encounters. It's an escape from his dismal and sad life filled with money problems and illness, and opens up a whole new world to him! Trevor's not particularly likeable at times, but he's funny, his alter ego is totally different from his real character and his adventures are disturbing at times and funny at others. If you like a short and snappy book that's quick and easy to read, yet highlights the power of the internet, then this is a good book to read.

[Genevieve Dazet · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love a sassy chick-lit so hard. As long as she ends up with someone she digs at the end (and without religious undertones), I am so there. So I was really looking forward to this week's read.
I've noticed something in the last few years...I tend to not enjoy books written by men as much as those written by women. I'm always surprised when I love a coming-of-age or a romance written by a male (Mike Gayle is a good example, or Wally Lamb). I wondered how this book would sit with me. Since 'internet romance' is one of my favorite sub-genres, I figured it had to be somewhat my cup of tea, though.

Boy oh boy. UGH. UGH ugh ugh. I *hated* this book. I hated Trevor, the main character (he reminded me a little bit of Ignatius in Confederacy of Dunces); I hated the plot; and I hated the end. The only reason I kept reading was because it went along at a fast clip and I really wanted Trevor to redeem himself.

I don't usually do research before I read a book (I don't want to get spoiled or influenced), but I should have checked to see how many people have talked about this book online. I see now that it's very few. Those that liked it called it hilarious, but I didn't see that at all.

[Amelia Hawthorn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seeing as I like books that are written in diary/letter/email format, I thought I'd really enjoy this. Although I did enjoy it somewhat, it's certainly no Bridget Jones! I did have the odd chuckle here and there, and I found myself agreeing with the main character's struggles navigating the internet world. This book isn't an amazing read, but it is good - it has some romance, some laughs, some relatable moments and even some dramas! It's a book that you could easily read in a couple of days.

[Amany Rajab · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was just bad. The main character was creepy to the point that I felt that I was being watched by him. I cannot comprehend what compelled me to purchase this book honestly, I think it was the cover.

[Windy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quirky, amusing book

[Richard Mulholland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cool book, funny and thoughtful