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Mr Commitment
Straight from the bestseller lists in the UK comes a novel "full of belly laughs and painfully acute observations" (The Independent on Sunday), an excursion into the world of a modern male that "delivers its punch lines directly to the heart" (Birmingham Evening Mail). Like Helen Fielding's smash success Bridget Jones and Nick Hornby's classic High Fidelity , Mr. Commitment promises to make a big splash this side of the Atlantic as well.
Benjamin Duffy is a stand-up comic/temp who, like many men in their late twenties, is forced to face the eternal question: "To commit or not to commit?" After four years of biding her time, Benjamin's girlfriend has proposed, issuing an ultimatum that sets Benjamin's head spinning. He knows that Mel's the one for him, but should he swap his stellar record collection and fridge full of beer for dinner parties and trips to IKEA? Maybe if Benjamin could swap "till death do us part" with "renewable on a four-year basis" he'd be happy, but the choice-as far as Mel sees it-is all or nothing. Now or never. Mel or no Mel.
So after a lifetime as Mr. Irresponsible, does Benjamin have what it takes to become Mr. Commitment?
Benjamin Duffy is a stand-up comic/temp who, like many men in their late twenties, is forced to face the eternal question: "To commit or not to commit?" After four years of biding her time, Benjamin's girlfriend has proposed, issuing an ultimatum that sets Benjamin's head spinning. He knows that Mel's the one for him, but should he swap his stellar record collection and fridge full of beer for dinner parties and trips to IKEA? Maybe if Benjamin could swap "till death do us part" with "renewable on a four-year basis" he'd be happy, but the choice-as far as Mel sees it-is all or nothing. Now or never. Mel or no Mel.
So after a lifetime as Mr. Irresponsible, does Benjamin have what it takes to become Mr. Commitment?
Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
74 people are currently reading
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About the author
Mike Gayle
50 books2,230 followersI was born in the 70s — the 70s were great. I would recommend them to anyone.
I was also born in Birmingham — in my humble opinion the greatest city in the world with the nicest people too.
I used to live in London — a great city too. But a bit on the pricey side.
I also used to live in Manchester — another great city (although technically I lived in Salford which is next door but that’s sort of splitting hairs).
Before I went to university I wanted to be a social worker — I have no idea why. It didn’t last long.
After I left university I wanted to write for the NME — I’ve always loved music but it was only when I went to uni that it started loving me back. I can’t play any instruments or sing so writing about music seemed to make sense.
My first paid writing gig was for a listings magazine in Birmingham — (Actually my first unpaid writing gig was an interview with Kitchens of Distinction for Salford Student Magazine. I can’t begin to tell you how terrible it was.)
I used to write a music fanzine — it was called Incredibly Inedible and I co-edited it with my mate Jackie. We typed up the first issue on my dad’s olde worlde typewriter and then literally cut and paste on to A4 sheets using scissors and glue. Over the three years of its existence we interviewed many bands and artists including: Smashing Pumpkins, The Cranberries, Pavement, Bill Hicks and Blur.
I was also born in Birmingham — in my humble opinion the greatest city in the world with the nicest people too.
I used to live in London — a great city too. But a bit on the pricey side.
I also used to live in Manchester — another great city (although technically I lived in Salford which is next door but that’s sort of splitting hairs).
Before I went to university I wanted to be a social worker — I have no idea why. It didn’t last long.
After I left university I wanted to write for the NME — I’ve always loved music but it was only when I went to uni that it started loving me back. I can’t play any instruments or sing so writing about music seemed to make sense.
My first paid writing gig was for a listings magazine in Birmingham — (Actually my first unpaid writing gig was an interview with Kitchens of Distinction for Salford Student Magazine. I can’t begin to tell you how terrible it was.)
I used to write a music fanzine — it was called Incredibly Inedible and I co-edited it with my mate Jackie. We typed up the first issue on my dad’s olde worlde typewriter and then literally cut and paste on to A4 sheets using scissors and glue. Over the three years of its existence we interviewed many bands and artists including: Smashing Pumpkins, The Cranberries, Pavement, Bill Hicks and Blur.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
June 9, 2012
This book is just ok. It is not rubbish and it is not brilliant, it is slap bang in the middle. The story chugs along steadily but there are no real highs or lows and there is a real sense of get on with it because you know what the ending will be right from the start. I thought the characters were in general good, although the lead character was a bit annoying and i kept wanting to tell him to get a grip. The humour was nothing special with a lot of cliches. Overall though it did have a nice feel good factor. Not a book i would recommend.
January 13, 2012
3.5 stars
This is only my second foray into lad lit, so I'm not sure yet quite how to evaluate it. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Do I like it better than chick lit? Yes, but that may be because it's new for me. I do like seeing the story from the male perspective (and not just from the male character but from a male author.)
The story starts with the hero and his lady love in a 4-year relationship. She's ready to get married, so she proposes. He loves her, but he's happy with things as they are. His motto: If it ain't broke, why fix it? Not getting married is a deal breaker for her however, so after a few difficulties, he accepts her proposal. It doesn't last long because she senses that he's not really enthused about it and she wants someone who is. (And who can blame her?)
His problem is that he can't even articulate to himself why he's reluctant (no big surprise there. He's a guy.) so how can he explain it to her?
I really liked how the author had different types of men represented in the story. The hero's flatmate, who had lost the woman he loved, his brother-in-law, who was happily married (but also facing the fear of becoming a first-time father), and a "co-worker," who cheats on his girlfriend.
In the end, it all works out, of course, but not until after he's fought a long uphill battle. When all appears to be lost because she can't see a way for him to convince her that he really wants to spend the rest of his life with her, he finds a way to make the grand gesture (that's so innately difficult for most men) and all is well. A satisfying story.
This is only my second foray into lad lit, so I'm not sure yet quite how to evaluate it. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Do I like it better than chick lit? Yes, but that may be because it's new for me. I do like seeing the story from the male perspective (and not just from the male character but from a male author.)
The story starts with the hero and his lady love in a 4-year relationship. She's ready to get married, so she proposes. He loves her, but he's happy with things as they are. His motto: If it ain't broke, why fix it? Not getting married is a deal breaker for her however, so after a few difficulties, he accepts her proposal. It doesn't last long because she senses that he's not really enthused about it and she wants someone who is. (And who can blame her?)
His problem is that he can't even articulate to himself why he's reluctant (no big surprise there. He's a guy.) so how can he explain it to her?
I really liked how the author had different types of men represented in the story. The hero's flatmate, who had lost the woman he loved, his brother-in-law, who was happily married (but also facing the fear of becoming a first-time father), and a "co-worker," who cheats on his girlfriend.
In the end, it all works out, of course, but not until after he's fought a long uphill battle. When all appears to be lost because she can't see a way for him to convince her that he really wants to spend the rest of his life with her, he finds a way to make the grand gesture (that's so innately difficult for most men) and all is well. A satisfying story.
January 25, 2023
I started reading this at the same time as Sundays at Tiffany's.
Sundays at Tiffanys was my "cute" read and this was my "funny" read.
They were recommended by the same booktuber.
At first, this seemed very long-winded. (Its over 300 pages)
I wasn't bored but it took some effort to pick up.
And then.....
halfway through, It started to pick up.
At the end, the long-windedness made sense.
The main character, Duffy, "required" it to get him to where he needed to be.
I was going to give this book 3 stars but everything came together in the end.
If the book were shorter, it wouldn't have made such an impact, on Duffy or me.
And yes, it is a very funny read.
September 10, 2015
Mr Commitment
By Mike Gayle .
.
.
Girls have you ever wondered what guys think about how they see Commitment... Well this is a good deal to know their point of view
.
.
.
Benjamin Duffy who is in a relationship with Mel for four years and when she told him about her need to get married he got scared which made her break up with him
To know why men scared of commitment then this is a good one .
.
By Mike Gayle .
.
.
Girls have you ever wondered what guys think about how they see Commitment... Well this is a good deal to know their point of view
.
.
.
Benjamin Duffy who is in a relationship with Mel for four years and when she told him about her need to get married he got scared which made her break up with him
To know why men scared of commitment then this is a good one .
.
January 10, 2015
Konon, Gabrielle Zevin pernah bilang, “Sometimes books don't find us until the right time.”
Saya tahu keberadaan buku ini sejak beberapa tahun lalu, tapi baru ada niatan beli Senin lalu saat melihatnya di tumpukan diskonan. Karena sedang ingin bacaan ringan, maka dari banyak tumpukan (kurang lebih 150 buku) yang belum terbaca, saya memilih buku ini.
Mungkin, kalau saya membaca buku ini setahun atau bahkan tiga bulan lalu, buku ini tidak akan melewati tiga bintang. Tapi, ya merujuk kembali ke ucapak Gabrielle Zevin, “Sometimes books don't find us until the right time.” Buku ini "menemukan" saya di saat yang tepat dan saya begitu terpukau karenanya.
Di luar persoalan sentimental dan personal yang mendasari pemberian bintang pada buku ini, buku ini pada dasarnya enak dibaca jika dibandingkan dengan karya Mike Gayle berjudul "My Legendary Girlfriend." Saya suka tokoh-tokohnya. Meskipun Duffy memang bisa dianggap cukup payah sebagai lelaki, paling tidak dia punya prinsip yang ia pegang kuat. Dialog-dialognya cukup lucu dan menghibur. Dan yaaa semuanya berakhir dengan bahagia. It's a good thing since most books I've read recently have a tragic or sad ending. Ga sia-sia deh ini jadi bacaan pertama di 2015 (dengan harapan happy ending juga di tahun ini) :D
Saya tahu keberadaan buku ini sejak beberapa tahun lalu, tapi baru ada niatan beli Senin lalu saat melihatnya di tumpukan diskonan. Karena sedang ingin bacaan ringan, maka dari banyak tumpukan (kurang lebih 150 buku) yang belum terbaca, saya memilih buku ini.
Mungkin, kalau saya membaca buku ini setahun atau bahkan tiga bulan lalu, buku ini tidak akan melewati tiga bintang. Tapi, ya merujuk kembali ke ucapak Gabrielle Zevin, “Sometimes books don't find us until the right time.” Buku ini "menemukan" saya di saat yang tepat dan saya begitu terpukau karenanya.
Di luar persoalan sentimental dan personal yang mendasari pemberian bintang pada buku ini, buku ini pada dasarnya enak dibaca jika dibandingkan dengan karya Mike Gayle berjudul "My Legendary Girlfriend." Saya suka tokoh-tokohnya. Meskipun Duffy memang bisa dianggap cukup payah sebagai lelaki, paling tidak dia punya prinsip yang ia pegang kuat. Dialog-dialognya cukup lucu dan menghibur. Dan yaaa semuanya berakhir dengan bahagia. It's a good thing since most books I've read recently have a tragic or sad ending. Ga sia-sia deh ini jadi bacaan pertama di 2015 (dengan harapan happy ending juga di tahun ini) :D
April 19, 2011
I really like reading chick-lit and this time round I went for the male version of it. I'm pretty sure it isn't called bloke-lit, but as far as the content and fun goes it really is chick-lit from a male perspective.
Mike Gayle offers both male and female readers a fantastic read which, even more so, is very insightful (from the female perspective) and more than just a little laughter inducing without going over the top. While I heard that his first novel My Legendary Girlfriend is apparently his best book (I haven't read it yet, though), I must say that this is probably a worthy successor.
So, girl wants to finally see a ring on her finger, but boy is too scared to commit, because their life works perfectly just the way it is. Oh the wonders and workings of the male psyche. A marvelous and honest read, you can almost believe the characters are real, because the whole story has a real life feel to it. Well done.
In short: A wonderfully funny and touching piece of male chick-lit!
Mike Gayle offers both male and female readers a fantastic read which, even more so, is very insightful (from the female perspective) and more than just a little laughter inducing without going over the top. While I heard that his first novel My Legendary Girlfriend is apparently his best book (I haven't read it yet, though), I must say that this is probably a worthy successor.
So, girl wants to finally see a ring on her finger, but boy is too scared to commit, because their life works perfectly just the way it is. Oh the wonders and workings of the male psyche. A marvelous and honest read, you can almost believe the characters are real, because the whole story has a real life feel to it. Well done.
In short: A wonderfully funny and touching piece of male chick-lit!
August 23, 2024
2024
Майк Гейл е от групата на любимите ми английски автори и отдавна не бях си припомняла неговите издадени тук книги. Жалко , че вече не го издават. Такова готино чувство за хумор има. Така се забавлявах пак. Но освен това се наслаждавах на майсторското му писане .
2019
Модата на този тип книги може би отмина, но темите които засягат са вечни.
Тази е доста забавна в сравнение с "Вечеря за двама", но това не я прави лековата. Това са нещата от живота и всеки от нас минава през такива терзания.
Майк Гейл е чудесен познавач на човешката душа и великолепен разказвач. Определено с тази книга добавя и тънкото чувство за хумор към качествата , които го определят.
Майк Гейл е от групата на любимите ми английски автори и отдавна не бях си припомняла неговите издадени тук книги. Жалко , че вече не го издават. Такова готино чувство за хумор има. Така се забавлявах пак. Но освен това се наслаждавах на майсторското му писане .
2019
Модата на този тип книги може би отмина, но темите които засягат са вечни.
Тази е доста забавна в сравнение с "Вечеря за двама", но това не я прави лековата. Това са нещата от живота и всеки от нас минава през такива терзания.
Майк Гейл е чудесен познавач на човешката душа и великолепен разказвач. Определено с тази книга добавя и тънкото чувство за хумор към качествата , които го определят.
October 30, 2011
I am a fan of Mike Gayle and the way he brings a different outlook to chick lit. I always find it interesting to read a males perspective on things and it really sets a different tone as to how girls see things. This book was about a man not ready to comment, afraid that it will only change how good things were going. He felt that marriage is not necessarily needed as long as you are happy with how things are. I actually agreed with the way he was seeing things and felt like his girlfriend was just being hard to deal with. However as the story continued I realized were she was coming from, but at the same time I did not want him changing just because. This book, as are all his other ones, was funny and laugh out loud in parts as well. He always seems to make his characters relatable and realistic and I felt like I was one of the guys just hanging out as I read. I would recommend this book to any girl and I would be curious to see if this changed their outlook on marriage and I would be interested to see how a guy would like this book as well.
September 12, 2020
I stopped less than half way into this book. It wasn't that I hated it, it just wasn't great and not really worth spending my time on when I could be reading a book that I would really enjoy.
As far as I could gather this story is about Ben Duffy. He loves his girlfriend Mel, but after 4 years is still not living with her and when she wants to get married he kinda freaks out. There's nothing all that spectacular about his reaction and the fights and break up that follows. Seems very normal behavior for most immature men. I have come across a few, though fortunately none that I was in a relationship with.
Anyways, I expect the remainder of the book will be more of the same perhaps they will end up together, perhaps not. Maybe he will even meet "the one". And suddenly have no problem with getting married. I don't know, but to be honest I don't really care either. I guess that says enough.
As far as I could gather this story is about Ben Duffy. He loves his girlfriend Mel, but after 4 years is still not living with her and when she wants to get married he kinda freaks out. There's nothing all that spectacular about his reaction and the fights and break up that follows. Seems very normal behavior for most immature men. I have come across a few, though fortunately none that I was in a relationship with.
Anyways, I expect the remainder of the book will be more of the same perhaps they will end up together, perhaps not. Maybe he will even meet "the one". And suddenly have no problem with getting married. I don't know, but to be honest I don't really care either. I guess that says enough.
July 23, 2012
Mike Gayle is a good writer but this story feels unoriginal and the main character, Duffy, is not that likeable - whiny and addicted to TV.
http://chocolatedigestivebiscuit.word...
http://chocolatedigestivebiscuit.word...
March 23, 2009
Interesting that it was from a man's point of view. Chick lit with a twist.
September 18, 2012
Thrift store find. There were some funny analogies, but also a lot of clichés. I think it would make for an appropriate poolside/beach read.
July 19, 2020
Boff.
Cette "Man-lit" n'est pas très originale.
Peut-être que la traduction joue aussi sur la qualité du livre.
Au départ j'avais peur de ne pas arriver à le finir parce que les femmes étaient toutes représentées comme des tigresses folles et les hommes comme des fainéants grands enfants, c'était désespérant. Il y avait des passages à me frapper la tête dans les murs.
ex: « une femme c’est une bonne idée après une soirée passée au pub, le vendredi, mais pas le genre de chose qu’on a envie de retrouver sur l’oreiller quand on se réveille le lendemain matin » p4
ex: "Mel a investi 4 ans de sa vie en la partageant avec toi. Ta formation est pratiquement achevée, pense au temps qu’il lui faudrait pour amener un autre mec à ton niveau d’obéissance." 51
On a accès a des non-exemples de relations. Des relations basées sur du n'importe quoi, des couples qui évitent la communication, des femmes qui font du chantage émotif, des hommes qui sont vraiment décourageants...
Cette "Man-lit" n'est pas très originale.
Peut-être que la traduction joue aussi sur la qualité du livre.
Au départ j'avais peur de ne pas arriver à le finir parce que les femmes étaient toutes représentées comme des tigresses folles et les hommes comme des fainéants grands enfants, c'était désespérant. Il y avait des passages à me frapper la tête dans les murs.
ex: « une femme c’est une bonne idée après une soirée passée au pub, le vendredi, mais pas le genre de chose qu’on a envie de retrouver sur l’oreiller quand on se réveille le lendemain matin » p4
ex: "Mel a investi 4 ans de sa vie en la partageant avec toi. Ta formation est pratiquement achevée, pense au temps qu’il lui faudrait pour amener un autre mec à ton niveau d’obéissance." 51
On a accès a des non-exemples de relations. Des relations basées sur du n'importe quoi, des couples qui évitent la communication, des femmes qui font du chantage émotif, des hommes qui sont vraiment décourageants...
August 10, 2023
Sarà che questo libro senza farlo assolutamente apposta è caduto a pennello in un momento della mia vita in cui la storia di Mel e di Duffy è un po’ (tanto) quella della mia vita (inutile dire che io sono Mel, in tutto e per tutto), sarà che ho un debole per le romcom anni 90, sarà che quando ho visto questo libro tra gli scaffali della biblioteca una voce mi ha proprio detto “LEGGILO!”… comunque sarà, mi è piaciuto. Mi ha fatto ridere e commuovere ed esorcizzare una storia e una paura che ora so per certo appartengono a tanti. ❤️🩹
March 21, 2024
Sugar, spice and red wine (always in moderation, of course!): taken separately and in small quantity, these ingredients are OK . Mix them together and heat them: you get mulled wine and you have me sick with the unpalatable beverage!
The very same happens with this bungled story. A young chap cares for his girlfriend, yet falls short of the commitment needed for marriage.
Taken separately the elements do not pose any problems in themselves . Bring in Mike Gayle and his utter lack of talent: you have an incredibly boring novel and an angry reader!
The very same happens with this bungled story. A young chap cares for his girlfriend, yet falls short of the commitment needed for marriage.
Taken separately the elements do not pose any problems in themselves . Bring in Mike Gayle and his utter lack of talent: you have an incredibly boring novel and an angry reader!
April 5, 2021
I would definitely love to see the Bollywood film that is meant to be based on this book...
August 4, 2022
Coup de ❤️
L’amitié de Dan Ben et Charlie >>>
Émouvant et drôle, se lit rapidement et est addictif, le livre parfait pour l’été
L’amitié de Dan Ben et Charlie >>>
Émouvant et drôle, se lit rapidement et est addictif, le livre parfait pour l’été
August 31, 2024
Loved it.
I'm not a particular avid reader but this book kept me and I really enjoyed it!
Honest funny and clever.
I'm not a particular avid reader but this book kept me and I really enjoyed it!
Honest funny and clever.
June 30, 2020
I’ve always loved Mike Gayle’s writing, if only for the fact that as a female version of chick-lit, which I suppose you would call bloke-lit, he writes characters that I have more in common with than many novels in the genre. He’s also, having worked as an agony uncle, very much in touch with men’s emotions, or what little of those emotions we tend to display, and his characters are a lot more realistic than many in the genre. So whilst my days of being in the search for love are well behind me, many of the experiences his characters go through were once a part of my life, enough to recall and feel some connection with his writing.
The “Mr. Commitment” of his second novel is Ben, better known as Duffy, who has been with his girlfriend Mel for 4 years, but they have never taken that extra step of moving in together or getting married. Instead, he lives with Dan, a fellow part-time stand-up comedian and works a temp job so that he can still take comedy gigs and work towards getting his big break. Duffy is happy with his lot, but Mel isn’t as after so much time together, she wants them to get married and whilst Duffy eventually accepts, he doesn’t do so without reservations and his reluctance is obvious enough that they split up. Duffy quickly realizes that he can’t live without Mel, but he needs to figure out if he wants to live with her enough to give her the commitment she wants.
Whilst I’m not like Duffy in some ways, having met my wife late in life and having the intention of marrying her quite early on in our relationship, other aspects of it certainly ring true. I’ve done any number of temporary and contracting jobs, liking the feeling of freedom that allows and I’ve also had certain other events in the story happen in my life as well. I’m a lot older than Duffy is in the novel, although given when the book was published, we’re around the same age and certainly my life at that age and Duffy’s weren’t wildly different, although I’m certainly not funny enough to have ever tried my hand at stand-up comedy. In that, I’m very much the kind of person who, as the old joke goes “wanted to be a wit, but only got halfway there”.
But this is what I love about Gayle’s writing; there is enough of me in there for it to feel realistic, sometimes horribly so. Duffy doesn’t swan around taking long lunches all the time and shopping all weekend like many chick-lit characters seem to, he snatches a sandwich at his desk, eats junk food at home and likes having control of the television remote control. Admittedly, there are a couple of moments that don’t seem entirely realistic, like the sub-plot with Alexa, but that sort of thing may happen all the time on the comedy circuit, as that’s the one part of the novel I couldn’t relate to as well as some of the others.
The dialogue is also spot on, with the conversations between Duffy and Dan and Charlie feeling quite natural for a group of guys who have been friends for a long time. The way Greg treats his fiancée is quite believable, if not terribly nice, but many of us will know someone like him and the way Dan feels when invited to his ex-girlfriend’s wedding is equally realistic, although the conversations at the wedding didn’t feel quite the same way, although I did enjoy the drunk aunt in those scenes. The best friend who doesn’t much like Duffy seems true to life, as do the events which have her and Duffy feeing the way they do about commitment. On the whole, with some exceptions, his characters are likeable and you look forward to seeing how things will turn out and whilst karma may be a little too active here compared to real life, the reader ends up engaged enough to care how things turn out.
The other beauty of Gayle’s writing along with the realism, is in the way he writes. It’s not just the dialogue which is spot on and often amusing, but his writing style is flowing, surprisingly fast-paced for a bloke-lit novel and simply written so as to be easily readable. This may be something else he picked up from his agony uncle days, as getting blokes to read relationship based novels probably isn’t all that easy and it needs to be pitched at a certain level to encourage them to pick it up.
What you get with Mike Gayle’s writing is something that is realistic, reads very quickly and writing where you may recognize yourself or people you know. This has always attracted me to his writing and there is nothing in “Mr. Commitment” that makes me like his work any less than I already did.
The “Mr. Commitment” of his second novel is Ben, better known as Duffy, who has been with his girlfriend Mel for 4 years, but they have never taken that extra step of moving in together or getting married. Instead, he lives with Dan, a fellow part-time stand-up comedian and works a temp job so that he can still take comedy gigs and work towards getting his big break. Duffy is happy with his lot, but Mel isn’t as after so much time together, she wants them to get married and whilst Duffy eventually accepts, he doesn’t do so without reservations and his reluctance is obvious enough that they split up. Duffy quickly realizes that he can’t live without Mel, but he needs to figure out if he wants to live with her enough to give her the commitment she wants.
Whilst I’m not like Duffy in some ways, having met my wife late in life and having the intention of marrying her quite early on in our relationship, other aspects of it certainly ring true. I’ve done any number of temporary and contracting jobs, liking the feeling of freedom that allows and I’ve also had certain other events in the story happen in my life as well. I’m a lot older than Duffy is in the novel, although given when the book was published, we’re around the same age and certainly my life at that age and Duffy’s weren’t wildly different, although I’m certainly not funny enough to have ever tried my hand at stand-up comedy. In that, I’m very much the kind of person who, as the old joke goes “wanted to be a wit, but only got halfway there”.
But this is what I love about Gayle’s writing; there is enough of me in there for it to feel realistic, sometimes horribly so. Duffy doesn’t swan around taking long lunches all the time and shopping all weekend like many chick-lit characters seem to, he snatches a sandwich at his desk, eats junk food at home and likes having control of the television remote control. Admittedly, there are a couple of moments that don’t seem entirely realistic, like the sub-plot with Alexa, but that sort of thing may happen all the time on the comedy circuit, as that’s the one part of the novel I couldn’t relate to as well as some of the others.
The dialogue is also spot on, with the conversations between Duffy and Dan and Charlie feeling quite natural for a group of guys who have been friends for a long time. The way Greg treats his fiancée is quite believable, if not terribly nice, but many of us will know someone like him and the way Dan feels when invited to his ex-girlfriend’s wedding is equally realistic, although the conversations at the wedding didn’t feel quite the same way, although I did enjoy the drunk aunt in those scenes. The best friend who doesn’t much like Duffy seems true to life, as do the events which have her and Duffy feeing the way they do about commitment. On the whole, with some exceptions, his characters are likeable and you look forward to seeing how things will turn out and whilst karma may be a little too active here compared to real life, the reader ends up engaged enough to care how things turn out.
The other beauty of Gayle’s writing along with the realism, is in the way he writes. It’s not just the dialogue which is spot on and often amusing, but his writing style is flowing, surprisingly fast-paced for a bloke-lit novel and simply written so as to be easily readable. This may be something else he picked up from his agony uncle days, as getting blokes to read relationship based novels probably isn’t all that easy and it needs to be pitched at a certain level to encourage them to pick it up.
What you get with Mike Gayle’s writing is something that is realistic, reads very quickly and writing where you may recognize yourself or people you know. This has always attracted me to his writing and there is nothing in “Mr. Commitment” that makes me like his work any less than I already did.
March 1, 2017
Comedian Mike Duffy has been with his girlfriend, Mel for 4 years and counting. While Mel is ready to take their relationship to another level, Duffy sees nothing wrong with leaving things as is.
This is the first time that I have read a British "chick-lit" novel not only written by a man but starring a hero instead of a heroine, and I must say Cheers to Mike Gayle!
After Mel proposes to Duffy, he says yes. But even still, she knows deep down that he doesn't want to get married. So she gives him an ultimatum - unless he can commit to her as a husband and not just a boyfriend, then there is no chance in them getting back together. Duffy thinks he can handle it - maybe even change Mel's mind and convince her that things are fine the way that they are. Time moves forward, and Mel is the first one to start seeing someone else - this has Duffy sick. He obsesses over this situation and slowly but surely he begins to realize how in love with Mel he is... But is it too late? Has Mel already closed her heart towards him? You'll have to read to find out. I will tell you that I was a bit surprised at the end. Gayle really had me going.
This is a definite must read. A cute and hilarious story that also tugs at your heart.
This is the first time that I have read a British "chick-lit" novel not only written by a man but starring a hero instead of a heroine, and I must say Cheers to Mike Gayle!
After Mel proposes to Duffy, he says yes. But even still, she knows deep down that he doesn't want to get married. So she gives him an ultimatum - unless he can commit to her as a husband and not just a boyfriend, then there is no chance in them getting back together. Duffy thinks he can handle it - maybe even change Mel's mind and convince her that things are fine the way that they are. Time moves forward, and Mel is the first one to start seeing someone else - this has Duffy sick. He obsesses over this situation and slowly but surely he begins to realize how in love with Mel he is... But is it too late? Has Mel already closed her heart towards him? You'll have to read to find out. I will tell you that I was a bit surprised at the end. Gayle really had me going.
This is a definite must read. A cute and hilarious story that also tugs at your heart.
July 29, 2009
After four years in love Duffy's girlfriend puts the pressure on him to take the ultimate plunge....marriage.
I was curious about this book because it's British Chic Lic- but written by a male. I was hoping he'd bring something fresh and new to the genre but it was pretty much the same as a marian keyes- (slightly less sex though). It was light and I even thought it was funny in some parts. I was a little dissapointed that there was no diversity in the characters though, especially since the author is Black. Here I am trying to help a brother across the pond out, read his book and in 334 pages he couldn't stick one person of color in there? Okay for the beach, not exactly a must-read though.
I was curious about this book because it's British Chic Lic- but written by a male. I was hoping he'd bring something fresh and new to the genre but it was pretty much the same as a marian keyes- (slightly less sex though). It was light and I even thought it was funny in some parts. I was a little dissapointed that there was no diversity in the characters though, especially since the author is Black. Here I am trying to help a brother across the pond out, read his book and in 334 pages he couldn't stick one person of color in there? Okay for the beach, not exactly a must-read though.
March 1, 2020
I read this book so long ago but it made me a fan of Mike Gayle's and I went on to read his other books. In fact I won a competition by describing why it was my favourite book. Without ruining it...you will laugh out loud in some parts and for an author to do that I think it incredible! When the main character bumps into his ex girlfriend in a club, after he has had friends tell her he is dead...well...literally reeling! The one part that sticks in my mind is in the beginning when he says in bed decided whether he should go to the washroom or not...now whenever I start that debate in my head I just get up and go. The language is easy to digest and the scenarios and descriptions are a thumbs up!
June 16, 2007
I thoroughly enjpyed this novel for whatever reason. Mike Gayle is likely lesser known that Nick Hornby, but seemingly very similar. Novel is about a man that struggles with the idea of moving from boyfriend zone to husband zone. There should be a name for this type of genre, I suggest "brit lit."
March 29, 2012
Ben loves Mel, but isn't ready to commit. Isn't that the standard for romantic comedies everywhere? If you like those chick flicks (and/or something along the lines of High Fidelity), you just might enjoy this book as I did.
August 9, 2011
Portrays the male psyche regarding commitment with humour and compassion.
April 2, 2021
Very excited to have found a new favourite author, now onto his next books
July 25, 2022
И така, в разгара на летните алфа мъжкарски занимания, с които не се занимавам или поне не толкова , колкото с бета-та такива...навикът ми да си избирам на случаен принцип романи за четене този път ме вкара в дамската тоалетна ! Не че не се е случвало и преди, но алфа мъжкарят в мен ( понякога го има ) винаги се е срамувал от прочитането на "Любовникът на Лейди Чатърли", "Яж, Моли се и Обичай" и "50 Нюанса сиво" ( няколко примера само ) , но после най-безочливо се е възползвал от малките научени тайни в тях в манипулирането нa нежният пол. И понеже много рядко оставам някоя работа незавършена , така се принудих да завърша и това недоразумение и да надникна в живота на обикновените мъже решили да претеглят на везна свободният си ергенски живот и брачния такъв. В интерес на истината трябваше да бъде поднесено по доста забавен начин , на което искрено се надявах и донякъде беше, но всъщност се радвам ,че мъките ми свършиха, понеже книгата освен ,че е бестселър във Великобритания, спокойно може да се впише в сценарий за филм по BTV Lady в неделя в 11ч сутринта . Силно се надявам, че това ревю все пак ще го прочетат само верните ми 10 ФБ критици, от които 7 жени, защото иначе имиджът ми тотално ще бъде поставен под въпрос, но мисля следващите 168 часа да ги прекарам в гледането на футбол, пиенето на бира, ракия и всякакъв алкохол,слушането на генгста рап, псуването на висок глас и барането по .... !
July 6, 2023
Duffy (Ben) is a stand up comedian / temp who is in a relationship with Mel for the last four years. He is very content with their life together, that is until Mel proposes. He is shocked. Why does she want to change things when everything is so perfect?
Mel gives him an ultimatum and thus we are given an insight into the thought process of the modern man. Will he have to give up his man flat with best friend Dan, share the remote control, take Saturday trips to Ikea? Will he ever get the Hi Fi system he has sought after for so long? His world has been turned on its head and now he has to either commit to a life with Mel or not commit and live a life without her. Big decisions have to made.
This story made me laugh out loud and I agree when saw it compared to Bridget Jones. The relationship between Duffy and Dan reminded me of Men Behaving Badly which I always found hilarious.
This was an enjoyable read with short chapters, finished it in a day and a half, all very likeable characters, liked seeing the story from a male prospective for a change and I laughed a lot. It didn’t blow me away but it was honest and real. It put a smile on my face and a warm feeling inside during and after. That is why I love Mike Gayle’s books. He writes about ordinary people and their ordinary lives. This is his second book he wrote and over 25 years he has just gotten better and better.
Mel gives him an ultimatum and thus we are given an insight into the thought process of the modern man. Will he have to give up his man flat with best friend Dan, share the remote control, take Saturday trips to Ikea? Will he ever get the Hi Fi system he has sought after for so long? His world has been turned on its head and now he has to either commit to a life with Mel or not commit and live a life without her. Big decisions have to made.
This story made me laugh out loud and I agree when saw it compared to Bridget Jones. The relationship between Duffy and Dan reminded me of Men Behaving Badly which I always found hilarious.
This was an enjoyable read with short chapters, finished it in a day and a half, all very likeable characters, liked seeing the story from a male prospective for a change and I laughed a lot. It didn’t blow me away but it was honest and real. It put a smile on my face and a warm feeling inside during and after. That is why I love Mike Gayle’s books. He writes about ordinary people and their ordinary lives. This is his second book he wrote and over 25 years he has just gotten better and better.
April 15, 2021
This book follows the story of Duffy, a commitment-phobe struggling comedian, and his long term girlfriend Mel. She wants marriage, he wants things to stay the same. To be honest, not that much happens - we just watch them break up and worry about their relationship a few times.
My theory about font style kinda ruining enjoyment of a book came to fruition here. The font was so SO wrong for a book and it annoyed me the whole way through. And, hear me out, it was painfully obviously written by a man. I don’t mean male writing is bad but it was written to be overwhelmingly stereotypical - male character who likes beer, football and hates commitment. Sprinkle in some misogynistic jokes and bang, fully developed male character. Essentially it was a male version of chick-lit. But slightly dull.
The storyline was fine, and overall it wasn’t a bad read - just nothing to write home about.
My theory about font style kinda ruining enjoyment of a book came to fruition here. The font was so SO wrong for a book and it annoyed me the whole way through. And, hear me out, it was painfully obviously written by a man. I don’t mean male writing is bad but it was written to be overwhelmingly stereotypical - male character who likes beer, football and hates commitment. Sprinkle in some misogynistic jokes and bang, fully developed male character. Essentially it was a male version of chick-lit. But slightly dull.
The storyline was fine, and overall it wasn’t a bad read - just nothing to write home about.
May 9, 2023
Duffy kebingungan dengan lamaran mendadak oleh Mel. Mereka berpacaran selama empat tahun dan Mel memutuskan untuk lebih berkomitmen. Duffy cukup mencintai Mel, tetapi dia tidak cukup berani berkomitmen. Duffy takut hidupnya yang nyaman akan berubah drastis setelah menikah dengan Mel.
Pembaca terseret dalam kerumitan kepala Duffy sebagai lelaki takut akan komitmen. Mr. Commitment memiliki topik yang sederhana. Konflik cerita sering ditemui di cerita fiksi lain maupun kehidupan nyata sehingga menjadi biasa saja. Menurutku lebih apik saat akhir ceritanya berbeda, berbeda jalan:))
- women can do whatever they like when they like because all men are stupid.
Pembaca terseret dalam kerumitan kepala Duffy sebagai lelaki takut akan komitmen. Mr. Commitment memiliki topik yang sederhana. Konflik cerita sering ditemui di cerita fiksi lain maupun kehidupan nyata sehingga menjadi biasa saja. Menurutku lebih apik saat akhir ceritanya berbeda, berbeda jalan:))
- women can do whatever they like when they like because all men are stupid.
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