Review: Oh what a book. Super read.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 18, 2012
This is a fantastic read. Freaking great. Loved it. It evoked so many reactions from me - the interview with the cleric in Birmingham had me seething. I was spitting nails at his ignorance and, I guess, that makes me a bigot (in his eyes). Can't believe that these kinds of people exist and live in England but they do.The relationship between Evan, the reporter, and Colin, the professor, was really rather nice. They had been friends for over a decade and had lived together, as platonic friends, during their college years. They had both dated women (I believe Colin might have also dated men from something mentioned) but had both had longterm relationships with women. Evan had been dating Katy (a faithless slut - and aren't the women always in these books and that really does piss me off somewhat. Women aren't all faithless banshee harridans, you know!) for 3 years and, every time he went away on another press junket, she played the field and, pretty much, forgot Evan existed.Evan is in Afghanistan, for several weeks, doing a story on the British soldiers out there when he is involved in an ambush. A friend of his, John, has his leg blown up and is sent back to England as is Evan. During the time in Afghanistan Evan comes to realize that he really doesn't need to be wasting his time with Katy anymore and he has an epiphany in the form of an erotic dream about Colin, his longtime drinking buddy. He has discussed this with John as he and John have become friends. Once back in England Evan calls John to see how he is and to see how things are working out for him.Evan and Colin get together for an evening of drinking and food and things come to a head when Colin confesses to wanting Evan as more than a friend. They experiment and Evan realizes that Colin is the reason why things have just never worked out with any of the women but he's concerned because he never thought of himself as gay. They decide to see where things will lead them and realize that this relationship is perfect for them.Unfortunately Evan has agreed to go on a press job to Pakistan! Tons of danger involved there. He and Colin are getting closer and Colin is scared of Evan's trip. Colin comes out to his sister (who is fine with it) and his parents (his dad is stunned and shocked, as is his mum, but she takes it better) and then he tells Katy. Now, I didn't get why he'd break up with her and tell he was doing so to be with Colin. It seemed like he was getting back at her for being an unfaithful cow BUT he was lowering himself to her level. Not good. It was stupid as was her comment when they letter all bump into each other in a pub and she yells at Evan and Colin that she hopes they get AIDS. Who does that?! That was a bit stupid.In Pakistan things don't go well and Evan ends up one of those people you see on the news: a hostage with a bunch of lunatics with semi-automatic weapons all pointed at him (there's mention of Daniel Pearl in the book). He's kept for 4 1/2 months. He gets out. Is badly scarred emotionally. He and Colin have to, pretty much, rebuild Evan psychologically. He's having nightmares and panic attacks. He goes on meds and their rather active love life takes a nosedive. But, in addition to that, he pulls away emotionally. They meet up with John, the Army captain he met in Afghanistan, and John's wife, Grace. Grace has gone through what Colin's going through because John was equally damaged (psychologically) after returning from Afghanistan.Eventually Evan starts to rebuild his mind, thanks to Colin's patience and love. Then he makes the decision to take one final assignment to Jordan! UGH man where is your head???Wonderful story. Wonderful characters. Loved the book. Hated the religious BS. LOVED THE BOOK!Oh, a (car) boot in England is a trunk here (as the bonnet is the hood).