Gabriel's Moon

A Novel

By: William Boyd

Narrated by: George Blagden

Internationally bestselling author William Boyd offers his most exhilarating novel yet, following a reluctant spy drawn into the shadows of espionage and obsession.

Gabriel Dax is a young man haunted by the memories of a fire that took his mother’s life. Every night, when sleep finally comes, he dreams about his childhood home in flames. His days are spent on the move as an acclaimed travel writer, capturing the changing landscapes of Europe in the grip of the Cold War. When he is offered the chance to interview Patrice Lumumba, newly elected president of the People’s Republic of the Congo, he finds himself drawn into a web of duplicities and betrayals.

Falling under the spell of Faith Green, an enigmatic and ruthlessly efficient MI6 handler, he becomes “her spy,” unable to resist her demands. But amid the peril, paranoia, and passion consuming Gabriel’s new covert life, there will also be revelations closer to home that may change his own story, and the fates of those around him.

Traveling from the vibrant streets of sixties London to the sun-soaked cobbles of Cadiz and the frosty squares of Warsaw, Gabriel’s Moon is a remarkable accomplishment from one of our greatest storytellers.

©2024 William Boyd (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

Plot and character development could have been better

Mom plot line could have been better developed. Why did she do what she did? Dax’s obsession with Faith not believe able. Had some good twists and surprises. so still a descent read but not sure I would pick another book by this author.

Disappointed

I read with great pleasure The New Confessions, The Romantic and several other of Boyd's books. He's especially good at telling stories that span a century. I found Gabriel's Moon to be uneven, with some compelling chapters, but several felt unconnected to humanity. Parts of the story strain credibility. All in all, I hope he writes another long form like the two I mentioned first, as he's a wonderful writer. I just didn't care for this one book.

Good Story about Spy's

This is a good story, however it started out slow and the intrigue was not always the best to keep you focused. I could see some listeners stoping early. It does pick up pace about half way through and the ending was satisfactory and believable. Weaving two stories together makes it fascinating at critical junctures. What made this book easy to listen to was the reader, his voice, inflection, and character changes made the slow parts go fast. Thanks to him for his great skill. If this story has a sequel I would find it interesting, if not the book leaves the listener wondering "what's next".

Kept Me Interested

Sometimes William Boyd's books leave me with a haunted feeling - such as did "Restless" and this book, "Gabriel''s Moon". I'm not sure if it's because they both deal with espionage and the effects of relationships in that world, but Mr Boyd's storytelling and style leave a lasting impression on my mind. Maybe it's the "romanticism".
I tried this book after reading a recent review in an online newspaper (unfortunately, I don't recall which) and I'm glad I did.
The narrator did a good job, too.

Fantastic.

A friend recommended this book to me - I had never read this author before but I trust my friend. Wow what an incredible writer this author is. A rollercoaster of a plot - tangled and twists that are impossible to predict yet easy to follow. This is no le Carre but being honest it’s a lot more fun. Highly highly recommended to spy / thriller / quirky book enthusiasts. Now on to more of Mr Boyd’s books!

Smart and fast moving period piece

Loved this book - couldn’t stop listening and inspired to look into more of Mr Boyd’s works. Lots of intrigue, twists and turns and still not really getting the penultimate twist, but whatever, loved it all the same. Highly recommended. The reader is perfect for this story.

Compelling Plot and Character Development

I love Boyd’s plot and character development. I hate to see the book ending and look forward to the sequel.

One of the best Boyd storylines, but...

Enjoyed the spy storyline and mysterious directions the book took along the way. George Blagden makes the book better with his superb narration. However, there is a glaring problem with a location that is mentioned several times and becomes part of the story. You would think as an author who writes a great deal historical fiction, Boyd (and his editor/fact checkers) would have researched and discovered that Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is in no way on or even near the Mississippi River. It's located in the southern center of the state, about 140 miles or 2.5 hours from the Mississippi River. Hard to really take the entire facts or locations in the storyline seriously with such a massive error.

Boyd is like a favorite food joint

William Boyd's craftsmanship remains outstanding. The story dips into mystery and spy craft while maintaining the essence of Boyd: substantial yet delicate portrayals of human nature.

Not his best effort

I have followed W Boyd for a while now and lately he seems to be writing the same book. The story’s initial premise is interesting, but the story falls flat and rather old fashioned at times, re: seduction, etc. With regret, I do not recommend this book.