Review
He possesses a way with metaphor and analogy which, when utilised sparingly and with a lightness of touch, rivals Martin Amis. He is expert at offering up succinct definitions of the quite complex web that multiculturalism, changing technologies and generational misunderstandings can weave around us. --Open Wide Magazine
Product Description
Based over nine days Out of Office is a gritty fast-paced novel about a man dissatisfied with life. Set around the time of the 2012 Olympics, the novel sees a chaotic London, with failed terrorism attacks and significant problems in the City, leading to a growing sense of unease. The central character Christian Hook finds his life spiralling into freefall abstinence broken, his marriage disintegrating, Christian leaves work in search of something better. Set in a troubled London and living with the anxiety of regular terrorist bomb plots (failed for now), Christian finds himself being drawn into a world of violence, racism and terrorism. As Christian's life spirals out of control, he cannot help himself being pulled further in to this dangerous underworld, and is not sure he would want to stop even if he could.
About the Author
Writing has caused Mark a lot of pain but he also names it as his saving grace, his last excuse, his way out of whatever mess he was in at the time. Mark's life has been one of extremes - from living on the streets of London in his youth, to writing features for the Telegraph, Guardian and the Independent, and the publication of his first novel Fire Horses. Mark has also had short stories published in several collections. He completed an MA in novel writing at the University of Manchester in 2006.
