Preston Falls (Paperback)

Doug ("Willis") is a cynical and self-aware middle class copywriter whilst Jean is more insecure and self-critical: always selfless in the love of their two children, Mel and Roger. As two people who are semi- dysfunctional in terms of "normal" relationships and ordinary everyday happiness, their family life was originally based upon a 'deal' whereby Willis would one day be able to leave his job to pursue something (though he doesn't know what) more rewarding.

The break Willis had banked upon takes the form of a two month sabbatical from work to renovate their country home. Through relating this period in their lives, the novel showcases two complex characters both able to articulate, in first person narrative, funny and startlingly insightful obsevations upon themselves and their respective worlds.

The central theme of the book is overtly that of the point/pointlesness of ordinary life and what alternatives are possible. Willis' rutheless nihlism forces both main characters to re-assess where they are and how they've gotten there as bleak and often poignant tale of family life unfolds.

Whilst eventful in terms of plot the real strength of this book is that it is a gripping character tale. Jean Willis in particular is memorable and moving character.

As Gates weaves this extremely simply styled novel we learn that neither Doug or Jean really have a clue about their present and even less of one about the future. Their marriage is falling apart. Doug bumbles aimlessly towards a place he thinks he wants to be when with every page we, as readers, are so aware that where he is going is not where he will want to be. Taking a 2 month time out from his job as a copywriter, he decides to use that time to renovate his farmhouse in the country and, at the same time, rebuild the structure of his life. He is a cynic so only others can do wrong. There is much pleasure to be derived from the sharp and witty viewpoints of each character including the children...

What begins as a fairly routine 'family breaking up' tale becomes a story of an ordinary guy in the wrong place in the wrong company at the wrong time and a family left confused and scared by the result. The consequences become more bizarre and more alarming as what was once sneered at for being routine and mundane is what each wish they could reclaim. I loved the way Gates built each character in this book. There is something scarily familiar with the uncertainties that each face and the fact that all they need is what they already have. The children are so complex yet vulnerable as they too are thrown into the maelstrom Doug's behaviour creates. Gates narrative is superb and he has ultimately created a tale of how slim a margin it is to know who you are and accept it or try to change and risk losing all. A search for identity and purpose with a lot of humour yet no shortage of suspense. Simply told. Beautifully written.