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.

Critic reviews

"George Blagden offers a winning performance of travel writer Gabriel Dax, who finds himself a pawn in a game he never expected to find himself playing. Not long after Gabriel’s interview with Congolese Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba, she is killed. A series of strange coincidences occurs, and suddenly Gabriel is reluctantly up to his neck in spy craft. MI6, the CIA, and mysterious others are desperate for Lumumba’s taped interview. Blagden delivers a not-so-naïve Gabriel, who frequently manages to outsmart the professionals. Blagden highlights Gabriel’s inner world through his relationships with his colleagues, the women in his life, and his sessions with his therapist, which take him back to the traumatic fire he escaped when he was 6. Blagden’s absorbing narration enhances this well-written audiobook."

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.

Compelling plot with lots of twists

I loved this book from start to finish. The main character, Gabriel was complex and flawed but still mostly likable. The secondary characters were well drawn and seemed mostly believable. Good narration. We read this book for a book club and we all thoroughly enjoyed it

Amazing story

The narrator is Incredible. He does a wide variety of accents. I also love the story. Highly recommend!

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".