I borrowed this book from the local library.
- 296 pages
- Publisher : Atria
- Language : English
- ASIN : B003NHR60O
“The Gates” is a fictional story by Irish author John Connolly. The novel introduces Samuel Johnson, as well as, his beloved dachshund Boswell. Samuel is a strange boy who likes to confuse his teachers and dreams of getting his soon-to-be-divorced parents back together.
In order to get a leg up on all the other kids during Halloween Samuel goes trick-o-treating two days before only to witness the gate to Hell opening up at 666 Crowley Road. This was due to the rituals the owners playing at devil worship, significantly at the exact time the Hadron Collider is working on the other side of Europe. Indeed, no one believes poor Samuel that the end of Earth is near. Demons are trying to kill Samuel, and evidently, the neighbors are Satan’s minions. No one, that is, except Boswell, as well as, his friends Maria and Thomas.
The book becomes a keystone- cops type of comedy, with the minions of Hell being roughed up and a lower entity demon – Nurd, The Scourge of Five Deities – becoming a lovable figure which I hope we’ll meet again.
Even though I’m not the target audience for this book, I found this book hilarious (dry English humor), enchanting, and brilliant and wonderfully told.
I even learned a thing or two along the way.
My rating for The Gates – 5
Zohar – Man of La Book
I've read Connolly's The Book of Lost Things and really liked it. I started The Gates but had too much on my reading plate at the time so it went back to the library. I'm glad you liked it. I think Connolly has a very interesting and entertaining style of writing.
I love dry English humour (have a very dry sense of humour myself)…might have to give this one a try!btw I’ve given you an award. You can collect it here!
I really enjoyed this one too. Nurd and his propensity to joyride was hilarious! He was super lovable even though he could do rather disgusting things. i just wanted to hug him. Demons are people too! hehehe
I’m really glad you liked this book. It’s not typically what I would read either, but I’m finding that I’m enjoying stretching my reading limits. 🙂
Great for you for streaching your reading limits. I have to do that more often.
By the way, here is Carin’s excellent review: http://littlebookish.blogspot.com/2010/11/gatesjohn-connolly.html
Well this book sounds like something completely different! I have discovered some wonderful, new to me, Irish authors this year, so while like you, this would not necessarily be the sort of story I would normally go for, your review makes it sound incredibly fun; I am tempted to give it a go.
Also many thanks for your suggestion re enabling the sharing buttons on my posts. I have done so, it makes alot of sense 🙂
Thanks Mel. I had a blast reading this book.
Thanks Mel, I had a blast reading this book.