The Gift

So many new novels jostle for our attention that readers could be forgiven for lacking the patience to tackle most of them. But in the case of The Gift by Cecelia Ahern, they would be doing themselves a disservice by passing this one by. As in her highly involving debut novel, PS I Love You, Ahern demonstrates a sure and subtle understanding of the human condition and the pleasures and pains in relationships. Her theme in the new book is the way in which we conceal the truth about ourselves -- many people cover themselves in layers of deceit until somebody with the right motivation unwraps those layers and discovers the truth.

Lou Suffern is practised in the art of concealment. He is, also, always overstretched, trying to do too many things at once. His overburdened schedule gives him few moments of peace, even in his sleep. And when he spends time at home with his wife and family, he is always distracted, and, mentally, somewhere else. On a cold winter morning, Lou is on his way to work when he encounters Gabe, a homeless street dweller, sitting outside an office building. Lou is intrigued by him, and contrives to get him a job in the post room. But this act of charity rebounds on him, and Gabe’s presence begins to grate on Lou -- particularly when he discovers that the latter seems capable of being in two places at the same time. Christmas is drawing near, and before the season is over, Lou’s life will be irrevocably change by the casual act of kindness he has performed.

Apart from the sheer storytelling skill of The Gift, perhaps Cecelia Ahern’s most considerable achievement is the way in which she has taken a narrative which could easily have moved into rather twee territory, and very efficiently kept sentimentality at bay. That's not to say that the novel isn't deeply affecting, without ever trying to engage our emotions in a synthetic way, Ahern succeeds in involving us completely. In fact, the title could be said to be apposite -- it's a book that deserves to be a gift given by many people to the readers in their lives. --Barry Forshaw

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The Perfect Gift For Christmas - Rated
I originally brought this book to read over the Christmas period with the story being set over Christmas time. However one winter night with nothing to do and all my presents brought and wrapped for Christmas, I decided to start it to put me in a Christmassy mood. So I untied the red ribbon (which works well as a bookmark) and opened The Gift which is beautifully presented - present being the key word! At first the book started off a bit slow unlike Cecelia Ahern's previous novels that have all had me hooked straight away. I found it hard to warm to Lou at first but as you read on you see that's the whole idea and you do grow to like him as the book continues. I was a bit surprised that all the main characters in this story where men, but again I think Ahern done this on purpose as it really isn't her usual chick lit and is very different to her previous books. Although of corse there was that magical Cecelia Ahern sparkle that they all have in common. After getting to grips with the characters I was soon hooked and by the end I was in tears due to the shock ending which I won't spoil. I would recommend this to anyone it really is a lovely gift for someone for Christmas. It's quite short as well so can be easily read over the Christmas period. Anyone lucky enough to find this under their Christmas tree this Christmas is in for a real treat. A beautiful book inside and out.

be depresed at christmas!!!!! - Rated
Having read lots of good reviews of this book i sadly have to disagree-only read this if you want to feel depressed this Xmas! You need to sympathise with the main character of Lou for this book to work and i dont think you will an if you enjoy reading about pill taking,adultery,hurt and neglect then this book is for you!!! Read 'If you could see me now' its much much better!

As a good book should be - a gift to the reader - Rated
I have to admit, I really only picked up this book because of the presentation of the cover, along with red bow, to make it look like a perfectly wrapped Christmas present. And with only a teasing question on the back cover, rather than the usual blurb, it felt very much like a gift as the contents were yet to be discovered. Although I tried to keep it for Christmas Day, in the end temptation took over and I had to read it. And I have to say, it was one of the best presents I have bought myself.
The story has echoes of "A Christmas Carol", as it tells the story of Lou, a man who works hard, often putting his business before his young family. Because there are simply not enough hours in the day for Lou, he is often trying to do two things at a time, or be in two places at once. But this approach to his work means that time with his family is sacrificed. Until he meets a mysterious man, Gabe. By simply offering him a job when he is down on his luck, Lou soon discovers that his life will not be the same again.
I really don't want to say any more than that, as I would not want to spoil it for future readers. Even if you have never read books by Ahern before, like myself, if you enjoy novels that have something to say and have a little bit of magic in the way that they do this, take the chance with THE GIFT. As any good book should be, it really is a gift to the reader.

A great read for Xmas with a lesson to learn for workaholics!! - Rated
I am a fan of Cecilia Ahern books, I like the style & escapism. I read this is just 4 days, with the last pages filled with tears on a plane back home from a work trip - very embarrassing!

I look forward to more of her work in 2009.

Great buy for Xmas girlie friends.

spur of the moment buy...but well worth it! - Rated
I've only read cecelias 'P.s I Love you', But i found it completely addictive and loved it so when i saw this i had to get it just in case it was as good as that one....IT IS!

Completely recommend it..10/10

Hope this review helped.

Cheers x

P.s Happy Christmas!