Hardcover, July 3, 2012; Simon and Schuster
Genre: fiction
Source: publisher
Just finished reading Gold and appreciated the author's intent to show what could drive Olympic athletes to win, both their healthy and unhealthy reasons.
Zoe has unhealthy reasons to win at all costs. Kate has more compassion for other people and her drive comes from her love of the sport. Jack's involvement in cycling for gold came from a push by his father when he was a young man. The novel takes you from their young selves - Zoe and Kate as nineteen-year-old rivals in the sport and as rivals over Jack - to their developing friendship and final time to fight for Olympic gold at age thirty-two.
I was disappointed in the twist in the plot half way into the book. I felt it was too contrived - it tied these three cyclists into a tighter knot than I was comfortable with. But it did make it easy for the book to achieve a neat ending.
I liked this one a lot, but not as much as Little Bee. The twist, I agree seemed too convenient.
ReplyDeleteI need to read this one, because I have heard a lot of great things about it, but as you said, I also heard that the ending felt a little contrived. I will have to see for myself when I crack this one open!
ReplyDeleteStill not sure if I want to read this one. A lot of bloggers that I follow have loved it, but it just isn't calling my name.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your clear and honest review, Harvee!
ReplyDeleteI've read Chris Cleave's previous two novels and loved both of them, but I'm not sure about this one (although I haven't read it). I picked it up in the airport recently, but wasn't compelled to buy it. Maybe one day...
ReplyDelete- Laura
Sounds like it could be a good read.
ReplyDeleteToo bad the plot seemed contrived, the premise sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteNice, honest review.
I truly expect greatness from this author because of Little Bee being so spectacular! I hate it when it feels contrived....ruins it for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in this one for the Olympics theme, but not in any hurry to get to it. Maybe before the next Olympics, LOL!
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