GABRIEL'S GIFT

The protagonist of Hanif Kureishi's delightful novel is Gabriel, afifteen-year-old North London schoolboy trying to come to terms with a newlife, after the equilibrium of his family home has been shattered by theousting of his father. Fending for himself, as well as providingemotional support to his confused (and confusing) parents, Gabriel isforced to grow up quickly. The only support he can draw upon is from hisremembered twin brother, Archie, and from his own 'gift', which isaccompanied by sensations that urge him into areas of life requiring theutmost courage and faith. A chance visit to seventies rock star LesterJones crystallizes the turbulent emotions inside Gabriel, and helps him torecognize and engage with his gift . . .