What is your opinion?
Spiral
"Spot on. A great read. I fully recommend this book."
A gripping read
"Not being a big reader, and especially not of fiction I was shocked to find that I could not put this down. The whole circle of events intrinsically linking the different characters to each others pasts was brilliantly weaved into the story line. Les has an obvious gift for writing and I look forward with anticipation to his next work. "
A brilliant evocation of the 'Sixties
"I loved this book! As well as being a great story, it brought back so many memories for me! Having lived through the 'Sixties, I was able to see what the characters saw - and to me, it was as if I was back there again: the sights, sounds, how people talked. The character had real depth - I could see them, empathise, sympathise - sometimes despise. I note this is the author's first novel - I would encourage him to continue writing: as he clearly has a talent for story-telling. I recommend this book to anyone who lived through the 'Sixties - and anyone else who wants to read a really great novel."
Great read!
"Leslie Jones is a very competent plotter and word smith. The story's individual characters are woven together well and their internal monologues are very believable and considered. The 60s details enhance the atmosphere and add charm. Rapid twists and turns in the latter half of the novel keep you gripped particularly in the scenes of drug-taking which had me squirming in my seat. Perhaps the narrative could move more quickly at the start in order to capture the reader's attention but the build up is good and underpins subsequent events. I felt sympathetically disposed towards Frank's as the cavalier protagonist and also Vee, the beatnik student turned devoted teacher. Although I wondered what really motivated Helen as she seems to exude the unquestioning conformity of a Stepford Wife, perhaps time will tell. So with Frank having no further to fall (literally) I am keen to find out what happens next in the forthcoming sequel 'Renewal'."
Spiral
"A well written story, worth reading. My impression was that if you had not lived through the sixties, it will give you a clear idea of what life was like. If you did it could stir your memories some fond and possibly, for some, memories you would rather forget. Once I started reading it was hard to stop – an indication of the quality of this writers work. I look forward to reading more of his stories."
One great novel!
"I really loved it..it kept me so curious. It has a big element of unexpected that is combined nicely with the expected human behavior. Also, it describes times that I don't know much about - the 60's - (so shocking to realize that the level of progress in the UK in 60's was barely reached in Romania in the late 90's in some areas). It's so British and I am very much attracted by British literature and movies. They are distinct and unless you've lived in this country for some time you don't really get it. I'm not much of a critic when it comes to books and movies...I'm maybe too subjective as I get interested and impressed by things that will relate to me at some level...and I end up remembering a lot or nothing about them. This is a book I will remember! In my opinion, the book is a great combination of actions and reflections. I like how he described the 'personal turmoil' of the main characters. Quite interesting how the author saw things through the minds of the women characters as well as in men's - he definitely has a 'woman side' – I hope he will take that as a compliment. To be honest I am waiting for the continuation...I assume there will be a follow-on novel?"
Everything is not enough.
"Spiral! Growing up and growing away in the nineteen fifties-sixties. Not so much a crime story, but a descriptive and well informed evolution of adolescent life in the post war days, where our main characters venture down many wrong roads that beckon to aspiring youth. The reader is presented with a wealth of interesting characters who find it easy to succumb to the temptations of the flesh and venture outside a true moral code. As often happens some who have everything quickly discover that everything will never be enough as they become enshrouded in a web of vice, sex and drugs that is designed for only one thing; destroy the quality of life and ensure lies and deception. Author Leslie Jones has done a fine job of reproducing scenes that in true life have repeatedly worked the evil. I found this to be a well presented story line, in places a tad predictable, but that happens. Life happens. A spattering of formatting errors – nothing that affects the profoundness of the story – a few quotation marks missing here and there – but nothing. Well done that man! A good reflection of life in Southern England as it happened and is still happening. Thank you for the read. And thank you for your support on "The Hawk,' Leslie. It has not gone unnoticed. Roy Jenner"
Great period feeling of the '60's
"I really enjoyed this book - not my usual genre, but the style is very engaging, and the period feeling is very strong. The author has taken great pains to create a sense of the early '60s - lots of detail about places, cars, music and so on. Frank's downfall is mostly of his own making - it's all about choices, and how small decisions can have bigger repercussions. He's a likeable man - he wants to do his best, but sometimes it's too hard, and real life gets in the way. The story unfolds gradually, but you begin to realise how his life is spiralling downwards; the tension builds because it becomes almost a self-fulfilling prophecy, and the end is therefore almost inevitable too. I also liked the other characters and subplots - Vee, Helen, Bob and others - they all moved through the story with Frank, but never overwhelming the main plot. They have their own clear characters, their own problems and concerns, and sometimes hopes and dreams. Altogether an interesting and enjoyable read!"
