Customer Reviews
Quite wonderful, The Story of the Night - By: Bartas, 16 Dec 2008 
I have never written a review before , so perhaps the fact I have made the effort says all there is to be said.
Like for others who have read this book, it was almost impossible to put down, & I read itin a day. The narrative is so honest & fresh , so unpretentious . I shall keep my copy safely. I don't think I will ever be able to forget this book ( not a bad thing ! )It was like getting up after an incredible film & feeling affected by it , not being able to get it out of your mind. !!
Colm has a talent so very few writers can match . More please !
TOP MARKS! - By: Ryan Judd, 05 Nov 2008 I really don't know what I can addin review of this book, which hasn't already been said by the other reviewers - I was caught upin this wonderful novel from the outset, feeling somehow that the character of Richard got inside my head & I needed to - simply must - find out where he was going.
The story sweeps along through the Falklands war & the economic fallout which effected Argentina, through the changing 80's & ultimately leads to loss, as HIV & AIDS comes to the fore of the gay community.
The book was strangein the fact that nothing really happened and, only the final third of the story, picked up any pace. The rest of the book was told slowly, as if uncoiling. Nothing really happened and, yet, I couldn't stop reading.
The character of Richard is both gentle & yet powerful, his relationship with his mother develops further meaning the deeper you read & his partnership with Pablo touching & real, moving from initial lust through to genuine kinship.
I cannot rate this book highly enough - its definately 'a keeper' (ie. one to keep on the shelf & look forward to enjoying againin the future). This will not disappoint!
Re: Colm Toibin's The Story of the Night. - By: D. J. Williams, 04 Nov 2008 I finished this book yesterday, & have found myself thinking about it throughout today, especially the ending. The characterisation is excellent & the characters are so real & human. I found it was a book that I didn't want to put down, & couldn't wait to return to. I can't remember the last time a book has had such a profound impact on me. The writing style grips the reader & one becomes absorbedin the story. I have never read any of the authors other work but will now, though they have a lot to live up to as this is the best book I've readin years.
Wolverhampton Libraries LGBT Reading Group Review - By: R. L. Graham, 23 May 2008 
Richard/Ricardo discovers his identity at a time of great unrestin Argentina during the reign of the Generals & the Falklands war & before the AIDS crisis.
Following the death of his staunchly patriotic English mother, Richard finds himself alone & finding solace with men he encounters on streets &in saunas. After quitting his job as an English teacher, his Anglo-Argentinean language skills comein useful as he is introduced into the world of Americans, politics, business men & corruption. This leads him to meet the elusive but alluring Pablo, brother of Jorge - Richard's friend & English student.
Erotic but never vulgar, the story that ensues is predictable but writtenin a succinct & realistic style, efficiently portraying the fear & desolation that many gay men must have felt during the 80's.
It is important to bearin mind that this title was first publishedin 1997 so is a relatively old book and, for some, may not have the same impact that it did at the time.
The group was divided with its appraisal but, worryingly, everyone agreed the middle third of the book could have been omitted with little detriment to the overall story! This read may be best suited to someone new to gay fiction who can keep up with the history lesson too.
the story of the night by colm toibin - By: D. Graham, 11 Feb 2007 Like other readers, I bought this book by chance. I read it non-stop. i was absolutely captivated. have read some of his other work, The South & the Blackwater Lightship - both were very, very good. Give them a try - you won't be disappointed.
