Book Description:
In a Scotland beset with depression, Willem is one victim among many. He loses his job, his mother dies and he is forced out of the flat they shared. Seeing no other option, he takes to the streets of Edinburgh, where he soon learns the cruelty felt outside the confines of his comfortable life. Stories from his past are interwoven with his current strife as he tries to figure out the nature of this new world and the indignities it brings. Determined to live freely, he leaves Edinburgh, hiking into the Scottish Highlands to seek solitude, peace and an unhampered, pure vision of life at nature’s breast.
The Unrivalled Transcendence of Willem J. Gyle is at once a lyrical, haunting novel and a set piece in the rage of an oppressed, forgotten community. J. D. Dixon’s sparse, brutal language captures the energy and isolation of desperation, uniting despondency and untrammelled anger in the person of his protagonist.
My Review:
I finished The Unrivalled Transcendence of Willem J Gyle thinking this has to be made into a film. And I’m ashamed to say I finished the book almost a week ago and have dithered on how to review because the emotion that it has stirred in me prevented a rational and objective/subjective ‘putting down words here’. Which delay does the author, James_D_Dixon, no favours at all, I know.
All I can say is that this is a brilliantly compelling read: the author’s stark but totally gripping style, the twists and turns of the story, the layering of the protagonist’s character and the many other characters that people this book and the multiplicity of themes, all make The Unrivalled Transcendence of Willem J Gyle a novel that stands out…unrivalled in my opinion, especially as it is a debut novels. But it also hits home… hard. This is a harsh indictment of our times, of our country, of our humanity. Over the top? I don’t think so (having worked for a short while among such disadvantaged people – I believe the author has researched well.)
A little slow to begin with, the pace of the story then moves inextricably towards the protagonist’s decline, from bewildered homelessness, which instils pity in the reader to a brutal callousness and a total lack of empathy for and with those around him; his thoughts and actions shock and sicken. And yet, for me, the sympathy still hovers for Willem.
A word on the title: at a time when many titles are of one or two words I found this one intriguing. (I’d maybe suggest cut out the word “Unrivalled”?)
And the cover? Loved the way the protagonist blends in with the brickwork behind him; much as he disappears from the view of those that pass him by.
Would I recommend The Unrivalled Transcendence of Willem J Gyle? You bet!! All I can say to anyone, whatever their usual preferred genre is … please do read it
Buying Links:
Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/2A7LcKw
Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/2AYug9v
About the author:
J. D. Dixon was born in London in 1990. He studied English Literature and History at Goldsmiths College, University of London, before pursuing a career as a writer. He currently lives with his wife, the psychologist Dr Lauren Hadley, in Edinburgh.
Links to J. D. Dixon:
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2AxBKNu
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2iYxxOC
Judith Barrow 
Thank you Judith.
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You’re welcome,Rosie.
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I love the cover and this novel sounds like one we should all read. The way he becomes homeless goes a good way to explaining how a man ( mainly it is men because they are bottom of the list in priority ) can become homeless. Yes, most of our sons and daughters have done student digs and house shares, but there is always the option of family to fall back on, Willem is left with nothing.
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It’s a brilliant book, Janet. Hauntingly sad but shocking at the same time.
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I’m so glad you read this. And thank you for pointing that out about the cover – I don’t notice them much, and hadn’t seen what it meant – duuuuh!
You had the same two minor comments as me – unnecessarily long title, and slow start. I thought a couple of paragraphs of Willem’s thoughts would have been better, then get on with the story. Aside from that, totally brilliant in every way. And you can’t say that about many books, let alone debuts.
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Thank you for pointing the way towards the book, Terry. So glad i read it… so impressed with the writing. The cover was the first thing that struck me – very clever. Think you’re right about the beginning; I’d hate for anyone to give up before getting into the real gripping story-line. Looking forward to his next book.
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out the book, The Unrivalled Transcendence of Willem J Gyle, by James D Dixon, as featured on Judith Barrow’s blog.
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Thank you so much, Dan. Really appreciated
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You’re welcome
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Pingback: Reading Links 12/12/17 – Where Genres Collide
A really good review of this book, Judith. Thank you.
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It’s a terrific read, Robbie
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Judith, you’ve made it sound absolutely fascinating. Good luck to JD. Happy New Year to you both. Hugs!
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It’s a great read, Teagan.x
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