Deep Hanging Out

Books gets all over excited when one of our own lecturers publishes a book, and even more so when it is as successfully received as Richard Gwyn’s Deep Hanging Out...

By Avalyn Beare

This novel gives the distinct impression that Richard Gwyn has experienced much Deep Hanging Out, or ‘loafing’ as the protagonist refers to it, and after exploring his extensive biography it is evident why the text throbs with the beautiful imagery and tradition of Crete.

Following the story of Cosmo and his photographer/conspiracy-discovering flatmate Ruben, the book roams around the pre-military activity attached to the Cold War mixed with some of the local ancient culture focused on the myth of the Minotaur.

The deeply lyrical description of the Crete seen only by the locals and dead end travellers portrays the depth and cultural tradition only brushed by the short-term tourists. The characters are believable and frustrating, pulling the reader into the story, encouraging you to turn the page in hope that the desperately frustrating situations that the friends get involved in will have a happy solution. Inevitably, just as in real life, they don’t, but this only makes the book more compelling and exciting.

The conclusion, set among the confusion and anticipation of the running of the bulls in Pamplona, is just as exciting and thrilling as the surroundings.

A fantastically enjoyable read; this book will have all of you out there who have experienced even a moment of Deep Hanging Out wondering when you’re next going to have the chance, and whether you’re lives will ever be fulfilled without the thrill of adventure that radiates throughout the book.