More Than You Can Say by Paul Torday

I have read a lot of Paul Torday’s books and for me nothing beats his first one, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.  More Than You Can Say touches on the harrowing experience of ex-soldier Richard Gaunt who is home after a tour of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The book gets off to a good start with Richard accepting a bet, being knocked down and then meeting the mysterious Mr Khan who makes him an offer he can’t refuse – all in the first chapter.  I did enjoy the book, which was written in Paul Torday’s usual easy reading style, but I felt some of the characters were a bit contrived, especially the hapless Emma, whom I hated.  The last paragraph left me feeling a little depressed for Richard Gaunt and his future.