The University of Toronto is pleased to invite you to join our Alumni Virtual Book Club. Join fellow alumni for lively discussion about books related to lifelong learning, social issues, psychology and more. 

Our next title is Gabriel's Moon by William Boyd.

In his most exhilarating novel yet, Britain’s greatest storyteller transports you from the vibrant streets of sixties London to the sun-soaked cobbles of Cadiz and the frosty squares of Warsaw, as an accidental spy is drawn into the shadows of espionage and obsession.

Gabriel Dax is a young man haunted by the memories of a every night, when sleep finally comes, he dreams about his childhood home in flames. His days are spent on the move as an acclaimed travel writer, capturing the changing landscapes in the grip of the Cold War. When he’s offered the chance to interview a political figure, his ambition leads him unwittingly into a web of duplicities and betrayals.

As Gabriel’s reluctant initiation takes hold, he is drawn deeper into the shadows. Falling under the spell of Faith Green, an enigmatic and ruthless MI6 handler, he becomes ‘her spy’, unable to resist her demands. But amid the peril, paranoia and passion consuming Gabriel’s new covert life, it will be the revelations closer to home that change the rest of his story.

From January 2 - February 10, 2026, purchase the book from the U of T Bookstore, in store or online, and receive 20% off. Use Code: 20MOON26 at checkout.

About William Boyd

Born in Accra, Ghana on March 7, 1952, Boyd spent his childhood in Ghana and Nigeria, experiences that shaped his worldview during the Biafran War (1967–1970). He was educated at Gordonstoun in Scotland, Nice University, and Glasgow University (MA in English and Philosophy), where he edited the Glasgow University Guardian. He later completed a PhD at Oxford on Shelley and taught English literature at St Hilda’s College, Oxford, before publishing his acclaimed debut novel, A Good Man in Africa (1981).

Boyd’s work often explores identity, exile, and the complexities of human relationships, themes evident in novels such as Brazzaville Beach, Any Human Heart, and Restless. His career spans fiction, screenplays, and films. He was named one of Granta’s “Best of Young British Novelists” in 1983, is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and holds honorary doctorates from St Andrews, Stirling, and Glasgow. He is also an Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and was appointed CBE in 2005.

Married to Susan since their student days, Boyd divides his time between London and a chateau in Bergerac, France, where he produces award-winning wines.

How it Works

The U of T Alumni Virtual Book Club will connect through a private forum, powered by PBC Guru, where participants can discuss the current book and network with each other. Joining is free; you just have to get a copy of the book to enjoy. Please note that if you signed up for one of our previous sessions, then you're already registered - just sign into the U of T online portal.

To get started and access the book club, you will need to create an account via our book club portal:

• Click on the "Registration" button on the side bar to your right
• You'll be taken directly to the sign-up page
• Fill out the mandatory fields and then join
• You'll be sent a confirmation email and a link to join the group

Computer Literacy

You will need to have knowledge of the following skills to participate in this book club:

• Ability to use online communication tools, such as email (create, send, receive, reply, print, send/receive attachments), discussion boards (read, search, post, reply, follow threads), chats, and messengers.

• Understanding of basic computer hardware and software; ability to perform computer operations, such as:

  • Using software applications, such as email programs
  • Knowledge of copying and pasting, spell-checking
  • Internet skills (connecting, accessing, using browsers) and ability to perform online research using search engines

Disclaimer: The U of T Alumni Virtual Book Club is hosted on a third-party platform, PBC Guru. By signing up for the book club, participants will be subject to PBC Guru’s terms of service and privacy policy. The University of Toronto is not responsible for the collection, use, or security of personal data provided to PBC Guru. We encourage participants to review PBC Guru’s privacy policy before registering here: https://www.pbc.guru/about/legal/privacy. PBC Guru shares relevant registration information back to U of T Alumni Relations to track alumni engagement and activity effectively.