Man And Boy : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Divorce, redux
Review: I had great expectations for this book, and not all of them were realized. I had read a review that billed it as a "Kramer vs. Kramer for the new century". However, I never got as involved with the characters in this book as I did with the Kramers, I think because the characters were so one-dimensional and wooden. I did make myself finish the book, and am not totally sorry that I did. I just wish that I had more feelings for the people whom I met.

The book does show the effect that one mistake can have on a marriage when Harry Silver has a one-night stand with a co-worker. The author tries to make the reader feel the pain Harry feels when his wife leaves him and when she threatens to seek custody of their little boy. But Parsons' efforts fall short of truly involving the reader in the emotional life of the story and its characters.

I found that the most touching parts were the scenes with Harry and his father.....these were very well done.

Rating:
Summary: KRAMER VERSUS KRAMER
Review: MAN AND BOY is the kind of book you buy just before boarding the plane. (The very reason why I bought the novel). Having no expectation of a literary gem. Expecting many quick laughs and few sentimental moments. Tony Parson's fiction, however, is a credible best-seller. An exception. A funny, brilliant comedy-drama.

This is "Kramer versus Kramer" for the new age. Harry's (a Shakesperian modern-man who gave up everything- a caring wife, a lovely family- for a one-night stand) relationship with son Pat is the novel's highlight, and the different stages he experienced during his separation with wife Gina.

Touching and moving. You'll cry towards the end.

Rating:
Summary: A must-read for every father of a young boy
Review: Tony Parsons' Man and Boy is one of the most moving, captivating, thought-provoking, and funny books I've ever read. I am an editor and have worked on well over 100 books, and this is the kind of book I would have loved to be a part of. Parsons characters come alive, and I can see myself, for better or worse, in Harry Silver. I have a son about Pat's age, and I could easily see myself in Harry's position--caring for a little boy he's totally in love with and facing the prospect of losing him. Throughout my read, I kept thinking, "There but for the grace of God go I."

The relationship between Harry and his son, Pat, is splendid and believable. I empathized totally with Harry as he learned to be a father to his son, and I laughed and cried as events in their lives together unfolded. Harry's relationship with his father, a WWII vet who reminds Harry of his own weaknesses, is perhaps even more stirring. Parsons explores the joys of parenting and family life and contrasts them with the notions of romance and the heady and carefree days of dating and early marriage. Parsons also hits the nail on the head concerning divorce and what it does to children. The resolution of the custody fight had me both cheering and feeling a sense of loss.

I suggest this book for any man who has a child, who has been married for a while, or who feels he's getting old and wants to "spice up" his life again. Parsons will help you rekindle love for your life and family. You won't take a minute of family life for granted after reading this incredible book.

Rating:
Summary: Way too simple - No depth
Review: While I enjoyed reading this book, Parsons missed numerous opportunities to hit a home run. After the main character (Harry) has a one-night stand with a co-worker, his wife leaves him - end of marital story. No attempt at reconciliation, no marital remorse on either side, no love lost - simply good-bye. Having demonstrated Harry's genuine love for his wife prior to the one-nighter, surely Parsons could have spent a few pages on how much Harry stilled loved his wife and how bad her leaving hurt. Parsons does do an admirable job describing the affection and emotions that Harry feels towards his son. Unfortunately, Parsons does a poor job arriving at the climax described on the book's cover as "the hardest decision of his (Harry's) life". Without having read the cover, I may not have recognized the climax!

I do, however, give Parsons credit for the admirable way in which he describes how adult indescretion has significant long-term negative impact on children. Parsons accurately reflects the baggage children carry through their lives based on the selfish actions of the adults who gave them life!

All in all, a decent first effort.