Father of the Man : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Well
Review: I would have expected more creativity from a creative writing Prof. A real flatliner.

Thus spake a WAC grad.

Rating:
Summary: Haunting
Review: The strength of this book is its characters. Mooney, a short story writer of some note, manages to create a cast that is as fascinating as it is complex. They seem almost 3 dimensional, as they share their thoughts with the reader in a clear narrative style. Writers often find it extremely hard to present subjects that readers can actually connect with, but Mooney succeeds much to his, and his books credit.

The story of the book centers around "Dutch", a decorated veteran of the WWII European Theater who works as a bus driver in upstate New York. It is the early 80's, and Dutch's son, Jonathan, has been MIA in Vietnam for the past twelve years. Dutch is a man torn apart by the love for his son and his own horrific experiences. His old Army buddies are slowly dying, some as homeless beggars. Dutch is under appreciated at work and ignored by his wife and family. He continues to believe that the government knows his son is alive but will not rescue him. His existence has become torturous and meaningless, in his eyes. Desperate, he makes a statement, by taking a bus full of passengers hostage, and demanding the government hand his son over.

The writing uses an episodic style, in which the plot is aided with flashbacks and side stories. This can be a risky tact, as authors with little skill can easily become bogged down in minutiae and misdirection. Mooney pulls it off well, giving the reader a clear overview of the past and present. The books themes include the relationships between stern men and rebellious youth, and the lasting consequences of combat trauma. The last one is a tough one to read about, as the reader quickly emphasizes with the scarred Dutch, even though they know his search is futile and tragic. Mooney gives the book a lot of tension, especially as Dutch is faced with impossible odds and looks for some way out of his situation.

Tough to read, but a rewarding experience.

Rating:
Summary: wild ride
Review: These characters will follow you. I've never read something quite so suspenseful (I had to hold myself back from flipping ahead) but also so literary. Mooney takes the reader on a weaving journey through the past and into the depths of relationships. A wonderful novel.

After reading Father of the Man, I was on a bus when a passenger became belligerent and starting ranting and yelling. My first thought was, "Here we go! Into the Pennsylvania wilderness, just like Dutch." But sometimes, life doesn't turn out as carefully constructed (or as beautiful) as it does in novels.