Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Touchstone (2001), Edition: Reprint, Paperback, 361 pages
Description
Fiction. Literature. HTML: "Set your other books aside for a day or two and read straight through Man and Boy." �USA Today Some situations to avoid when preparing for your all-important, finally-I-am-fully-grown thirtieth birthday: Having a one-night stand with a colleague from work. The rash purchase of luxury items you can't afford. Being left by your wife. Losing your job. Suddenly becoming a single parent. If you are coming up on thirty, whatever you do, don't do any of that. It will f*** up your whole day..
User reviews
LibraryThing member elviza
I picked up this book because of its cover, which caught my eyes, while I was browsing at Borders on a lonely Saturday afternoon. To my delight, the book did not disappoint me at all. Despite the fact that the story line is predictable, I found myself glued to it until the last page.
Man and Boy is
The author, 52-year old Tony Parsons, a columnist with Daily Mirror, has written three novels before coming up with his international bestseller.
The book is set in London in the late 90s. Thirty-year-old Harry is completely devoid of emotion and practical sense and thinks that the world is his oyster. He seems to have it all - a successful career as TV producer, a beautiful wife, Gina, and an adorable four-year-old son, Pat. And to top it all, he drives around town in a sporty red MGF - a car which most men dream of owning. (I am digressing a little here to know - why do men need fancy cars to boost their image…err ego?)
However, Harry screwed things up when he had a one-night stand with a colleague. His wife walks out on him, leaving Harry to look after their young son after she discovered his little rendezvous. Gina, who has a penchant for everything Japanese, then heads for the land of the rising sun to pursue an unfulfilled dream of becoming a foreign correspondent.
Suddenly, Harry’s world begins to crumble. He finds himself an unemployed single father and in a financial mess with the prospect of a divorce looming before him. He failed to win Gina back despite apologising to her. On the other hand, his parents could not understand why he and Gina decide to go their separate ways. After all, didn’t they - the devoted parents - raise him in a stable environment?
Harry begins to pick up the pieces from his failed marriage once he stops wallowing in self-pity; most importantly, to be a good parent to his son. He strives to provide a decent living environment for Pat in his bid to fight for permenant custody of him. He takes up a job that gives him flexibility in order not to compromise his son’s interest. He does everything a mother is supposed to do for her child - from cooking for his son to giving him a bath. Pat initially resists him and throws tantrums because he misses him mother very much. In short, Harry realises that raising a child is a daunting task.
When Gina returns from Japan with a new man in tow, Harry threatens to fight for sole custody of Pat. However, he soon realises that loving someone is about setting her free. Loving someone is about letting go. He eventually agrees to a shared custody of their son.
The subplot of this novel comes in a form of Cyd, a divorcee. This American single mother eventually finds her way to Harry’s broken heart. The book offers its suspense elements when Pat is involved in an unfortunate accident at the park. The way the author describes Harry’s anxiety and his state of mind then will move you to tears. Well, I cried when I read this particular scene.
In my opinion, Man & Boy is a predictable story - a story which most of us probably have heard or read. In fact, the story reminds me of ‘Kramer versus Kramer’. However, Parsons retains his originality with his wit and his writing heartfelt in its simplicity. Parsons takes his readers on an emotional roller coaster ride from the first page right until the last. He skillfully narrates the trials and tribulations of a single father in a demanding modern world.
Apart from the coincidence of Pat and Peggy (Cyd’s daughter) attending the same school, which seems a bit far-fetched to me, the storyline is carefully developed to retain the reader’s interest throughout the book. Overall, it is very well written, funny, and heart-breakingly moving.
This is a must-read to those who are suffering from premature mid-life crisis. It’s good for women too because the book guides you right to a man’s heart. Parsons gives you a reality jolt and a subtle reminder not to take anything for granted. Highly recommended.
Man and Boy is
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a story of Harry Silver, his separation from his wife and his struggle as a single parent to raise his son.The author, 52-year old Tony Parsons, a columnist with Daily Mirror, has written three novels before coming up with his international bestseller.
The book is set in London in the late 90s. Thirty-year-old Harry is completely devoid of emotion and practical sense and thinks that the world is his oyster. He seems to have it all - a successful career as TV producer, a beautiful wife, Gina, and an adorable four-year-old son, Pat. And to top it all, he drives around town in a sporty red MGF - a car which most men dream of owning. (I am digressing a little here to know - why do men need fancy cars to boost their image…err ego?)
However, Harry screwed things up when he had a one-night stand with a colleague. His wife walks out on him, leaving Harry to look after their young son after she discovered his little rendezvous. Gina, who has a penchant for everything Japanese, then heads for the land of the rising sun to pursue an unfulfilled dream of becoming a foreign correspondent.
Suddenly, Harry’s world begins to crumble. He finds himself an unemployed single father and in a financial mess with the prospect of a divorce looming before him. He failed to win Gina back despite apologising to her. On the other hand, his parents could not understand why he and Gina decide to go their separate ways. After all, didn’t they - the devoted parents - raise him in a stable environment?
Harry begins to pick up the pieces from his failed marriage once he stops wallowing in self-pity; most importantly, to be a good parent to his son. He strives to provide a decent living environment for Pat in his bid to fight for permenant custody of him. He takes up a job that gives him flexibility in order not to compromise his son’s interest. He does everything a mother is supposed to do for her child - from cooking for his son to giving him a bath. Pat initially resists him and throws tantrums because he misses him mother very much. In short, Harry realises that raising a child is a daunting task.
When Gina returns from Japan with a new man in tow, Harry threatens to fight for sole custody of Pat. However, he soon realises that loving someone is about setting her free. Loving someone is about letting go. He eventually agrees to a shared custody of their son.
The subplot of this novel comes in a form of Cyd, a divorcee. This American single mother eventually finds her way to Harry’s broken heart. The book offers its suspense elements when Pat is involved in an unfortunate accident at the park. The way the author describes Harry’s anxiety and his state of mind then will move you to tears. Well, I cried when I read this particular scene.
In my opinion, Man & Boy is a predictable story - a story which most of us probably have heard or read. In fact, the story reminds me of ‘Kramer versus Kramer’. However, Parsons retains his originality with his wit and his writing heartfelt in its simplicity. Parsons takes his readers on an emotional roller coaster ride from the first page right until the last. He skillfully narrates the trials and tribulations of a single father in a demanding modern world.
Apart from the coincidence of Pat and Peggy (Cyd’s daughter) attending the same school, which seems a bit far-fetched to me, the storyline is carefully developed to retain the reader’s interest throughout the book. Overall, it is very well written, funny, and heart-breakingly moving.
This is a must-read to those who are suffering from premature mid-life crisis. It’s good for women too because the book guides you right to a man’s heart. Parsons gives you a reality jolt and a subtle reminder not to take anything for granted. Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member starless_
I guess I had too high expectations before I started reading, seeing it had been proudly labelled the "British book of the year", not to mention the words "I cried five times and laughed out loud four" printed smack in the middle of the cover. But the Brit lit I looked forward to turned out
It's about a man who threw a whole wonderful life away - beautiful wife, wonderful kid, great career - after a foolish one night stand with a fellow colleague who later withered away in the course of the story. What I didn't get was how awfully disappointing the ending would be - no resilience, no determination on the husband's part to salvage the marriage, no endurance to stay faithful to the wife even if for a brief separation of four months, which the author made it sound as if a decade had flew by. Falling so easily to temptation, first to an attractive doctor, then to a pretty waitress, sleeping with one of them, and eventually becoming attached to her... whatever happened to the beautiful wife who gave him the perfect gift - their son - both of whom he so easily let go, simply after his own mother's supposedly wise saying, "Love means knowing when to let go".
The author is very much on the side of the guy, I guess, from the way he writes about him and the lousy way he patched up the ending for the wife, I mean, sure the guy's made a few mistakes here and there but hey, people learn from it and grow as a process, don't they? But hey, you know, some mistakes are too costly to make, and even though there's always a chance of reparation, not showing enough commitment isn't the way to go.
All I can say it, if I ever get a husband like this, I'd be really disappointed.
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sounding more American than I expected save for a few "bollocks!" sprinkled around the novel. It's about a man who threw a whole wonderful life away - beautiful wife, wonderful kid, great career - after a foolish one night stand with a fellow colleague who later withered away in the course of the story. What I didn't get was how awfully disappointing the ending would be - no resilience, no determination on the husband's part to salvage the marriage, no endurance to stay faithful to the wife even if for a brief separation of four months, which the author made it sound as if a decade had flew by. Falling so easily to temptation, first to an attractive doctor, then to a pretty waitress, sleeping with one of them, and eventually becoming attached to her... whatever happened to the beautiful wife who gave him the perfect gift - their son - both of whom he so easily let go, simply after his own mother's supposedly wise saying, "Love means knowing when to let go".
The author is very much on the side of the guy, I guess, from the way he writes about him and the lousy way he patched up the ending for the wife, I mean, sure the guy's made a few mistakes here and there but hey, people learn from it and grow as a process, don't they? But hey, you know, some mistakes are too costly to make, and even though there's always a chance of reparation, not showing enough commitment isn't the way to go.
All I can say it, if I ever get a husband like this, I'd be really disappointed.
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LibraryThing member Nataliec7
I really wanted to read this book and finally got round to it. I felt it started with a bit of promise but kind of didn't get better.
Meet Harry, happily married with a little boy and a good job. He cheats on his wife and she leaves him and also his contract isn't renewed at work. His wife is very
One this I didn't like was - they are in England but mum is 'mom' in the book. And they talk about soccer. It would have been good to use the English terms and spellings. My book is a US version but everyone knows that mum and Football are the same as mom and Soccer.
Meet Harry, happily married with a little boy and a good job. He cheats on his wife and she leaves him and also his contract isn't renewed at work. His wife is very
Show More
upset as she gave up her dream to go to Tokyo to be with Harry and decides that she's going to go as a result. She leaves their son behind and Harry now has to be a parent to his son, a job that took him 10 minutes a day previously. He does step up to the plate and makes a go of it but still feels like the injured party in the whole situation. This was annoying. I mean, Harry seems like a nice enough guy but apologise to your wife and accept you did wrong. And no, you don't get a medal for being a single father for a short time. Gina annoyed me to an extent too, she just left her son and went to Tokyo, Seriously? Harry's parents were likable though and added a nice tough. I'm glad Harry accepted the challenges in raising his son, but he had little choice anyway. And the book ended the way I thought it would so there is an element of predictability.One this I didn't like was - they are in England but mum is 'mom' in the book. And they talk about soccer. It would have been good to use the English terms and spellings. My book is a US version but everyone knows that mum and Football are the same as mom and Soccer.
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LibraryThing member tcarter
This book examines just about every possible combination of relationship possible in the early years of the 21st century. It explores why people marry and what can lead to those marriages failing. It follows the development of its lead character from someone who, although adult, is still a boy,
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into a man. The writing of the love of this man for his young son resonated strongly with me. The least realistic aspect for me was the description of the antipathy towards the dad at the school gate from the mums. Really worth reading, language is pretty explicit. Show Less
LibraryThing member nicoyu
Single father can read it...
it's quite similar to 'The Pursuit of Happyness' (played by Will Smith and Jaden Smith), about the story of a single father who has to take care of his son and just fired by his boss.
Easy to read and suitable for those who don't want to use too much brain energy but
it's quite similar to 'The Pursuit of Happyness' (played by Will Smith and Jaden Smith), about the story of a single father who has to take care of his son and just fired by his boss.
Easy to read and suitable for those who don't want to use too much brain energy but
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still want to read a good story! Show Less
LibraryThing member rooy
Harry Silver has it all: a beautiful wife, a wonderful son, a great job in the media - but in one night he throws it all away. Then Harry must start to learn what life and love are really all about.
LibraryThing member FrogPrincessuk
This book had me crying on a train! Touches a beautiful emotional chord.
LibraryThing member relah
I thought this was pretty terrible until I read the sequel. That was way worse.
LibraryThing member Moniica
Synopsis: Worried about the lack of success in his life, Harry Silver throws away all he didn't realise he had on the eve of his 30th birthday. Through his mistake, he learns that he did have a lot as it all disappears, and he begins to appreciate life through different eyes.
My Opinion: At first I
My Opinion: At first I
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thought this book was an autobiography, as all the characters are vivid and memories are vividly described. I am glad to have been on Harry Silver's journey with him as he learned how to live on past his mistake and learn important life lessons. Show Less
LibraryThing member woollymammoth
A work of fiction mysteriously based on the authors own divorce, about a man who ends up holding the baby after his wife leaves. A good read that will keep you amused for a few hours without stretching too many neurones
LibraryThing member Kace
this was actually a well written book. I was annoyed with the male perspective, and his unwillingness to lay on the altar of self recrimination for the behavior that ruined his marriage. I got over that pretty much and just enjoyed Parson's turn of phrase.
LibraryThing member heidilove
Many others have written of how much they cried when they read this book, but I was moved differently: I cheered, repeatedly and often. This is the tale of manhood, heroism in its most modern form, genuine to a fault and brilliant throughout as we accompany Harry's navigation of what it means to be
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a man, a father, a husband, a son, a partner. Don't miss this one. Show Less
LibraryThing member Tess22
Man and Boy is a very readable book, with likeable and relatable characters. Although far from being one of my favourites, I did remember it quite clearly which generally speaks well of any book. However, I just saw Kramer vs Kramer for the first time and noticed that, while there are significant
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differences in the plot development, many of the most moving incidents in the book seem to have been lifted from the film. Show Less
LibraryThing member chicjohn
Touching, funny and well written
LibraryThing member shanklinmike
Harry Silver, successful career, gorgeous wife and loveable son, he had it all. Then threw it all away in one night of temptation. The book covers a modern man with an all too common modern problem. His wife leaves for a career move abroad and he is left with a son he loves and a rapidly descending
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career. Very well written, made me laugh and think in equal measure. Show Less
LibraryThing member hninn
I love it absolutely, made me cry and think of my dad. The connection between the boy and the dad is amazing.It also makes me understand the nature of guys as well.
LibraryThing member MerrittGibsonLibrary
This intriguing novel will pull at your heart-strings as a man learns to become a father to his son and a son to his own father, finds new love and makes the toughest decision of his life.
LibraryThing member jayne_charles
An amusing, unchallenging read. Rare to find such a 'touchy feely' book written by a man. Of all the relationships depicted in the novel, the one I found the most 'real' and the one that brought a genuine lump to the throat was the one between the central character Harry and his father. Superb
All in all an enjoyable read, though, one I would recommend. I'll definitely read the follow-up one day.
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characterisation. On the other hand, I found Harry's wife's family harder to swallow - how come she was so different from them?All in all an enjoyable read, though, one I would recommend. I'll definitely read the follow-up one day.
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LibraryThing member rcooper3589
i borrowed this book from brittany when i visted her in london last spring break (yes, it took me a year to get around to reading it....). i wasn't sure about it, but once i got into i really enjoyed it. i loved the relationship between harry and his son and harry and his father. i also find it
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interesting that it this book would have been completely different (and probably not even published) had it been the other way around: a mother is left with her children after her husband leaves. i think one of the reasons i really liked the book is because it takes place in england and reminded me of my visit. it was a good, fun book. i'm glad i read it. Show Less
LibraryThing member Nataliec7
I really wanted to read this book and finally got round to it. I felt it started with a bit of promise but kind of didn't get better.
Meet Harry, happily married with a little boy and a good job. He cheats on his wife and she leaves him and also his contract isn't renewed at work. His wife is very
One this I didn't like was - they are in England but mum is 'mom' in the book. And they talk about soccer. It would have been good to use the English terms and spellings. My book is a US version but everyone knows that mum and Football are the same as mom and Soccer.
Meet Harry, happily married with a little boy and a good job. He cheats on his wife and she leaves him and also his contract isn't renewed at work. His wife is very
Show More
upset as she gave up her dream to go to Tokyo to be with Harry and decides that she's going to go as a result. She leaves their son behind and Harry now has to be a parent to his son, a job that took him 10 minutes a day previously. He does step up to the plate and makes a go of it but still feels like the injured party in the whole situation. This was annoying. I mean, Harry seems like a nice enough guy but apologise to your wife and accept you did wrong. And no, you don't get a medal for being a single father for a short time. Gina annoyed me to an extent too, she just left her son and went to Tokyo, Seriously? Harry's parents were likable though and added a nice tough. I'm glad Harry accepted the challenges in raising his son, but he had little choice anyway. And the book ended the way I thought it would so there is an element of predictability.One this I didn't like was - they are in England but mum is 'mom' in the book. And they talk about soccer. It would have been good to use the English terms and spellings. My book is a US version but everyone knows that mum and Football are the same as mom and Soccer.
Show Less
Subjects
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — 2003)
British Book Award (Winner — Book of the Year — 2001)
Original publication date
1999
Physical description
361 p.; 5.2 inches
ISBN
0743225082 / 9780743225083