the setup…
Frank Hayes lives a very lonely and solitary life, never leaving his home since the death of his beloved wife Marcie who “visits” him regularly. He’s estranged from his only son, Michael, with no hope of reunion. Then his new neighbors move in. How does he know? Because the six-year old boy everyone calls Red begins jumping on his new (and noisy) trampoline. When Red discovers Frank sitting outside his back yard, he’s determined to become friends. Frank is equally committed to not going there but is no match for this bright and engaging child who, despite struggling with his parents’ divorce, a new school and a new home, doesn’t give up.
the heart of the story…
If you’ve read the book about Ove, this might sound familiar and indeed it does read like him initially. But soon the distinctions arise and Frank is a completely different character. He’s not only grieving the death of his wife but is depressed and agoraphobic. The “presence” of his wife is all that saves him and keeps him alive. But the heart of this story is Red. In addition to all the change he’s undergone, Red is having to cope with a bully at his new school who makes sure he has no friends. Frank is the only one he can talk to about this and that sets off a series of actions that lands him in Frank’s care for a week.
the narration…
I really enjoyed the narrator who had the tough task of giving voice to a child who is one of the main characters. He gave Red all the heart, personality and charm, endearing him to me from the onset. He was a wonderful storyteller, too.
the bottom line…
There’s so much depth to this story, full of humor, heartache, hope and despair. Red is a precocious child without being overly so, his naivety combined with his smarts producing the most charming mix. But it’s his relationship with Frank that’s the most captivating. It’s honest, authentic and cathartic for both. This is truly a diamond in the proverbial rough and if you can treat yourself to the audio version, be prepared to get lost in this magical story.
Book Info
- Release Date: February 1, 2024
- Narrator: James Killeen
- Audio Length: 10 hours, 35 minutes
- Publisher: Wildfire Books
Listen to a Sample!
Goodreads | Amazon UK
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
I knew you’d love it!
I knew I would, just based on your and Kelly’s reviews💜
Wonderful review Jo, so glad you loved it!
Thank you, Nicki💜 I’m so thankful you pointed me in this direction.
💜
Love this review and love that you loved the story and the narrator as much as I did 📚💜
Thank you, Kelly💜 I’m so grateful to you, Eva and Nicki for featuring this book. I didn’t want it to end.
Great review, Jonetta. I’ve just started the audio, I know I’m going to love it!
Thank you, Cathy💜 I really hope you do!!!
Yay, another Frank & Red fan!
Hooked from the start💜
This sounds like such a lovely read! I’ll check to see if my library has i!
Jodie, right now it’s only available in the UK, which may work in Canada. I got it from NetGalley UK. Check and see if it’s still available.
It sounds interesting. It’s not my usual thing but I might enjoy it.
Anne – Books of My Heart
I think you’d love it.
I need to give this a try!
Carol, I believe this is your cuppa!
I am so pleased you enjoyed it! Wonderful review Jo
Thank you, Sarah💜 Love that we were reading this at the same time.
Nice review. I loved Ove and both movie versions. I may try this later in the year.
Thank you💜 I enjoyed both films, too.
This sounds like such a moving tale. I can definitely see shedding a tear or two or many over it. Excellent review!
Thank you, Tessa💜 I felt the full range of emotions with this one.
Excellent review, Jo. I loved this story and am posting my review tomorrow or the next day. You hit the nail right on the head. I also felt the Ove vibes as well as Eudora Honeysett, yet there were differences as well. So glad you also loved this story.
Thank you, Carla💜 I’m not surprised you loved it, too. Can’t wait to see your review!
Thanks, Jo. I will be linking to your review as you were very eloquent in your review and mine will be more of a mishmash of my thoughts.
That is high praise💜
This review makes me happy! The audio version was so perfect for this story. <3
Wasn’t it? What a wonderful, wonderful story.