Audiobook, Contemporary Fiction

Frank and Red by Matt Coyne #MattCoyne @jameskilleen47 @Wildfirebks

Jonetta | Blue Mood Café


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.)

Published by Jonetta | Blue Mood Café

31 thoughts on “Frank and Red by Matt Coyne #MattCoyne @jameskilleen47 @Wildfirebks”

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  13. 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.

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  14. Pingback: Frank and Red by Matt Coyle #BookReview #Audiobook #2024AudiobookChallenge – Carla Loves To Read

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