| Title | : | Frank and Red |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1472297431 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781472297433 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 433 |
| Publication | : | First published February 1, 2024 |
Frank and Red are a mess.
Frank is a grumpy old curmudgeon. A recluse whose only company is the 'ghost' of his dead wife, Marcie. He is estranged from his friends, his son, and the ever-changing world beyond his front gate. And then Red moves in next door.
Red is six. A boy struggling to adjust to the separation of his mum and dad, a new school, and the demonic school bully. Red is curious, smart, he never stops talking, and he's got a trampoline. From the moment Red's blonde mop appears over the top of the fence that divides their two gardens, the unlikeliest of friendships is born. . . . And it is a friendship that will change both of their lives forever.
Frank and Red Reviews
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It was the most irritated and happy he had ever been. Funny how kids could make you feel both at the same time.
This book was everything I love about reading. It was sad, funny, engaging and had a wonderful cast of characters. I know it's only March but this will be on my top books of 2024, for sure. The book's chapters alternate between showing Frank's point of view and Red's point of view and I loved getting to know the innermost thoughts of these special guys.
Frank and Red are new neighbours and complete opposites. Frank is a widowed older man who likes to keep himself to himself. Red is a six-year-old boy who is chatty and excitable. When Red moves in next door to Frank their worlds collide in a most extraordinary way and both Frank and Red learn you are never too old or too young to make new friends or need your community.
This was such a roller coaster ride of emotions and it was such a joy to be on that ride with Frank and Red. As their friendship grows the two friends learn a lot about each other and themselves. This is the type of book you hug when you're finished. I have read some reviews stating that the book reminded the reader of A Man Called Ove and I get that, BUT Coyne makes this uniquely his own and lovers of Ove will definitely enjoy this as well. I can't believe this is Matt Coyne's debut novel. All. The. Stars. -
“The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.”
The most unlikely of friendships, but somehow, two people who are decades apart in age, are thrown together by circumstance and what follows warms the heart to see just how the relationship develops.
Six year old Red has had to leave the only life he’s ever known after his mum and dad separated. So he’s in a new home with his mum, miles away from his friends, and he doesn’t see much of his dad anymore either since he met Tits and Teeth (well that’s what his mum and auntie call dad’s girlfriend when they think he’s not listening).
He hates the new house, it’s tiny compared to his old house, he hates his new school, none of the kids speak to him, excluding him at playtime, and one boy in particular is a real bully. It’s no better at home, no one to play with, and then there’s Frank, the grumpy old man next door who’s really mean.
The only good thing about home for Red is the trampoline - not so for Frank however, from the minute he sees the blonde head jumping above the fence he senses trouble, and that’s not to mention the darned squeaking noise that accompanies the face appearing every second, especially as Red insists on talking to him and constantly firing questions at him.
It’s fair to say that things get off on the wrong foot - both Frank and Red are lonely, though Frank isn’t interested in anyone or anything any more, he’s become reclusive and doesn’t leave home since his wife Marcie died, he’s even fallen out with his son Mikey. He talks to Marcie constantly when she appears, but isn’t sure if she’s really there or whether it’s a figment of his imagination. Anyway, he doesn’t want a nosey little brat bothering him that’s for sure!
It was an absolute joy to see how this unlikely relationship blossoms. It was an emotional journey, but was peppered with lots of humour along the way and I loved it. Definitely recommended!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Headline, Wildfire for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review * -
In a Nutshell: A heartwarming story of the bond between an old man and a little boy. Loveable characters, a straightforward yet unusual plot, and some touching themes. A compelling debut to be read with the heart!
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Plot Preview:Frank is a curmudgeon who lives alone in his house, estranged from family and friends after the death of his wife Marcie two years back. He is a recluse and can’t stand anyone or anything tampering with his routine. Little does he know that his peaceful life is soon to be turned upside down by a new neighbour.
After his parents’ separation, six-year-old Red, along with his mother, has moved into the house next to Frank’s. He isn’t happy with the house nor with his new school. The only good thing about the house is that his mother has bought a new trampoline for the back garden.
Being a curious chatterbox, Red is eager to make friends. And who better than the old man next door who seems sad and lonely? As Red trampolines his way into Frank’s life, the old man tries his best to avoid the nuisance. But can a determined six-year-old be stopped?
The story comes to us in the alternate third-person perspectives of Frank and Red.
Bookish Yays:
🌷 Frank: Grumpy, adamant, obnoxious from the outside. But once you get to know him, you realise how that coconutty exterior hides a heart of gold. His love for his late wife shines through in almost every scene.
🌷 Red: Imaginative, mischievous, precocious, born with no filters in his mouth or mind. Red is an adorable child whose innocence and incessant talking turn this story into a winner.
🌷 The connection between Frank and Red is so beautiful! Usually, such books show how only the senior character needs help and how the child character brings light in their lives. But the bond between Frank and Red works on a mutually beneficial basis. Both of them have sadness in their past as well as their present. Their relationship is organic and it’s nice to see how each one helps the other.
🌷 While the basic plotline is straightforward and fairly guessable (as this genre is supposed to be!) I like how the author added the unexpected to the predictable. For instance, Red isn’t an introvert but he is still struggling to make friends in school – I found this so realistic! (It’s not only introverts or socially awkward children who struggle in new environments!) Frank’s wife has passes away but he still sees her around and has conversations with her – is that her ghost or just his imagination? There are many such plot elements that make this story special.
🌷 Some of the secondary characters are interesting as well. Chief among these are Marcie and Susan, Red’s mom. I love how the women in the story have strong roles despite the plot essentially belonging to Frank and Red.
🌷 There are some great themes tackled in the book, and none of these seem extraneous. (In other words, no “kitchen sink dumping” of themes in this debut!) I especially loved the portrayal of the impact of divorce/separation on children, the struggle to deal with the death of a loved one, and the difficulty of apologising to a loved one after a rift. The book also handles the found family trope well.
🌷 There are several humorous scenes that actually made me laugh. Most of these are thanks to Red, and the repartee between him and his “very old” friend Frank.
🌷 Most fictional “grumpy old men” cannot escape being compared to Ove. Frank will remind you of Ove, that’s for sure. With his churlish behaviour, his reclusiveness, his annoyance when neighbours come barging in, and his never-ending love for his late wife, Frank and Ove have a lot in common. So if you love Ove, you will certainly love Frank. That said, the two stories have enough of individuality, so this won’t feel like a déjà vu version of Backman’s work.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
🌹 The adults in Red’s life have no major qualms using bad language in front of him, and as a result, his vocabulary often breaks the age barrier, not necessarily in a good way. Frank also cusses too frequently, with some curses in God’s name. While the language simply depicts the characters’ tendencies and is true to life, I wish the cussing could have been a tad toned down. It is even more jarring to hear on audio, and might annoy some readers.
Bookish Nays:
🌵 The final resolution of the bullying issue faced by Red is too smooth to be believable. No real-life bully changes colours that quickly. This part was too simplistic.
🎧 The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 10 hrs 35 min, is narrated by James Killeen. I don’t know why, but it took me some time to get into his performance. He’s not bad, but something was missing in the initial chapters. As the book progressed, his narration grew on me. He was great at voicing Red and his exaggerated reactions. The narrative perspective alternates between the two characters all the way till the end, but this never gets confusing on audio. So, no regrets reading the audio, but a tiny part of me feels like I would have enjoyed this even better had I read it.
Overall, I enjoyed this lovely story with two endearing characters. Frank helps Red as much as Red helps Frank, and that makes this book extra special.
This is author Matt Coyne’s first fictional novel. He is known for his parenting blog and social media profile 'Man vs Baby'. He has earlier penned two nonfiction books based on his parenting adventures. I hope he writes more fiction, because I’d definitely love to read more such stories.
Strongly recommended to all readers looking for a story with a heart, written for your heart.
4.5 stars.
My thanks to HighBridge Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of “Frank and Red”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
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4-5 stars rounded up
What a debut from Matt Coyne!
Frank is a curmudgeonly loner since the death of his wife, Marcie, whose ghost does her best to cheer him along or put him straight on a few things. His house and garden are now neglected and he’s turned his back on the world. Then Red and his mum Sarah move in next door. Red, which is not his real name as he’ll inform you, is six. He’s had to leave the security of his old home which he loves, his school and his best friend, when his parents marriage fell apart after his dad left for another woman. I’ll leave her description to Sarah as she sums her up so well. To say Red is a curious child doesn’t do him justice, his questions and thoughts defy description. Will Frank and Red be friends, or will Frank continue to turn his back on the friendly overtures?
Oh Red, Red! I fall in love with you as soon as I meet you on these pages. He’s a glorious child, creative, inquisitive, he asks baffling questions, his liveliness, his rhinoceros hide when it comes to Frank are all just a sheer delight. What a creation Matt Coyne!! His wonderful malapropisms from his childhood innocence are a joy to behold! He makes me hoot with laughter on more than one occasion and when he comes up against the class bully in his new school, I want to hug him and shake the bully. You really feel for him joining a new class, he’s an outsider and his loneliness at this point breaks your heart.
What of Frank? Yes, at times, he’s a pain in the proverbial as he’s so grumpy yet he’s also funny in his own unique way. The poor fella is deep in grief for the loss of his beloved wife and the unfairness of that which he feels it in every fibre of his body. His sadness seeps off the pages. Yet he is brought back to life in this fabulous story of an unlikely friendship.
It’s a terrific, emotional read, it’s moving and sad and my eyes do fill with tears on a couple of occasions but it’s peppered with delicious humour and definitely leaves me with a daft smile on my face! Despite the issues that the book deals with, it’s a wonderful and joyful book. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Headline, Wildfire for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. -
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.
Posted on
Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.) -
A lovely, heartwarming story which, for the life of me, I could not get into.
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This is the story of a grumpy old man, Frank, and an annoying, inquisitive but adorable little boy, Red. The grumpy old person seems to be a popular theme lately. I've read a few of them and they're all a bit different but I usually finish them feeling good.
Both Frank and Red are trying to come to terms with a bad turn in their life. Because he's grumpy, Frank does not welcome Red into his life. Because he's adorable, Red keeps pushing himself into Frank's life.
The story is full of cuteness overload. As a six year old, Red is smart beyond his years. And Frank is grumpier than any grown man should be. But, I knew what it would be like this before I started it. It's refreshing to watch the friendship develop, mostly due to Red's persistence.
The book brings out emotions in the reader and when it gets a bit too heavy, there is comic relief. I couldn't help smiling at things that Red said and did.
Right now there are tons of dystopian novels, psychological thrillers, bizarre fantasy stories and war stories. This is a refreshing change of pace!
A quick and entertaining read. The whole book made me happy. And, so did Red! -
It’s really hard to write genuine children, and non-stereotypical elders, and Matt does it with real genius. The relationship between Frank and Red is utterly heartwarming, without being at all soppy, and it’s properly laugh-out-loud funny. I ADORED IT.
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Is it too early to start talking about books of the year? Because this one is most definitely a contender.
Frank is a grumpy old man. He hasn't left his house since his wife died two years ago. Incidentally, her "ghost" is also the only company he has, though they have the most brilliant conversations. Frank is estranged from everyone, including his own son. His garden looks more like a jungle, the outside world causes panic attacks but at least inside the safety of his home things are safe and quiet. Until six year old Red and his mum move in next door.
It is impossible not to fall in love with these characters from the very first page. That is especially true of Red. His enthusiasm is infectious, his imagination inspiring and he's often incredibly funny. Sometimes without meaning to. I adored him right away, although I also acknowledged that in real life he probably would have annoyed the crap out of me. As he does with Frank when they first meet. Red just will not stop talking and is immensely curious. But he is also incredibly smart and quickly realises Frank is sad. And possibly in need of a friend.
Sometimes you come across a book that is just perfect from start to finish. Even the cover fits Frank & Red like a glove. This story took me on such a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute I was laughing out loud, the next I found myself nearly reaching for a tissue. Obviously an unlikely friendship is born, and yes, that does sound awfully familiar. While there is a certain level of predictability, it's not one that bothered me. Quite the opposite, it's one I was hoping for. And through it all, the character of Red steals the show on every page he appears.
Matt Coyne tackles the issues both Frank and Red deal with immense empathy. Frank is quite clearly dealing with loss and grief, a life without his wife, grown-up stuff. While Red has to come to terms with an entirely new life as well; parents who are no longer together, a new house, a new school and a bully. I really liked how these "little kid" problems were never belittled in comparison to what Frank was going through.
There is such warmth throughout this story. It's like a hug on a cold winter's night. 'Frank & Red' is moving and funny, uplifting and full of hope. Frank and Red are relatable and believable characters, who will pull you in from the very beginning. It's a delightfully heartwarming story and a truly wonderful debut from Matt Coyne. It's one of those novels where I feel my review doesn't do it any justice at all, but suffice to say that I absolutely loved it! -
Yes, five stars! This is a wonderful book, which has everything, and I didn't want it to end.
The characters are lovely, and I was swept up in their lives, and also had real empathy for them. The author made me believe that a six year old was speaking, and the narrator brought everyone to life.
Fans of A Man Called Ove will love this book. -
(4.5) las historias de viejos malhumorados siempre serán mi debilidad…
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For fans of A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman.
Almost verbatim, we have a grumpy old man who hates everyone and everything after his wife dies from cancer. He is only bullied into doing any good by the ghost of his wife.
Red is a six-year old boy who moves next door who is overly curious and kind but faces bullying at school and an absent divorced father.
Similar to Ove, Fred is not likeable and I struggled to get over all his disagreements. Rude, short-fused, nasty, a raging drunk. Yet, you do feel sorry for his situation as you learn of his past and the absolute love and devotion he had to his wife, and then of course his grief.
Red adds such a realistic child narrative. Yes, some parts were unbelievable for a six year old, but mostly it was written to be extremely fun and entertaining with random tangents that you would expect a child to make.
Sadly, he faces bullying and he’s trying to make sense of his place, displaced from his home, family structure, and school.
The interactions between the two were, of course, amusing.
”I spy with my little eye something beginning with L.”
“Is it the last dying embers of my will live?” Frank replied.
“Nope,” said Red, delighted that Frank was apparently now fully involved. “Guess again.”
Also, shout out to Red’s mum who is struggling balancing a new job, a nasty divorce, a young child, and no support system. She is a force to be reckoned with and so, so funny.
To start with, this felt like a bit of a copy from Backman’s work. However, as the book progressed, this definitely differed from A Man Called Ove, and I have to say, I found myself enjoying this a lot more.
Maybe it was the audiobook narrator. Red’s inclusion was definitely a part of it.
What a fantastic debut! Full of heart, this was a sweet read with some funny moments and endearing impressions.
Thank you to Headline Audio for an audiobook arc in exchange for a review.
Bookstagram -
When six year old Red moves in next door to Frank, Frank could not be more annoyed. After his wife died, Frank has become a Victor Meldrew type grump, who hasn't set foot beyond his garden gate for almost two years. Then along comes Red with his squeaky trampoline, his incessant questioning of Frank over the garden fence and his silly drawings dropping through his letterbox. Against Frank's better judgement, Frank and Red are unexpectedly thrown together for a week and whilst they are clearly initially being tolerant of one another, an unlikely friendship is born.
Frank and Red is hilariously funny - I've even written a line down in my notebook that was so brilliant that I didn't want to forget it! Matt Coyne's characters, from elderly grump to smart six year old, are superbly crafted. Even just writing this review has me with a smile on my face!
In Frank and Red, there are also tales as old as time - from the single parent trying to juggle work, school and parenting, to the family differences left to fester and grow into something beyond what it ever needed to be. It's a riotous, laugh out loud adventure, but also packed full of emotion and if you don't cry then I'll be damned.
An absolute gem of a book, loved every second! -
I wish Frank and Red were my neighbors!!
What a sweet, outstanding book. Take one old ornery man, add one chatty six year old who only wants a friend, and you have the makings of a fantastic story. Oh, and the narration was stellar!! -
Listened to this on audio - loved the narration.
I wasn't expecting this book to be so funny? It's HILARIOUS.
I was expecting it to be a little too soppy/quaint/twee - again I was wrong as it hit the balance just right. The ending was a tiny bit predictable but didn't detract from the overall story.
My only gripes:
1. Bit annoyed that the cover illustration makes it look like a middle grade book when the topics covered are clearly adult. Also in the story Red stands on an ‘upturned wheelbarrow’ so make the cover accurate pls 😭
2. When Red says Bulbasaur evolves into Venosaur - the SCREAM I SCREMT
Can't wait to see what Matt Coyne comes out with next
4 stars -
'Frank and Red' is an assured debut novel of an unlikely friendship across generations.
Frank is a surly widower who wants to be left alone by everyone, but is accompanied by the ghost of his dead wife Marnie. Red is the 6 year old who has moved next door with his mum when they had to leave his childhood home on the other side of London.
Frank doesn't want to have anything to do with anyone, let alone a chatty inquisitive 6 year old, but Red is persistent and optimistic, drawing pictures for Frank and inviting him to join him at various occasions. Slowly, Frank has to come to terms with the loss of Marnie and the fallout that this caused in his wider circle whilst Red has to learn to navigate new friendships as well as bullies at his new primary school. The burgeoning friendship between the two of them is so tenderly written, and with great humour; both of them learn more than they ever thought from the other one. I loved Marnie's character too, she treated Frank with such love and tenderness whilst steering him in the right direction, and constantly reminding him that he shouldn't shut himself off from everything forever.
I have been following Matt Coyne's parenting blog for a while so I was keen to see how his writing would translate into a longer story. He has written a great book; 'Frank and Red' is a fantastic debut which is light-hearted without being slapstick and still packs an emotional punch. There were parts of the story that had me welling up and a page or so later, I was laughing out loud or wanting to shake Frank in frustration.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5. -
Finished reading: January 29th 2024
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Wildfire in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews
here. -
Let me tell you... I can't remember the last time I connected to a set of characters so quickly. 25 pages into the book I was tearing up and it hit me right in the feels. Frank and Red are the most wholesome characters in very different ways and their relationship becomes so heart-warming.
This story follows the unlikely friendship between Frank, who has recently lost his wife and is grappling with grief, and Red, who has had to move after his parents split up, who begin talking over the fence. Frank begrudgingly entertains Red's chaotic theories and questions and the two unknowingly help each other through their struggles.
I laughed, I cried and felt all the fuzzy feels! -
There is not one thing better than a grumpy nearly seventy year old man, his six (nearly nine) year old neighbour and the story that connects them both.
For all that loved A Man Called Ove or adored Harold Fry's story then please read this!! -
Frank has new neighbours.
I’m struggling to write a review of Frank and Red because I can’t find the words adequately to express how I feel about it. As Frank might say, ‘Just buy the bloody book.’
That doesn’t really explain why everyone needs Frank and Red in their lives, so I suppose I ought to try to articulate a little bit more.
There are some books that have no right to be as good as they are and Frank and Red is one of them. I thought the plot was wonderful. It’s relatively prosaic and that is its appeal. Anyone reading Frank and Red might find similar things happening in our own lives. Consequently it is impossible to read this story without being completely entertained, moved and mesmerised. It’s essentially just a tale about two people of different ages becoming friends, but my word it’s so much more than that. I absolutely adored every single word. Some narratives have the ability to make the reader laugh, some have the ability to make them cry and others do both at various points. In Frank and Red, however, Matt Coyne manages to do both simultaneously so that the story is both heart-breaking, uplifting and stunningly beautiful all at the same time as it touches the reader’s soul.
The developing relationship between Frank and Red is created with such dexterous insight into their respective worlds that Matt Coyne places the reader in their minds so that every one of their thoughts and emotions are experienced viscerally. I adored meeting both of them. Their direct speech in particular is joyous to read, even (or possibly especially) when Frank’s is littered with furious expletives and Red’s is filled with interminable questions, because they are both so natural and real. I have a feeling these two characters are going to live in my mind for a very long time. Indeed, closing the final page of the story left me bereft. I didn’t want to leave them behind.
Secondary characters are equally fabulous. I don’t know whether it is because we are a similar age, but I found Marcie exceptionally well drawn. She is the catalyst for so much of the story and although she has died before Frank and Red begins, without her there would be no narrative.
Frank’s relationships with Marcie and his son Mikey embody such touching themes that reading Frank and Red is a physical experience. Love, grief, mental health and family are motifs that cast a spell over the reader. Red’s experiences as his parents split up and he begins a new school embody a reality that is both identifiable and engaging so that I truly found Frank and Red one of the most fabulous books I’ve read. Add in Frank’s spiral into grief and Matt Coyne writes with warmth, empathy and deep, deep understanding of our innermost fears and hopes.
As I said at the beginning, I can’t express clearly enough how much I love Frank and Red and I’m aware this review is vague and inadequate. Definitely one of the books going straight onto my list of favourite reads of 2024, I think it’s going to be hard to beat Frank and Red as THE book I have enjoyed the most. Filled with love, warmth and compassion, Frank and Red is just fantastic. Don’t miss it. -
Frank and Red are very unlikely friends, but sometimes, those make the best friendships. Frank is a widower, who became a recluse, in fact an agorophobe, when his wife Marcie died. He barely goes outside and when he does, he sits on his porch. He depends on his neighbours for groceries etc. His only company is Marcie's ghost, who he talks to, but doesn't take much of her advice. New neighbours move in next door, Red and his mother. When Red's parents split up, they moved to a new house and Red is not happy. He has a new trampoline and when jumping on it, not only does it make a lot of noise to bother Frank, it helps Red meet his neighbour. Red is struggling at school, he has no friends and is the target of a bully. He is smart and very loquacious, almost driving Frank crazy, but he grows on him and they develop quite a friendship.
I loved this book. If you are a fan of multi-generational friendships like I am, then you will want to pick up Frank and Red. There are some reminders and similarities between this book and others such as A Man Called Ove or even The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett, but this story has it's own charm, characters and story. The story takes a bit to build as we meet the characters and Frank fights any kind of relationship with Red, but when it picks up, I couldn't start listening. When Frank is convinced to spend time with Red after he is suspended from school, the story picks up and their friendship takes off. I don't want to say anymore about this delightful story except to recommend it. I listened to the audiobook and loved the narration by James Killeen. He voiced young Red and older Frank as well as the other characters so well, that I could see what was happening and had a picture of the characters as I listened. If you enjoy audiobooks, then this is one you will definitely want to listen to. -
It is astounding when you like a book so much that even though the year is new, you already know it will be at the top of your 2024 'best' list. "Frank & Red" is just such a book.
It reminded me a bit of another favourite novel, "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman. The similar, curmudgeonly widowed men I guess. Also, it reminded me of a favourite television show, "After Life", featuring Ricky Gervais. So much so that I pictured Frank's late wife Marcie, as looking like Kerry Godliman. But I digress...
Frank is in his late sixties. Since his wife Marcie passed away he is not coping with life. His only son has become estranged from him after a fateful decision to not tell him just how serious his mother's illness was... Now he has become a virtual recluse with more than a touch of agoraphobia. He seldom leaves his house and enlists kindly neighbours to do his shopping etc.
Red is six years old and lives with his Mum who works as a nurse in a care home. His parents have recently divorced and Red is having a difficult time adjusting to life without his Dad. He and his Mum have just moved into the house next door to Frank. He hates his new house, his new school (where he is being bullied), his new life... He misses his best friend from his old school.
The only good thing in his life is his budding friendship with the grumpy old man who lives next door.
This friendship evolves painfully (on Frank's part) and persistently (on Red's part). Along the way we share in their lives. We experience their joys and their sorrows.
If Frank and Red had a recipe, it would be thus:
Take a grumpy and very lonely old man. Add a confused, endearing, intelligent, and very lonely six year old boy. Stir well. Be patient while the mixture melds... The result will be a story that you'll cherish, as I did. A heartwarming 'Uplit' story that made me laugh aloud and shed some tears.
All the stars... -
Frank is in his late sixties and has become a recluse since his wife Marcie died. He fell out with his grown up son, doesn’t see his friends anymore and doesn’t leave the house. And then one day, six year old Red moves in with his mum Sarah. Red has a trampoline and talks to Frank while he is jumping. He is determined to be Frank’s friend, despite the fact that Frank is rude and grumpy and won’t really engage with Red.
Red is finding life tough – his parents are recently divorced and he has had to move house, leaving his best friend Noah behind. His dad has a new family that he insists on trying to involve Red in when he isn’t too busy to see him. And to make matters worse, Red has to start a new school where he doesn’t know anyone and really struggles to make friends, especially as one boy seems to have it in for him. He confides in Frank about school and his advice leads to Red being suspended. Sarah is furious with Frank but because she has to work and she sees the situation as Frank’s fault, she insists he look after Red for her and an unlikely friendship in born.
I’ve loved reading Matt’s musings on having a child on his blog Man vs Baby so when I saw he had a book out, I had a feeling I would love it and I did. I listened to the audio and the narration is superb, capturing both characters brilliantly. You can’t help but feel sorry for Frank despite his hostility to the outside world – I loved that he still “sees” Marcie and that she doesn’t let him get anyway with any nonsense, offering advice and instructions he is never happy about!
And Red is absolutely adorable. He is funny, Pokémon obsessed, a little bit naughty and full of questions and I loved him! Their relationship is wonderful – I loved the way they helped each other. And it is so funny – the things they say to each other and the observations they make actually made me laugh out loud.
A book that pulls at the heartstrings with outstanding characters. Can you tell yet that I LOVED this book? I know we are only in February but this will definitely be in my top ten reads of 2024 and may even take the top spot! -
Oh my heart, this book was so much more than I expected. Frank and Red are both funny as fudge, Frank with his lack of tact and unfiltered grump and Red with the honest responses of a young child that also has no filter. These two fire blasted their way into my heart like an allosaurus on a condolence picture.
Leonard aka Red moves in with his mum next door to Frank who has shut himself away and now doesn’t leave his house. Red is a million questions a minute kind of kid and Frank is not a happy bunny with this new arrival upsetting his peace.
After some rather dodgy advice leads to an incident and a dead fish Frank is now in charge of looking after Red for a whole week while his mum is at work. What could possibly go wrong?
Marcie his dead wife regularly appears to tell Frank her opinions, is she a ghost or Frank’s brain trying to deal with the grief of losing her?
Both are struggling with the way their lives have taken a turn and begrudgingly Frank, with a little help from Marcie, starts to see Red as the smart little boy he is. While Red decides on a little adventure of his own.
This is funny, heartwarming, a little sad and features some of the best characters you will ever come across. It also has one of the most memorable meet cutes I have ever read. -
What a gorgeous book. This tale of the blossoming friendship between a widowed old man and a 6 year old boy explores the themes of loss and loneliness in such a beautiful way. Makes you laugh and shed a tear or two.
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By far the easiest 5* I've ever given. This book is like a big warm hug.
Beautifully written, it will make you laugh and maybe even cry (shhhh don't tell anyone, I have an ice queen rep to protect!)
The story follows an unlikely friendship of a grieving widower and his adorably charming 6 year old neighbour.
Highly recommend!! -
⭐️ 5 ⭐️
When a book has the ability to make me laugh out loud one minute and then cry the next, I know I’ve found a gem. Frank and Red managed to do both of those within the first couple of chapters.
Matt Coyne’s writing is fluid, engaging, and thoroughly entertaining. He’s skilfully fleshed out beautifully drawn characters, brought them to life, and given Frank, Red, and the rest of the supporting cast heart and personality in abundance. Coyne has a brilliant, witty, dry sense of humour, which shines from the pages, giving perfect light to the shade. The observational humour really is snorty, laugh-out-loud funny.
I'm partial to a cantankerous, filterless, sweary, grumpy, miserable old get (only in the literary sense, not in real life), and Frank ticks every one of those boxes (and more). Frank and Red, together, make the perfect multigenerational double act; they complement each other and bring joy to every single page.
Frank and Red is a wonderful character-driven read. I slowed down towards the end to savour the final few chapters because I didn’t want to say goodbye to the characters. It's a heartwarming, uplifting story of hope, family, friendship, and love, and I (as you can probably tell) loved everything about it.
Frank and Red have both secured a place in my heart (and a permanent place on my bookshelf). It’s a book that, without a doubt, will be in my top reads of 2024.
In the words of Kriss Akabusi (or was it Tina Turner?), it’s simply The Best!
Many thanks to NetGalley for the eARC and the publisher for my finished copy, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. -
Well, Frank and Red both stole a little bit of my heart. What a wonderful, heartwarming read about intergenerational friendship and building bridges.
Frank is grieving for his wife Marcie. It's been 2 years, and he hasn't left the house much, if at all since the day she died. But then 6 year old Red bursts into his life and turns everything upside.
This is the story of an unlikely friendship, of a man closed off from the world, and I just loved every blooming minute of it. I savoured it over the course of a week, I didn't want to rush and then not have these characters anymore.
I spent the whole time with a massive smile on my face at the interactions between the two, although there may have been the odd tear or two in certain places.
Go read this book, you won't be disappointed. -
I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I absolutely loved it, it was a fabulous story from beginning to end, it made me laugh out loud more than once and also reduced me to tears. I will be recommending it to everyone I know.
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It was a cute read but it doesn’t hold a candle to A Man Called Ove
