- Date Published
2024 - Length:
433 pages—Listening Time: 10 hrs, 35 minutes - Genre:
Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Family, Friendship - Setting:
Present day, Outskirts of London - Awards:
Debut of the Year by Woman and Home; Prima Book of The Year - Language:
English - Movies:
There are no reported movie deals at this time; however, some reviewers have suggested that it would make a wonderful movie, with one even imagining Michael Caine in the role of Frank - Recommend for Book Club:
YES, most all book clubs will enjoy this book
Think about the animated movie Up with no hot air balloons, or Ove with no hangman's noose. Or maybe you are old enough to remember Dennis the Menace and Mr. Wilson.
It's a tearjerker. It's a belly laugh. It's family sagas, loaded with divorce, death, mental health problems, grief, and happiness. It's a trampoline. And, to top it all off, it's a ghost story. It is both sweet and lovable, yet it pierces your soul with its intense emotional depth.
Get ready for some gushing, because I loved Matt Coyne's Frank and Red.
This wonderful book pairs the oddest of friends. Frank, a cranky and withdrawn elderly man, is trying to deal with the death of his wife, Marcie, and his estrangement from his son. Red, a bright six-year-old boy, moves in next door with his mother, completely upending Frank's life. Red is coping with his own personal difficulties, like school bullying and his parents' divorce.
The novel has been praised for its warm and empathetic portrayal of characters, blending humor with heartache effectively. Coyne's writing is nitty-gritty real, and his characters captivate you as you read, a rare quality for a debut novel. Those who enjoy stories about human connection and personal growth will fall in love with Frank and Red. It's a standout in today's contemporary fiction.
Frank and Red explores the unlikely friendship between two individuals from different generations. The story revolves around Frank, a grumpy, reclusive man in his 60s, who has become estranged from his friends and family following the death of his wife. He becomes agoraphobic with an existence marked by loneliness and conversations with the ghost of his late wife, Marcie.
The narrative takes a turn with the arrival of Red, a six-year-old boy who moves in next door with his mother after his parents' separation. Red is a curious, talkative child struggling to adjust to his new home and school and dealing with a bully. His persistent nature and the presence of a trampoline in his backyard become the catalysts for his interactions with Frank.
As Red's energetic presence disrupts Frank's solitude, an unlikely bond forms between them. Through their interactions, both characters undergo significant personal growth. Frank begins to confront his grief and reconnects with the world, while Red learns to navigate his new environment and friendships. The novel is praised for its emotional depth, humor, and the way it explores themes of friendship, hope, and healing.
I would highly recommend this book for any avid reader. Here’s why:
Depth and Realism: The book explores themes of love, grief, mental health, and family with warmth and empathy, making it a deeply emotional and relatable read. Both Frank and Red face significant challenges, and their stories are crafted to resonate with readers on a visceral level.
Unlikely yet Powerful Friendship: The unlikely friendship between Frank, a grumpy older man dealing with grief, and Red, a precocious six-year-old navigating family changes, is beautifully portrayed. Their bond is mutually beneficial, showing how each helps the other heal and grow.
Engaging Characters: Frank and Red are well-developed characters with distinct personalities. Frank's rough exterior conceals a tender heart. Red's incessant curiosity and imagination make him endearing and funny. We've all known a Frank and likewise a Red. They both could easily be our next-door neighbors, making their interactions fun to read.
Realistic Portrayal of Life Challenges: The book tackles real-life issues like making new friends, dealing with bullies, and coping with loss without trivializing them. It shows that everyone's struggles are valid, whether they're a child or an adult.
Emotional Journey: Frank and Red is a rollercoaster of emotions, moving seamlessly from laughter to tears. It's a story that will stay with you long after finishing the book, making it a memorable, entertaining read.
Frank and Red by Matt Coyne
The talented author of the popular blog Man vs. Baby, Matt Coyne delivers a heartwarming read with Frank and Red.
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For readers seeking books similar to Frank and Red by Matt Coyne, focusing on unlikely intergenerational friendships and heartfelt character-driven narratives, consider these recommendations:
- A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Often compared to Frank and Red, this novel follows a grumpy widower whose solitary life is disrupted by a lively new neighbor. Themes of grief, community, and unexpected bonds align closely with Coyne’s work. - The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons
A poignant story of an elderly woman and her spirited young neighbor, exploring themes of friendship, mortality, and finding joy in unexpected places. - The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
While broader in scope, this novel’s examination of resilience and human connection in challenging circumstances shares emotional depth with Frank and Red. - Half a World Away by Mike Gayle
A tender story about a cub reporter and her elderly subject, highlighting the transformative power of friendship across generations. - The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
A journey of self-discovery and redemption, emphasizing how chance encounters can profoundly impact lives.
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