Book Review: Frank and Red by Matt Coyne
Sometimes, the books that tug at our heartstrings are the ones that seem the simplest on the surface. When I stumbled upon Frank and Red, the debut novel by Matt Coyne, I was instantly drawn in by its premise: a curmudgeonly old man and a precocious six-year-old forming an unlikely bond. As someone who loves stories that explore the beauty of unexpected friendships, I couldn’t resist the charm of this tale.
At its core, Frank and Red is a heartwarming exploration of grief, connection, and the peculiar ways we find solace. Frank, a reclusive widower, is entrenched in his routines, haunted by the memory of his late wife, Marcie. On the other side of the fence is Red, a curious little boy navigating the turmoil of his parents’ separation and struggling to fit into a new environment. Through alternating perspectives, Coyne captures the contrast between the two characters beautifully—the grumpy old man and the imaginative child are worlds apart yet share a profound loneliness and longing for connection.
What stands out most in this charming narrative is how Coyne crafts their relationship. Frank’s initial resistance to Red’s exuberance is relatable; after all, who among us hasn’t wished for quiet when our routines are disrupted? Yet what unfolds is a touching mutual reliance. Red brings a sprinkle of joy to Frank’s somber world, and in turn, Frank becomes a refuge for Red’s insecurities. It’s refreshing to see a story where both characters help each other heal, rather than the typical one-sided trope often seen in similar tales.
Coyne’s writing style is both humorous and poignant, making the characters feel real and engaging. The dynamics between Frank and Red are peppered with witty dialogue that kept me chuckling—particularly the moments when Red zealously insists on beingfriendlier than Frank is ready for. Listening to the audiobook narrated by James Killeen added another layer of fun, especially as he effortlessly captured Red’s exuberance and Frank’s dry wit, though I found myself warming up to his style only after a few chapters.
The secondary characters, including Red’s mother Susan and Marcie’s ghostly presence in Frank’s life, are also vividly drawn, giving the story additional depth. Themes of loss, the impact of separation on children, and the challenges of rebuilding after trauma resonate throughout, handled with a delicacy that feels incredibly authentic.
While I adored this touching debut, I did find some elements less satisfying. The resolution of Red’s bullying situation felt a bit too neat—life’s complexities often resist such tidy conclusions. Additionally, the frequent cursing, especially in the contexts of an adult and a child, felt jarring at times and wasn’t necessarily reflective of the warmth the rest of the narrative offered.
Overall, Frank and Red left me feeling uplifted and hopeful. It’s a story for anyone who has ever felt alone or questioned the connections in their lives, full of tenderness and humor. If you’re a fan of heartfelt narratives akin to Fredrik Backman’s A Man Called Ove, this delightful tale promises a memorable reading experience. Coyne’s debut left me eager for more of his storytelling, reminding me how stories can shape our understanding of grief and friendship.
I highly recommend Frank and Red to readers of all ages who appreciate tales woven with heart—the kind meant to be read with a smile (and perhaps a few happy tears). 🌟 4.5 stars!