Lead Review (Frank and Red)

• Book: Frank and Red
• Location: North London
• Author: Matt Coyne

Review Author: tripfiction

Red (otherwise known as Leonard), age 6, moves in to the house next door to Frank. Red’s mum is separated from his father and his father is more interested in his new girlfriend. In order to ease Red into his new life, his mum has bought him a trampoline and the groaning and squeaking of the enthusiastic jumping alerts Frank next door, who responds in his typically gruff way. Frank is a curmudgeonly man, who lost his wife Marcie and has no real contact with his grown-up son. His single friend (the others have all been alienated by his rudeness) tries to keep him socialised but fails.

Red, in his inimitable way, isn’t put off by his neighbour’s grumpy ways and persists on the course of friendship, even when rebuffed. He chatters to Frank about school (including the school bully who, of course, has singled out the newbie), about his father and about his daily concerns and routines. The man doesn’t melt until there is an incident at school and Red has to stay at home for a week to reflect upon his recent actions. His mother has to work and, given the backstory for his suspension from school, she entreats Frank to look after Red. After a wobbly start, the two manage to find a level of togetherness that is charming.

Hovering in the background is the ghost of Frank’s dead wife, Marcie, who talks to him, tries to get him to understand how narrow his life has become. This is a very nice dimension of the novel. And when Red arrives for the week with his bits and pieces, she is on hand to guide and chivvy her husband into connecting with Red and with life

This is such a charming story, written with warmth and humour. A straightforward and enchanting novel that will stay with you. Setting isn’t particularly strong but this is a very English kind of story.

Back to book