Tony Parsons One For My Baby

Parsons' novels are written as if he has a 'How to write Novels' manual next to him all the time: the 'plants', that is the items that provide the plot twists and climaxes, are very easy to spot. However, his experience as a columnist means that the way he uses these plants and twists is not so obvious, and that makes for a very good read indeed. Many times in this and 'Man and Boy' I found myself moved by what Parsons had written and exclaimed that the novel has no right to be so good. What makes Parsons so successful is that he is so readable and we identify with his central characters and their comments on life.

I disagree with the general view of this book in that i prefer it to man and boy..it is aimed at adults so the themes tony p talks about seem to ring true, to me anyway..Although i haven't loved and lost to the extent Alfie has, the views expressed about love, casual sex, relationships and son on was excellent..The funeral description was awesome, the characters all interesting esp the Changs, the close relationship between Alfie and his parents funny and touching and accurate. The themes dwelled on hit you hard so if you are looking for a emotional rollercoaster of a book ,which took me 48 hrs 2 read through, go for it!

A big disappointment as it is nowhere as good as his first book 'Man and Boy'.

Not suitable for teens either- casual sex between teacher and teenage students.

It is about coming to terms with the death of your partner who was your reason for living- an adult theme. Rings true for those who have loved and lost.