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Boyf
4.0 out of 5 stars Beneath laughter serious reflection
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2023
Looking at the author’s bio, I saw that he has been a screenwriter among his varied accomplishments. It helped me understand what make this a truly entertaining read. The descriptions of life in Montreal leap off the page. You can almost taste a smoked meat (not pastrami, as the father repeatedly says!) sandwich. Told from the standpoint of the son who is taking his irascible father back from Florida to Montreal, it is as if he was sitting in the bar telling us anecdotes about their adventures and misadventures. A very entertaining narrative, yes; but beneath it is an insightful account of a man who has accepted the challenge of taking care of his dementia-afflicted, incontinent father from whom he has long been distant. Through this journey the son reflects on the scars from a marriage that that had recently dissolved and his growing up with a controlling but emotionally-distant father. But through all this, the tone is light and the narrative fast-paced. I await the TV series(. I wish there were a 4.5 rating -- this deserves more than a 4 rating)
This exceptional novel stands out, not just for its deft handling of serious family issues but also for its surprising undercurrent of humor. At its core, the story revolves around a son grappling with his father's advancing dementia and the complexities of their estranged relationship. Yet, it is the author's skillful infusion of light-hearted moments amidst this poignant narrative that truly captivates the reader. The book's brilliance lies in its ability to mirror real life, where laughter and tears often coexist, and where humor becomes a necessary coping mechanism in the face of adversity. The protagonist’s journey, both literal and metaphorical, across the States with his father in tow, is replete with moments of unexpected comedy. These instances emerge naturally from everyday situations, turning mundane or challenging experiences into sources of gentle amusement. The author has a keen eye for the absurdities of life, and their portrayal of the small, often overlooked moments that can bring a smile to our faces is nothing short of masterful.
— Joel’s Books and Medium, January 19, 2024