Tin Man by Sarah Winman
Fiction
2017
Finished on June 10, 2025
Rating: 4.5/5 (Very Good!)
Publisher's Blurb:
This is almost a love story. But it's not as simple as that.
Ellis and Michael are twelve-year-old boys when they first become friends, and for a long time it is just the two of them, cycling the streets of Oxford, teaching themselves how to swim, discovering poetry, and dodging the fists of overbearing fathers. And then one day this closest of friendships grows into something more.
Many years later, Ellis is married to Annie, and Michael is nowhere in sight. Which leads to the question: What happened in the years between?
By the internationally bestselling author Sarah Winman, Tin Man is an unforgettable and heartbreaking novel celebrating love in all its forms, and all the little moments and small kindnesses that make up a life.
I finished this beautiful novel a couple of weeks ago, but we've been traveling, and I am just sitting down to compose my review.
Sarah Winman writes the most gorgeous prose, and while the storyline is a little confusing, I loved Tin Man. It's a tender story about friendship, love, heartache and grief. Much like her most recent work (Still Life), Winman's characters are memorable and well-drawn. This moving novel avoids cliche, and will enchant fans of John Boyne, particularly those who read and enjoyed The Hearts Invisible Furies. Sarah Winman has become a favorite author, and I intend to read more of her books.
"Plan to read it twice: first for the story, then to savor the beauty of the poetic symbolism threaded throughout the sparsely crafted prose." - Shelf Awareness
Highly recommend.
This sounds like a beautiful novel, especially now in the US when tensions are so high on similar issues.
ReplyDeleteHelen, I'm tempted to read it again, but will wait until later this year, maybe.
DeleteI'm glad you reminded me of this novel and I'm glad you liked it. I couldn't remember the details since I listened to the audio (read by the author!) in 2018. I guess I liked its swirl of memories. My only caveat was some of its jumping around, otherwise it was good. My thoughts: https://www.thecuecard.com/movies/dear-mrs-bird-and-tin-man/
ReplyDeleteI hope you are enjoying your travels.
Susan, I agree with you about the "jumping around" aspect of the book. I'm sure if I read more of it in one sitting, rather than in fits & spurts, I wouldn't have been so confused about what was happening when. Thanks for the link. I hop over and read your review. And yes, we had a lovely time traveling up to Port Townsend. We've been home for a few days and I'm busy planning another trip for September. :)
DeleteNow I want to try this book as you gave it such a great review. Sounds like a plot I would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteTina, I love her writing. Still Life is my favorite, but Tin Man is also very good.
DeleteI need to get to Still Life. Tin Man could be read before that one though, right? Not a continuation because I hate missing character development.
DeleteTina, there is no overlap between the two books--at least that I can remember!
DeleteI remember my 2018 reading experience (a balcony in a rental condo overlooking Lake Placid) more than the book itself, but I do recall the gorgeous writing and being a little confused at times.
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, I looked up your review. Great photo of the book with Lake Placid in the background! I'm eager to read more of her older books. Still Life is my favorite of the two, but I did enjoy Tin Man quite a lot.
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