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Frank and Red

The 'warm-hearted, weepy, riotously funny, feel-good' story of an unlikely friendship.

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Frank and Red

By: Matt Coyne
Narrated by: James Killeen
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Summary

 The brilliant, heart-warming debut novel from the Sunday Times best-selling author of Dummy and Man vs Toddler

Frank is a miserable old curmudgeon. An agoraphobic recluse and widower whose only company is the 'ghost' of his wife, Marcie. He is estranged from friends and family and is entirely cut off from the rest of the world.

That is until he meets Red.

Red is six years old. He's a funny, imaginative, and kind little boy who - following the separation of his parents - moves in next door. Red is fascinated by his new neighbour and seemingly oblivious to Frank's grumpy demeanour and strange ways.

What on Earth will come of this unlikely friendship? Only time will tell...

Praise for Matt Coyne:

'A hero for dads everywhere' Daily Mirror

'Very, very funny' Phillip Schofield, This Morning

'Hilarious but accurate account of finding your feet as a parent . . . Matt Coyne's post has struck a chord with parents from all over the world' Daily Mail

'Brutally honest rant on the reality of parenthood has taken the internet by storm' Sunday Telegraph

(P)2024 Headline Publishing Group Ltd©2024 Matt Coyne Family Life Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Literature & Fiction Feel-Good Funny Heartfelt Tear-jerking Witty Inspiring Comedy
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Critic reviews

A lovely feel-good treat . . . Matt Coyne's beautifully crafted, warmly funny book gives us Frank and Red's perspectives on navigating the upheavals in their lives and their road to friendship. Red's reckless attempt to reunite Frank with his adult son adds some high-stakes drama, but it's the little moments of connection, compassion and healing that will melt you.
Coyne weaves, with warmth and humour, the story of Marcie and Frank's marriage with Red's misadventures at school . . . Themes of love, loss and family are beautifully explored in this heart-warming and imaginative debut.
Warm, tender and very funny. A triumph of heartstring-pulling. (SARAH TURNER, Sunday Times bestselling author)
Cue an unlikely friendship that will evoke every emotion in you - including much hilarity. This author has funny bones. From the first page you'll be sniggering at his wry observations until you find yourself crying (even sobbing) at the heart-warming journey these two unlikely characters go on. This does not feel like a debut fiction. Masterfully written, it's the book you never knew you needed.
Warm, heartfelt and laugh out loud funny, I adored Frank and Red and couldn't put this book down. (BECKY HUNTER, author of One Moment)
Heartwarming.
Heart-warming, perceptive and empathetic, not to mention very funny, Frank and Red is a genuine joy to read.
It's properly funny while packing a huge emotional punch. This is one of those books that reminds you of what it means to be human. Highly recommend. (JENNIE GODFREY, Sunday Times bestselling author of The List of Suspicious Things)
The pair are such wonderful characters and I was utterly charmed by them from the very first page. A very funny story about friendship and acceptance.
Heartfelt, humorous and hugely entertaining. (SAMUEL BURR, author of The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers)
A warm-hearted, weepy, riotously funny, feel-good novel.
The heart-warming, funny and really rather cleverly woven debut novel. (KATE SAWYER, author of The Stranding)
Matt Coyne's novel of an unlikely friendship between a grieving widower and a six-year-old boy has already garnered a heap of five-star reviews for its humour and its warmth.
Perfect for fans of Nick Hornby . . . The dynamic between curmudgeonly old Frank and the lively, intelligent Red is a joy to read and the two characters serve up charm in bundles. Loneliness is a central theme of Frank & Red but, set within the context of human resilience and friendship, this theme enhances the heartwarming qualities of an accomplished first novel.
Coyne guides readers from laughter to tear as the duo's story unfolds - this beautiful tale of unlikely friendship will stick with you for a long time.
All stars
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Absolutely loved this! Characters are all wonderful and a totally beautiful heartwarming love story that’s super funny and gorgeously written

Beautiful story

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I absolutely loved this book. A beautiful story that draws you in and makes you fall in love with the characters. This needs to be made into a TV adaptation. Will be a wonderful watch for families

Wonderful storytelling

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Highly recommended feel good story, wonderfully written and adorable characters. I've really enjoyed the journey of this relationship between Frank and Red. Excellent choice of narrator too!

Beautiful story!

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what a wonderful book, it captures grief & life upheavals perfectly. poignant and humorous throughout

so relatable

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I was surprised by this lovely book. I picked this book by pure chance and got drawn in to the characters and the dry humour. The author slowly reveals the old man's past bit by bit in a smooth way that isn't jerky and the young boys voice comes through in a pure way and not like a parody of child. I would definitely recommend this gental read to all.

touching and funny

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