A beautiful, beautiful book. I’d heard such good things about it since it was shortlisted for the Costa Best Novel prize in November that I turned my 6 mile run into work into an 8 mile one so I could go via the bookshop and buy It for the tube journey home. That was 2 days ago and I’ve already finished it.
I’ve tried to explain the story to 3 different people today and found it really hard to – without giving away the plot. But it’s essentially about two boys – thrown together as teenagers – who immediately develop a deep bond of love and friendship. They grow up together and then Annie walks into their lives and changes everything – and yet nothing. It’s also about sunflowers and a painting and the South of France. (I told you it was hard to explain). Suffice it to say it’s a story of deep love, great loss, friendship and small acts of human kindness that at times are so moving it kicks you in the stomach. Sarah Winman’s writing is sparse and yet incredibly powerful. I sat reading it in a cafe this morning (I genuinely haven’t been able to put it down). Twenty pages from the end I had to stop because I thought I was going to cry. Tin Man is hands down one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Tin Man by Sarah Winman
I will definitely put this on my Christmas list! Thanks for the recommendation.
A brilliant book, thank you so much for the recommendation. I got it yesterday and finished it today. As you say: it is unputdownable (is that a word?).
I cried well before the last twenty pages though, so you did quite well! :O)
If unputdownable isn’t a word, it needs to be made one. And I cried at about page 60 – on the tube! Took me completely by surprise!!
I’m about to start this. I’ve read Sarah Winman’s ‘When God was a Rabbit’ and loved it. I’d recommend to anyone. Looking forward to this one. Thanks for the book recommendations – a great idea!
I ordered this book after your recommendation on Twitter. Read it in a day. It tore at my heart and left me with the biggest lump in my throat. Thank you
Brilliant isn’t it. So glad you enjoyed it. S
I’ve just finished this book and I’m feeling I’ve lost something. The book was wonderful, beautifully written and emotionally charged. I felt it was full of humanity and every word counted towards making the story. The characters will remain with me for a long time. A story of friendship, love and acts of kindness. Thanks for the recommendation.
I loved reading this book. Thank you for the recommendation
I wasn’t sure sure for first few pages but just couldn’t put it down after that. Thanks for recommending it Sophie.
glad you liked it – surprisingly poignant.
What a moving story. Part of the book reminded me a little of the journals of Derek Jarman. Great recommendation.