With thanks to Random Things Tours for inviting me to host a stop on the Book tour for A Man of Understanding by Diana Janney. Thanks to Anne Cater and Cogito Publishing Ltd for my copy of the book.
It takes a man of understanding to rebuild a shattered soul, a man with a deep and learned grasp of philosophy and poetry, a man who can nurture and inspire an enquiring mind, a man with the wit and humour to bring the world alive.
That enigmatic man is Horatio Hennessy. His grandson Blue is that shattered soul. Following the death of twelve-year-old Blue’s parents, his new home is a Finca in the mountains of Mallorca, with the grandfather he has never met before. But is Horatio up to the challenge, or is he merely trying, through Blue, to make good his past?
Gradually a bond evolves between them through a shared love of poetry. But when secrets are uncovered, will understanding turn to misunderstanding?
Will two souls be shattered this time?
Absorbing, moving, witty and profound, A Man of Understanding is a beautifully-told story of the search for a higher understanding of the self and others, interlaced with poetry, philosophy and love.
A Man of Understanding is a beautifully told coming of age novel that shows us the relationship between a grandfather and grandson who have never met before.
We are introduced to twelve year old Rufus, just having lost both parents, he is sent to live with his grandfather, Horatio. A man he doesn’t know, who renames him Blue. We see a boy full of pain and confusion with a man who doesn’t speak overly much and when he does it’s the blunt truth. His renaming of Rufus is part of his idea that his grandson needs to find the positives in life after everything he has been through.
Blue settles down in his new life and does enjoy times of closeness with Horatio who is a poet and they discover a joint love of poetry. Their shared grief creates a connection that transcends the need to ‘know’ each other. We do see his grandfather’s softer side, which is a contrast to his more usual strict self.
They travel together through Spain, to Morocco and also France. These times are precious as they discuss poetry, writing and philosophy. Exploring feelings and secrets that have been hidden.
A novel that is multi layered and created the space for me to mull over the meaning of grief, love and guilt in friendship, and within a family. I have not read a book as philosophical as this for quite some time. The plot is there to give a starting point and a little framework through which I could reflect on the themes that Horatio and Blue raised as the story developed.
Such a poetic novel in every way. I could say I felt almost honoured to read A Man of Understanding, I felt like I shared their journey and even became a little more aware from the feelings and thoughts it brought up. I could say I may have blinked a little tear away too.
About the Author
DIANA JANNEY is the author of the novels The Choice and The Infinite Wisdom of Harriet Rose, which has been translated into four languages (Spanish, German, Dutch, Portuguese), produced as an audiobook by the BBC, and the film rights were sold to a British film company. Formerly she practised as a barrister in London, after having qualified as a solicitor at a leading City of London international law firm. She read Philosophy at University College, London, where she received a First for her Masters thesis on Kant and Hume, and three Scholarships. Diana has received international acclaim for her writing, which combines her philosophical knowledge with her wit, poetry and keen observation of human nature.
sharonbeyondthebooks.uk 