Tin Man – Book Review

Tin Man, by Sarah Winman, is a novel that follows the friendship of two young boys, Ellis and Michael, which develops as they grow up. The story moves between time frames and points of view, covering the boys’ childhoods and Ellis’ marriage to Annie, the time between, and the time after. It explores the complex nature of love, loneliness, longing, compassion and forgiveness.

Tin Man is a book that focuses heavily on the characters and setting and less so on plot. Sarah Winman does this well, and each character is interesting and multilayered. They demonstrate the brutality and magnificence of love and loss in an honest and realistic manner.

I loved Sarah’s first book, When God Was a Rabbit, so I was looking forward to this one after hearing so many good reviews. Unfortunately, it just didn’t live up to expectations for me. I am, however, keen to get to her other book, A Year of Marvellous Ways, which has been on my bookshelf for far too long! Although I did not completely enjoy this book, I definitely still recommend it. There is some beautiful writing and the images created are wonderful. Perhaps I just wasn’t in the right mindset for this one at the time. 

I gave it 3 out of 5 stars.