There is so much to savor in Tin Man, Sarah Winman’s wistful novel about three people who defy the constraints of conventional love.
Author Sarah Winman tells this tender story in just about 200 pages. It is a slim volume, chock full of emotion.
Tin Man
The novel opens with Ellis’ mother winning a painting in a raffle: a reproduction of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. To her dictatorial husband’s consternation, she accepts the painting instead of a bottle of whisky as an alternative, and defiantly hangs it in their living room. To her, it is a cherished work of art, something that inspires her in her bleak existence. To him, it is a waste of wall space. It is also a symbol of the discord in their marriage.
Twelve year-old Ellis has a penchant for art, and his mother encourages him to follow his passion. Upon her untimely death, however, Ellis’ father forbids him to continue his studies and insists that he learn a trade.
The first half of Tin Man is told through the point of view of the now 46 year-old Ellis, who works the night shift at a car repair shop. He is a widower living a solitary existence, and dwells on memories of those he loved.
We learn about the brief teenage love affair with best friend Michael that left Ellis filled with remorse and in denial about his sexuality. When the story fast forwards about ten years, Ellis and Michael are still close friends, drifting in and out of each other’s life, but then Ellis meets Annie, falls in love, and gets married. Michael not only accepts this with grace, but comes to love Annie as a friend as well. The trio becomes inseparable until Michael abruptly leaves one day with Ellis and Annie wondering what happened.
The second half of the novel is told from Michael’s perspective, and we learn why he has disappeared. He too is lonely and has suffered loss. He faithfully cares for his AIDS-stricken lover and grieves when he is gone. After years of self-reflection, he returns to London to reunite with his friends.
Tin Man is a gentle and heart-tugging story that is just about perfect in its execution. The story jumps back and forth through different time periods and we gradually put the pieces of the puzzle together. Winman writes in an understated way that is so effective in this story. She validates each character with compassion and understanding, without being overly sentimental.
Just as Wildflowers is a treasured piece of art, so is this lovely little novel that will shatter your heart and then repair it, over and over again.
One of my lucky readers will receive a copy of Tin Man. Please leave a comment on the Books is Wonderful Facebook page and a winner will be randomly selected. US addresses only, please.
I received a copy of Tin Man from Putman for an honest review, which is the only kind of review I write.
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