- Paperback: 228 pages
- Publisher: Henry Holt & Company, Inc. (April 1990)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0805011579
- ISBN-13: 978-0805011579
- Product Dimensions: 22.1 x 14.5 x 1.8 cm
- Shipping Weight: 363 g
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #2,020,467 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Publishers Weekly
Wharton ( Birdy ) again relies on a characteristic mix of fantasy and psychological realism in this fable for adults. During WW II, a dying American soldier, William Wiley, and his German captor, Wilhelm Klug, are miraculously rescued by a fox endowed with extraordinary powers, Franky Furbo. For William, the experience is indisputably true; when he discovers later that neither his wife nor children believe in Franky, he endures a crisis of faith and searches desperately for verification. The intricate fantasy is given depth by first-person narration and the utter credibility of William's dilemma. And the book's mystical ending gives Wharton an opportunity to explore new facets of favorite themes: our relationship to nature, the need for peace and tolerance, and the indestructible bonds of love. His vision skirts didacticism and sentimentality, instructing by inspiring. Author tour.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
A painter named William Wiley lives with his free-spirited American family in rural Italy, making a living by writing children's books - and for years enchanting his family with the tales of Franky Furbo, an archetypal, wise old fox that Wiley claims to have spoken to during the War - and that he claims in fact to have been rescued by in body and mind. Wiley, it turns out, really believes he's had this strange encounter, despite the scoffings of psychiatrists and (much more gently) even of his own wife. It is Wharton's turn here that one waits for, the reality inversion that marks all his books (Birdy, Dad, and the much lesser works that have followed), and here it is more radical than ever. Yes, Franky Furbo exists, and his identity finally is so triumphant that you are flooded, as if by a tepid New Age shower, with a Saturday Evening Post-ish tag as well: that only uninhibited family love will save and redeem us. For the reader, diabetic coma is a possibility (be cautious) after this saccharine fantasia, which is without a sense of humor or an added dimension. Wharton's decline as an imaginative writer seems to throw him only toward wilder speculations, sillier scenarios. It's an unhappy thing to see. (Kirkus Reviews)
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.6 out of 5 stars (9 customer reviews)
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wharton's own life makes the book even more intriguing, May 19 2002
By Traveler - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Franky Furbo (Paperback)
I don't want to repeat the accolades and explanations others have made. Suffice to say, this is a hard book to categorize. It's unusual and combines several genres. Some people might dismiss it as too "out there," but if they're patient they'll be rewarded with a wonderful and unique book full of idealism and mythology.What makes this book especially intriguing, and perhaps will even help explain some of the content, is Wharton's (not his real name) own life.
"A Midnight Clear," another book written by Wharton which was also made into an excellent movie, tells the story of an intelligence unit during WW II which "illegally" creates a truce with a nearby German unit. Further research shows that a large portion of "Midnight" is autobiographical. Wharton himself was in an intelligence unit, was disfigured somewhat, and was also classified as a genius by the military. Parts of this history are also shown in "Franky Furbo."
Wharton's own beliefs were clearly shown when he left the US to live in France. Apparently, this was due in part to his disillusionment with the United States for its various actions and policies.
There's simply not enough space to get into all the details of Wharton's life. I recommend anyone who reads the book to do further research. It certainly helps explain "Franky Furbo" because Wharton shares a lot of Franky's beliefs and experiences. It just makes the story that much more mystical and interesting.
A must read for anyone who thinks different or has listened to Lennon's "Imagine" and agreed that we need to get beyond our nationalism and other oppressive beliefs.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mind Expanding Novel..., Jun 29 2000
By Erin Silverstein - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Franky Furbo (Paperback)
This novel is the most impressive work of literature I have read to date. On the surface, it may appear to be a childish book about a talking fox who saves humans from the brink of death and unites enemies in peace, but that does not begin to describe the wonder of this book. It wraps you in a world of peacefulness and idealism; you wish you were there. Then it cements in you a love for the characters and their lives. And finally, in an amazing display of science fiction, romance, and imagination, it smacks you in the face. You will either love this book, or it will make your head hurt and you will not get it at all. In either case, I suppose you'll enjoy the many fonts used to differentiate characters and languages. Ultimately, Franky Furbo is a beautifully flowing book that takes your mind on a rollercoaster of thoughts and imagination. Read it. It's not just about a talking fox.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the five best books I've ever read., Jun 27 1999
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Franky Furbo (Hardcover)
Franky Furbo by William Wharton is a truly magnificent book! This fantasy is often sad; at times you may find it disturbing and difficult to read. Please persevere. You will be rewarded with a story which is enlightening and ultimately uplifting. It is a great book to give to friends and family as a special present, if you can find it. Since it is out-of-print, procuring copies can be a challenge, but it is worth the effort.
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