Father’s Day
By Simon Van Booy
Harper, Hardcover, 9780062408945, April 2016, 304pp.
The Short of It:
A quiet non-traditional story about a father’s love for his daughter.
The Rest of It:
Harvey is just a young girl when her parents are killed in an accident. After the accident, Harvey is placed with Jason, her uncle, who was recently released from prison for a crime he committed as a teen. The two have a lot to learn and with the help of his social worker, Jason learns that fathers aren’t perfect and that the love of a child is something you have to hold dear.
I really enjoyed this story even though I found it to be very different from what I’ve previously read by this author. The language isn’t as poetic as his short story collections. The story is told plainly but the tone and quiet nature of the story really appealed to me.
I enjoyed reading about this unlikely pair. Jason is a little rough around the edges but charming and remorseful for his past actions. He comes across as very genuine and sincere. Harvey is mature and wise and the two seem to understand each other, which makes the story work so well.
In the end, all the pieces come together and what you have is a satisfying read.
Source: Review copy provided by the publisher via Edelweiss.
Disclosure: This post contains Indiebound affiliate links.
Book Chatter 
I just read this. Almost put it down because I didn’t like the writing style..I didn’t feel any emotion. Then nearing the end I felt like I was reading a thriller..what secret was Harvey going to spring on him? Then I read the ending…and …wow. now I can’t stop thinking about it. Nice review..more people need to read this
The writing in this novel is quite different from his story collections. It did seem to all come together in the end but I figured out the big reveal early on.
I know what you mean. When I first started reading this one, I couldn’t believe it was the same author. And then I became so engaged with the story and I could see his storytelling in there finally. I loved this one and how emotional and simple it was. Definitely different from his usual fare, but I liked that about it. I’m so glad you enjoyed it 🙂 Your review is spot on – like always. Great post!!
I haven’t read his work before but have heard a lot about it. Do you think I should start with this one or try his short stories first?
I always hear many interesting things about this author but have yet to read any of his books.
Sounds like a satisfying read
Is it weird that Simon Van Booy is one of those authors that intimidates me? I have one of his books on my ereader but haven’t gotten past the first few pages yet. Though I do like a good quiet book!
Van Booy is a little intimidating in that his writing seems so sophisticated but I find his short stories so readable.
What’d you think of the very final reveal? To me it was maybe a little too neat. I was fine(ish) with everything else that had been revealed up to that point, but when they say the name on the birth certificate, I was just like — okay, this is perhaps a bridge too far.
I felt the same way. I mean, I knew what it was as soon as it was being built up. It was just too perfect for him to be given custody of her given his background. There had to be a reason.
It sounds like a perfect story to be picked up by Hollywood!
Sounds quick and it’s definitely timely 🙂 Alex is right: we might just hear from Hollywood about it soon!
I really want to read this. I love SImon’s stories. They are always just so…special.
His stories are great but this novel has a really different feel. Many have said that it didn’t seem like he wrote it at all. The style is different. I agree. I still enjoyed it though.