In the Shape of a Man

by Paul Clayton

On the border between the necropolis of Colma, home to over two million dead souls and 1,794 somewhat live ones -- and the gritty industrial working-class town of South City --

At 1015 Crestview, little seven-year-old Reynaldo cowers under the escalating abuse hurled by an adoptive mother who now sees him as a burden.

Allen, a workaholic Silicon Valley techie, seeks relief from domestic conflict by slipping away to sample the sweet brews at McCoy’s, a mysterious pub and Hell’s Angels hangout.

Up the street, young adults Rad and Tawny drift between the worlds of skateboarding and community activism, free love and commitment. Sampling Buddhism and squabbling with the relatives, they avoid thinking about the 15-foot Burmese python in their garage.

Does evil exist? Is it still with us? How would it manifest in modern life? This genre-bending novel of alienation and betrayal suggests that evil, as well as redemption, can come In the Shape of a Man.

Paul Clayton is the author of Carl Melcher Goes to Vietnam , which was short listed for a 2001 Frankfurt eBook Award, along with works by Joyce Carol Oates and David McCullough.

“Society’s ambivalence about the value of children, and personal responsibility, creates drama in two neighboring households. The haunting story of little adopted Reynaldo will send you running to hug your kids.”
-- Stephen Gallup, author of What About the Boy

Excerpt:
Reynaldo couldn’t sleep. He got out of bed and went out into the hallway. He saw Daddy sitting in front of the TV. Reynaldo looked back down the hallway at Christine’s door. He knew Mommy would not come out tonight. She would sleep in Christine’s room.

Reynaldo crept down to the living room. Daddy didn’t hear him approach as he watched the TV with his back to him. On the TV, an animal that looked like a large rat hurriedly crossed a jungle clearing. It came to a swamp and stood on its hind legs, quickly looking around, its little black animal eyes full of worry. It jumped into the water, making a splash, and started swimming. Somewhere else, a big snake raised its head at the sound. It slithered down the mud bank and entered the waters of the swamp. The rat thing looked around suddenly, sensing danger, then swam forward in a fury. The snake went under the water. Reynaldo watched open-mouthed as the water erupted and the coils of the snake engulfed the rat thing like huge thick ropes. The rat thing struggled frantically and the snake encircled it with more coils. Reynaldo saw the rat thing’s eyes full of fear and pleading. He imagined Mommy’s face on the rat thing as more coils encircled it, the look of fear freezing into a look of motionless nothingness. He watched, enthralled.

326 pages, Paperback

Published July 8, 2013

About the author

Paul Clayton is the author of a three-book historical series on the Spanish Conquest of the Floridas ― Calling Crow, Flight of the Crow, and Calling Crow Nation (Putnam/Berkley), and a novel, Carl Melcher Goes to Vietnam (St. Martin’s Press), based on his own experiences. Carl Melcher Goes to Vietnam was a finalist at the Frankfurt eBook Awards, along with works by Joyce Carol Oates (Faithless) and David McCullough (John Adams). Paul's historical novel, White Seed: The Untold Story of the Lost Colony of Roanoke, was a semifinalist in the Amazon ABNA awards, a Readers Choice Bronze Medalist, an Honorable Mention at the San Francisco Book Festival, and a Finalist at the International Book Awards.

Paul writes sci-fi/fantasy as well, his latest works include: Strange Worlds, In the Shape of a Man, Van Ripplewink, Crossing Over, and Talk to a Real, Live Girl.

Paul currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his son and daughter.

Reviews

[Deirdre Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think there is a point in every parent's life when you realize that for your own sanity, some literature is off limits to you. Maybe it's the first time you hold your child and you realize how vulnerable it is. Maybe it's the first time your child has an injury or a scary avoided accident and you understand that you, and only you, are truly responsible for keeping them safe. Or maybe it's when something terrible happens to someone else's child and you can't help imagining how much pain it would have caused you to be that child's parent. Whichever it is, at some point, you have to stop worrying about all the awful things that could happen to your children. So, you rule out certain stories, hoping that way you can at least stop worrying about the made-up dangers at least. Even when those stories are beautiful and complex and even redemptive. Nevil Shute's On the Beach is one. Cormac McCarthy's The Road is another. After reading In the Shape of a Man, I wish that I could say that this was one of those books too. But I can't, because unlike the events in On the Beach or The Road, the situations in this novel happen every day. Because too many of us are like one of the main characters, Allen, and we lack the courage to stand up and do something about it.

It would be too easy to tell you to skip this book, because it's painful and it makes the reader examine their own lives to the microscopic level. It would be easy to ding it in the rating or the review because the subject matter makes the reader squirm with discomfort and anxiety. If it were poorly written, the reader could dismiss their discomfort by attributing it to the story's style or structure. Unfortunately, this book is brilliantly written. Part of it is the fact that the reader could step into any of the characters' shoes and imagine themselves becoming similar. Hero or villain or bystander, they are all so believable that I found myself becoming terrified that I could be, or had been any of them. All the elements are very subtle. Character, plot, setting. There is no gore, no over-the-top events, nothing unusual at all. Therein lies the genius of the novel. And while you are paying attention to what you think is the story, the real story creeps up around you, piles up with tiny hints and asides, until it caves in on you at the conclusion.

It would be easy to say this book is too hard, because it will break your heart. It would be easy to say it's not worth it, because although the ending is redemptive in some respects, nothing can undo what's gone before it. I can't say skip this book, it's too hard, it's not worth the heartache. Because it's one of the most worthwhile works of fiction I've read in a long, long time. It's made me examine my own relationships- not just with my kids, but with my own parents, with my neighbors, with my spouse. It's made me appreciate the life I have, the life I've been able to give to my children and how important it is not to stand silently by when something isn't right. Even, or especially, when I'm wondering if it's any of my business. And a book that can do that- how could that be something I was willing to skip?

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received from GoodReads first reads giveaway.

This was a very well written book. Depressing, heartbreaking, and eye opening are words I would use to describe this wonderfully written book. In the Shape of a Man is about relationships, about responsibilities, about actions, about lack of action, about failing to act, and consequences for what we do or fail to do. It is not an easy book to read but I am glad that I read it. This book is about 2 sets of people who live on the same street. Both have preconceived notions and judgments about the other couple. Each have their own set of problems. In one home Rad and Tawny are unmarried. Rad has dreams of being a professional skateboarder. Realizing his dream wont be realized, Rad becomes involved in activism and turns to another woman. In the other home, Allen senses something is wrong but ultimately turns a blind eye to the abuse that his adopted son Reynaldo is enduring at the hand of Tina (Allen's wife and Reynaldo's adoptive Mother). Fearing uncomfortable consequences he prefers to stay in the dark and find solace in a bar. I wont say much more so as not to give away the rest of the book. Although painful at times to read it is a worthwhile read. Highly recommend.

[Michell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written. Depressing as hell.

[Stephen Gallup · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many years ago, in grad school, I heard a visiting lecturer say that life is a struggle--or at least that it felt like a struggle to him. That made an impression on me, because everyone else in academia projected a serene air of being personally above the messy dilemmas and conflicts depicted in the literature they discussed so easily.

Life felt like a struggle to me too, and I read stories because I recognized the issues being dramatized. Yes, I understood that reading great literature is its own reward, but I also wanted to see examples of how a character's action, or inaction, could alter the course of events. I hoped the perspective would enable me to make wiser choices in my own life.

Paul Clayton's new novel, In the Shape of a Man, portrays a problem that is all too familiar in today's world. The problem plays out in two neighboring homes in a modest San Francisco suburb. In one, Allen Collins feels tired from working long hours at a meaningless job and uneasy about indications that his wife has begun rejecting (hopefully not abusing!) their adopted son Reynaldo. Allen tries to tell himself that they have a good life together, but he knows something is very wrong. He knows there will be no improvement if he does not take steps. On the other hand, every course of action available to him has unattractive costs. And so the steps he takes lead only to a nearby bar.

His reluctance to act means another cost must be borne by the helpless child for whom he is ultimately responsible.

Down the street, a young adult named Rad is brimming with energy but has no good outlet for it. He could be a great professional skateboarder, if only he could get a sponsor. Failing in that, he turns his focus to community activism, and then to a seductive girl. Meanwhile, Tawny, the woman with whom he has been living, has missed her period. How inconvenient a baby would be at this point! She should get that fixed, right?

All these people are exposed to others who appear to have more stable and satisfying lives, and who offer points of reference, if not actual guidance. But outsiders can do very little. The choices each of us faces are ours alone. In the Shape of a Man is a story about ambivalence, about finding distractions and dodging responsibility because nobody sees a clear reason for doing otherwise. That, I believe, is at the heart of our culture's challenges today. In the Shape of a Man may inspire you to go out and fight the good fight. It will definitely send you running to hug your kids.

[Nicole Dunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading In The Shape Of A Man. It is written by Paul Clayton. It takes place in Colma, California.

This book is about two different couples going through their own problems. One is married and the others aren't. The wife is abusive to her and her husband's adopted son. The husband does nothing to stop it. Meanwhile, the non-married couple struggles to keep working and pay the bills. Both couples live down the street from each other. They both think less of the other couple.

I think this book is a great portrayal of some of the evils we face in society. I think many people should read this book. It was a real eye opener for me. In all honesty, I didn't think I would like the book at first, but I stuck with it anyways. I am glad I did now. This was a very enjoyable read. There were a few things I'd of liked them to have gone more into in the end, but I think they leave that open for interpretation on purpose.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In another bizarre development, animal control officers and police reported a death involving a large snake”

Author Paul Clayton has an impressive career as a successful writer. His repertoire is rather vast – Historical books ‘Calling Crow ‘Flight of the Crow’ and ‘Calling Crow Nation’ his trilogy of the Southeast Series, White Seed: The Untold Story of the Lost Colony of Roanoke; ‘White Seed: The Untold Story of Roanoke, a novel about the American War in Vietnam ‘Carl Melcher Goes to Vietnam’; socio-racial dysfunction ‘Van Ripplewink: You Can’t Go Home Again’; Science Fiction/Fantasy ‘Strange Worlds’ and this horror story of contemporary placement ‘In the Shape of a Man’.

Paul’s ability to gel character development in a manner than makes the population of hi stories credible adds to the terror he asserts as he build s this strange story – all the more strange because the settings in which he places the tale feel as real as newsprint.

For example, Paul’s escalation of child abuse is previewed as he opens this story – ‘The San Francisco Bay Area of California, June, 1999… 1015 Skyview Drive - Reynaldo Collins’ eyes opened when he heard the radio alarm go off in his parents’ bedroom. The music went away suddenly. A few moments later came the running of water in the sink. He knew the sounds by heart. Next would come the click of the medicine cabinet, the buzz of the shaver. As Reynaldo lay in bed he realized that the fog was outside. When the fog came and surrounded the house, little sounds seemed louder. He looked around. Gray light seeped into the room from around the edges of the shades on his window. He could see the rectangular shape of his Power Rangers poster on the wall, but could not see the Rangers’ brightly colored outfits or read the words on the poster. Reynaldo heard a door open. He slid out of bed and knelt, pressing his ear to his bedroom door as Daddy passed in the hall. He heard Daddy fill his water bottle at the kitchen sink. The refrigerator opened and shut. A few minutes elapsed and he heard the squeak of the handle on Daddy’s briefcase, then the rattle of the chain lock coming off. The door closed and locked and Reynaldo slipped out of his room. He crept into the living room and parted the curtains slightly, his face curling into a smile. Daddy walked down the drive, fog swirling about him. Daddy opened the van door, then shut it with a hollow metallic clang. The engine started and the van slowly drove off, disappearing like magic into the cloud of fog. As the sound faded, so did the smile on Reynaldo’s face. He heard a sound behind and turned. It was Mommy. “What are you doing out of bed?” “Sorry, Mommy.” “What are you doing out of bed?” “I wanted to see Daddy go to work.” “What did I tell you about getting out of bed before I get up?” “You said that you would put me down in the garage.” And that is only one aspect of this thriller.

Paul’s synopsis serves the plot well – ‘On the border between the necropolis of Colma, home to over two million dead souls and 1,794 somewhat live ones -- and the gritty industrial working-class town of South City --At 1015 Crestview, little seven-year-old Reynaldo cowers under the escalating abuse hurled by an adoptive mother who now sees him as a burden. Allen, a workaholic Silicon Valley techie, seeks relief from domestic conflict by slipping away to sample the sweet brews at McCoy’s, a mysterious pub and Hell’s Angels hangout. Up the street, young adults Rad and Tawny drift between the worlds of skateboarding and community activism, free love and commitment. Sampling Buddhism and squabbling with the relatives, they avoid thinking about the 15-foot Burmese python in their garage. Does evil exist? Is it still with us? How would it manifest in modern life? This genre-bending novel of alienation and betrayal suggests that evil, as well as redemption, can come In the Shape of a Man.’

Few authors are as willing to examine the status of or environment with as keen an eye to possibilities for the future as Paul challenges. Gripping, entertaining, wise and very well written, Paul Clayton has definitely made his mark.

[A_Friend · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Shape of a Man

Great read and characters. Younger couple lived in a house where a friend had left a big snake and came to feed it occasionally. Lot of mystery behind this. Also a man and wife couldn’t have children so they adopted, after she became pregnant and had the daughter she was very mean and abusive to the son they adopted. These people have big changes in their lives. A definite must read

[Judy Stambaugh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not impressed

I kept telling myself that something was going g to happen to bring the story together or to at least liven it up a bit. I finished it only because I hate not finishing a book.

[James Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

“All happy families are alike. Each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” This Tolstoy quote is well evident in Paul Clayton’s In the Shape of a Man. The book offers profiles of two families living on the same block in a San Francisco suburb. In one family, Allen stands humbly by while his Tina, his wife, brutalizes their adoptive son for minor mischief. Against all evidence to the contrary, Allen hopes the problem will go away if he stops dwelling on it. In the other family, Rad aspires for skateboarding glory, a dream that falls apart when he fails to acquire a sponsor. Lacking the capacity for more mature goals, Rad tries to lose himself in a fleeting environmental cause and an extramarital fling. Allen, in his moral reticence, and Rad, in his restless immaturity, are not men so much as imitations of men—hence the title of the book. Dark yet superbly written, In the Shape of a Man is a compelling read.

[Codymontg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from the Goodreads giveaway. The book delves into two troubled relationships. The horror element was built-up gradually with quite a bit of foreshadowing. I liked the growth of the main characters through the book, especially as they learned or failed to learn from their mistakes. I would definitely like to read some more of his stories.

[Paul Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, since I must review and rate it, in order to 'create' it in the Goodreads site, I rated it five stars and I think it's a damn good read, dark, but honest and realistic. Contains no seemingly-invincible arm chair heroes and no fairy dust.

[JailQueen · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's an odd book. Starts off as drama and then takes a turn to the supernatural in the final chapter. Also the book keeps saying "deep-kissed" instead of kissed deeply. It's annoying.