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Man, Woman, and Child
From Erich Segal comes an unforgettable story of love: the drama of a father and the son he never knew . . . and a marriage that must stand the greatest test of all.
Bob and Sheila Beckwith had everything: rewarding careers, two wonderful daughters, and a perfect marriage . . . almost perfect. For what Sheila didn’t know was that Bob has once been unfaithful—only once, ten years ago during a business trip to France. What Bob didn’t know was that his brief affair produced a son. Now a tragic accident—and one fateful phone call—will change Bob and Sheila’s life forever. . . .
Bob and Sheila Beckwith had everything: rewarding careers, two wonderful daughters, and a perfect marriage . . . almost perfect. For what Sheila didn’t know was that Bob has once been unfaithful—only once, ten years ago during a business trip to France. What Bob didn’t know was that his brief affair produced a son. Now a tragic accident—and one fateful phone call—will change Bob and Sheila’s life forever. . . .
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1970
50 people are currently reading
1431 people want to read
About the author
Erich Segal
72 books1,306 followersErich Wolf Segal was an American author, screenwriter, and educator. He was best-known for writing the novel Love Story, a bestseller, and writing the motion picture of the same name, which was a major hit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
August 29, 2015
In this book, it’s neither the man, nor the woman, but the child Jean-Claude who grabbed me the most, by his robustness and resilience, and by his dignity.
After his mother’s accidental death in France, Jean-Claude arrives in Boston, to meet his biological father Robert Beckwith, who has his own happy family, but met Jean-Claude’s mother on an academic trip to Montpellier in France. He is still a child, but he knows his place in his father’s life, and does everything he can not to perturb his family, yet seeks out the natural parental protection after his mother dies.
Through discretion and devotion, he manages to win the heart of his father’s family, even reconcile his father from his estranged wife over the exposition of this illicit affair, and gains a position of ‘leader‘ among his father’s children, by managing to pacify that hooligan on the football field by non-violent means.
Robert’s feeling for his illicit son is tested to its limits when Jean-Claude falls sick and nearly perishes. It pushes Robert to reconsider his relation with his family seriously, and his stagnated life, but the same incident also brings the best out his wife’s heart, and she falls for Jean-Claude as her own son.
But Jean-Claude wants to keep his mother’s wish: to go to a school in France his mother always wanted.
The part that wrenched my heart is where Robert is driving Jean-Claude to the airport, and is trying his best to act tough with his feelings, but finally gives in. Then, it’s Jean-Claude who shows him the light to his foggy eyes, and lifts his weight.
When the boarding gate closes behind Jean-Claude, Robert manages to smile again, in the midst of his tears. And, I realized, I was doing the same, because the page was all wet!!
After his mother’s accidental death in France, Jean-Claude arrives in Boston, to meet his biological father Robert Beckwith, who has his own happy family, but met Jean-Claude’s mother on an academic trip to Montpellier in France. He is still a child, but he knows his place in his father’s life, and does everything he can not to perturb his family, yet seeks out the natural parental protection after his mother dies.
Through discretion and devotion, he manages to win the heart of his father’s family, even reconcile his father from his estranged wife over the exposition of this illicit affair, and gains a position of ‘leader‘ among his father’s children, by managing to pacify that hooligan on the football field by non-violent means.
Robert’s feeling for his illicit son is tested to its limits when Jean-Claude falls sick and nearly perishes. It pushes Robert to reconsider his relation with his family seriously, and his stagnated life, but the same incident also brings the best out his wife’s heart, and she falls for Jean-Claude as her own son.
But Jean-Claude wants to keep his mother’s wish: to go to a school in France his mother always wanted.
The part that wrenched my heart is where Robert is driving Jean-Claude to the airport, and is trying his best to act tough with his feelings, but finally gives in. Then, it’s Jean-Claude who shows him the light to his foggy eyes, and lifts his weight.
When the boarding gate closes behind Jean-Claude, Robert manages to smile again, in the midst of his tears. And, I realized, I was doing the same, because the page was all wet!!
Want to read
April 8, 2020I watched this movie years ago,and recently found its Bollywood version,Masoom on youtube.
It is an interesting story and Masoom is a well made film,with fine performances by Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi.Urmila Matondkar,future star,makes her debut as a child actor.
A man has no son from his marriage,but suddenly finds he has one from a previous affair.Now that child needs a home.Can his marriage survive in the aftermath ?
Well worth watching.
It is an interesting story and Masoom is a well made film,with fine performances by Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi.Urmila Matondkar,future star,makes her debut as a child actor.
A man has no son from his marriage,but suddenly finds he has one from a previous affair.Now that child needs a home.Can his marriage survive in the aftermath ?
Well worth watching.
February 6, 2022
Nei romanzi di Erich Segal, nonostante la prosa colloquiale e lo stile scorrevole, c’è quella profondità, nelle tematiche, nei profili dei personaggi, nelle riflessioni che ne scaturiscono, che a mio avviso costituisce il pregio dei grandi scrittori di ieri. E che lo contraddistingue da quelli di oggi, i quali (non tutti, chiaramente) nei loro romanzi super-letti e super-venduti, scrivono in maniera altrettanto semplice ma dietro questa semplicità c’è la banalità, il nulla. E invece anche la semplicità può essere ricca di spessore e di sfumature. Può essere un valore, un pregio, ed è questo che diventa nelle storie di Segal.
“Un uomo una donna e un bambino”, poi, credo che sia un romanzo ancora più profondo e complesso (nelle dinamiche e nelle tematiche trattate, al di là dello stile, appunto), rispetto al più noto “Love story”. Un romanzo di grandissimo spessore, che analizza senza filtri i moti dell’animo dei personaggi, la cui vita viene improvvisamente travolta da un evento inatteso che li metterà a dura prova, cambiandoli per sempre. E l’evento ha il nome di Jean Paul, un dolce ragazzino francese rimasto orfano di madre e del quale il padre Bob, professore universitario felicemente sposato, ignorava totalmente l’esistenza: è stato infatti il frutto di una notte di passione extraconiugale di Bob con un “amore” giovanile che lui aveva rimosso, ed entra così, inaspettatamente e tragicamente, nella sua vita e in quella della sua famiglia, mettendo in crisi il rapporto con la moglie e con le due figlie. L’amore e la serenità della routine di Bob sembra dunque lasciar posto all’incomprensione, alla freddezza, al dubbio, alla disillusione nei confronti di una vita che si pensava idilliaca e che invece si è rivelata fragile e fasulla. Tutti gli equilibri cadono. Ma poi accadrà un evento che rimescolerà nuovamente le carte in gioco. E anche stavolta sono arrivata alla fine molto emozionata, perché, anche stavolta, come in Love story, la storia si chiude con una separazione (qui in forma diversa, ovviamente) proprio quando tu dei personaggi in questione sei già innamorata come una pera cotta e li vorresti lì, tutti insieme felicemente come una famiglia del Mulino Bianco. E invece…e invece questo romanzo è più simile alla vita che a uno spot del Mulino Bianco, e questo lo rende ancora più pregevole e apprezzabile.
Dalla copertina, poi, mi è giunto il vago ricordo di un film che ne è stato tratto, ma non ricordo quando e se l’ho visto…proverò a cercarlo, ma in ogni caso con grande difficoltà riuscirà a regalarmi lo stesso picco emozionale regalato dal romanzo. ù
In conclusione? Bellissimo. Oserei definire Segal un autore molto vicino ai grandi minimalisti, scrive di personaggi normali, con una prosa semplice e spoglia ma nella quale si ritrova un inestimabile valore.
“Un uomo una donna e un bambino”, poi, credo che sia un romanzo ancora più profondo e complesso (nelle dinamiche e nelle tematiche trattate, al di là dello stile, appunto), rispetto al più noto “Love story”. Un romanzo di grandissimo spessore, che analizza senza filtri i moti dell’animo dei personaggi, la cui vita viene improvvisamente travolta da un evento inatteso che li metterà a dura prova, cambiandoli per sempre. E l’evento ha il nome di Jean Paul, un dolce ragazzino francese rimasto orfano di madre e del quale il padre Bob, professore universitario felicemente sposato, ignorava totalmente l’esistenza: è stato infatti il frutto di una notte di passione extraconiugale di Bob con un “amore” giovanile che lui aveva rimosso, ed entra così, inaspettatamente e tragicamente, nella sua vita e in quella della sua famiglia, mettendo in crisi il rapporto con la moglie e con le due figlie. L’amore e la serenità della routine di Bob sembra dunque lasciar posto all’incomprensione, alla freddezza, al dubbio, alla disillusione nei confronti di una vita che si pensava idilliaca e che invece si è rivelata fragile e fasulla. Tutti gli equilibri cadono. Ma poi accadrà un evento che rimescolerà nuovamente le carte in gioco. E anche stavolta sono arrivata alla fine molto emozionata, perché, anche stavolta, come in Love story, la storia si chiude con una separazione (qui in forma diversa, ovviamente) proprio quando tu dei personaggi in questione sei già innamorata come una pera cotta e li vorresti lì, tutti insieme felicemente come una famiglia del Mulino Bianco. E invece…e invece questo romanzo è più simile alla vita che a uno spot del Mulino Bianco, e questo lo rende ancora più pregevole e apprezzabile.
Dalla copertina, poi, mi è giunto il vago ricordo di un film che ne è stato tratto, ma non ricordo quando e se l’ho visto…proverò a cercarlo, ma in ogni caso con grande difficoltà riuscirà a regalarmi lo stesso picco emozionale regalato dal romanzo. ù
In conclusione? Bellissimo. Oserei definire Segal un autore molto vicino ai grandi minimalisti, scrive di personaggi normali, con una prosa semplice e spoglia ma nella quale si ritrova un inestimabile valore.
March 31, 2015
The reason of picking this book was the movie I had watched based on this work. I finished it in about 4 hours which was rather good. Like the movie, this book too pulled the strings of my heart. However, it fell a tad short in making me cry. Ermm... That's my yardstick to declare a book in drama genre, 5-star worthy!
October 23, 2017
Man, Woman and Child by Erich Segal Sheila and Bob lead the perfect life, successful in their jobs, 2 daughters, an epitome of a marriage - but Bob has kept a secret for 10 years, a secret that comes back to haunt him when he takes a call from France.
Years ago, I read Segal's "Doctors" 3 times, I read Acts of Faith, Love Story, Oliver's Story and Prizes and I remember them all, especially Doctors, very fondly. Maybe that's why this book ultimately disappointed me. First of all, the prose seemed incredibly simple and dispassionate at times.
And secondly and more importantly, how can a matter so complex as having a child from an affair a decade ago turn up, be handled properly in just over 200 pages? 50 of which deal with flashbacks to the beginnings of Sheila and Bob's relationship and to his affair? The focus is with the family the boy comes into, but the boy himself who after all just lost practically his whole world, is more a footnote. Where's just one thought about what's best for this child? Instead we read about 2 spoiled girls, Sheila who's tempted to sort of return the affair-favour, and Bob who just feels guilty. But the premise would have deserved much more...
That the book still gets an average rating is due to the fact that in the end, I got sucked into the story. But the disappointment remains.
Years ago, I read Segal's "Doctors" 3 times, I read Acts of Faith, Love Story, Oliver's Story and Prizes and I remember them all, especially Doctors, very fondly. Maybe that's why this book ultimately disappointed me. First of all, the prose seemed incredibly simple and dispassionate at times.
And secondly and more importantly, how can a matter so complex as having a child from an affair a decade ago turn up, be handled properly in just over 200 pages? 50 of which deal with flashbacks to the beginnings of Sheila and Bob's relationship and to his affair? The focus is with the family the boy comes into, but the boy himself who after all just lost practically his whole world, is more a footnote. Where's just one thought about what's best for this child? Instead we read about 2 spoiled girls, Sheila who's tempted to sort of return the affair-favour, and Bob who just feels guilty. But the premise would have deserved much more...
That the book still gets an average rating is due to the fact that in the end, I got sucked into the story. But the disappointment remains.
September 17, 2014
"Man, Woman and Child" by Erich Segal has a very powerful story with varying emotions such as love, compassion, jealousy, betrayal and hurt between a man, woman and a child. Simply put, it is a triangle of emotion that is formed here through the book. Life can take unexpected turns at various points, but how the turn is endured forms the core premise in the book. Each individual has their own ways of living and showing the world that they are not dependent on anybody. This is shown best by this little boy who spends all his free time mastering Shakespeare, history, science to enable him to pursue the dream which his mother had seen for him. A true true masterpiece. The more important aspect in the book is the way in which it maps the development of relationships and breakdowns between people due to a single incident. The story unfolds beautifully and if there was one book by Erich Segal you must read, let it be this one!
November 11, 2009
Erich Segal is one of my fav authors and never fails to impress me. This book of his, goes straight to my All Time Favorite list. If there is any author who knows how to bring out emotions and make you bawl like a baby then it is Segal.
Fidelity is something that is becoming a rare virtue in today’s fast pacing world. May be in the next century Infidelity might be in fashion. Who knows ! But this cannot be generalized. Nonetheless a strong marriage needs strong commitments from both partners. The vows taken if handled lightly can bring about catastrophes unimaginable. Now who needs to be reminded of Glenn Close – Micheal Douglas starer Fatal Attraction. :) That’s where it may lead. Ok, I know that’s extreme but yet, infidelity can have effects , some really profound effects. That is what forms the crux of this novel.
Sheila Beckwith has a perfect family , a loving husband Bob , two beautiful daughters Jessica and Paula , a job she loves , what more can one ask for ? All this was until ,she got to know that her husband Bob had a brief affair with Nicole, a French doctor, when he had been to France on a business trip and Bob fathered a son , about whom he knew nothing until the day he received a phone call informing him of Nicole’s death. Now, Jean Claude is an orphan and the responsibility falls on Bob, to take care of him . Sheila reluctantly agrees to let him stay with her family and thus begins ,the couples new journey towards accepting one another for being not so perfect , a journey of accepting a new member in to their fold ,knowing very well that he is the image of all that is threatening to break their marriage and family apart.
Characters are kept very real .It’s not a fairy tale. It’s a take on real incidents, real situations .That’s what I love about Erich Segal. The interactions among the children are endearing and certain moments in the book make us reflect on human weakness , those that are almost always avoidable but are committed nonetheless and regretted all life.A story of love,a story of forgiveness . It’s a story of acceptance.
It’s a good read. Totally recommended , though I needed a box of tissues for all the crying I did.
Fidelity is something that is becoming a rare virtue in today’s fast pacing world. May be in the next century Infidelity might be in fashion. Who knows ! But this cannot be generalized. Nonetheless a strong marriage needs strong commitments from both partners. The vows taken if handled lightly can bring about catastrophes unimaginable. Now who needs to be reminded of Glenn Close – Micheal Douglas starer Fatal Attraction. :) That’s where it may lead. Ok, I know that’s extreme but yet, infidelity can have effects , some really profound effects. That is what forms the crux of this novel.
Sheila Beckwith has a perfect family , a loving husband Bob , two beautiful daughters Jessica and Paula , a job she loves , what more can one ask for ? All this was until ,she got to know that her husband Bob had a brief affair with Nicole, a French doctor, when he had been to France on a business trip and Bob fathered a son , about whom he knew nothing until the day he received a phone call informing him of Nicole’s death. Now, Jean Claude is an orphan and the responsibility falls on Bob, to take care of him . Sheila reluctantly agrees to let him stay with her family and thus begins ,the couples new journey towards accepting one another for being not so perfect , a journey of accepting a new member in to their fold ,knowing very well that he is the image of all that is threatening to break their marriage and family apart.
Characters are kept very real .It’s not a fairy tale. It’s a take on real incidents, real situations .That’s what I love about Erich Segal. The interactions among the children are endearing and certain moments in the book make us reflect on human weakness , those that are almost always avoidable but are committed nonetheless and regretted all life.A story of love,a story of forgiveness . It’s a story of acceptance.
It’s a good read. Totally recommended , though I needed a box of tissues for all the crying I did.
August 18, 2019
This is the book that inspired Shekhar Kapur to make Masoom .
I loved that movie and that is the only reason I read this.
I loved the movie though a lot more.
This is a quick read.
If you haven't read similar things you might end up a bit sad about how things end.
What does it teach you?
Don't get carried away.
Period.
Note- This book not only inspired the movie as I said before but was almost copied by Oceans Apart . which kept me nagging throughout
I loved that movie and that is the only reason I read this.
I loved the movie though a lot more.
This is a quick read.
If you haven't read similar things you might end up a bit sad about how things end.
What does it teach you?
Don't get carried away.
Period.
Note- This book not only inspired the movie as I said before but was almost copied by Oceans Apart . which kept me nagging throughout
September 21, 2015
أحب طريقة اريك سيغال في سود رواياته، ورسم شخوصه ونفسياتهم.. ماذا سيحدث للعائلة حينما يكتشف الأب أن لديه طفل غير شرعي منذ عشر سنوات.. كيف سينضم للعائلة؟ كيف سيتقبل الطفل؟ والزوجة؟... كل مرة أقف مع مشاعر أحدهما، ولا أنجح في الفصل، هنا لا أبيض ولا أسود...
October 14, 2012
Great story...wonder if he based this on someone he knew, the story was what I imagined his life was like. Academics, and universities, and middle-aged marriages...and the things we do in life.
August 2, 2024
I liked the idea behind this book. It has so much potential, but I found the writing to be kind of bland. The characters aren't very relatable and the dialogue isn't very realistic. It's always a pet peeve of mine when characters overuse each other's names in conversation. I probably wouldn't recommend this to someone, but if I ran into someone reading it on the train, I wouldn't say bad things about it
May 16, 2019
The book is about love and forgiveness. Good book, well written, I would say this is better than Love Story.
January 20, 2008
This book was cheezy. The plot was intriguing, but the characters were so lame. In particular, there are three children that are supposed to be 9, 10, and 12, but speak like immature 30-year-olds. After reading the book, I read the "About the Author" section, and discovered that Erich Segal actually has a 9-year-old daughter. Lame.
Furthermore, not to spoil anything, but the ending left a lot to be desired. The only positive thing I can say about this book is that I think he did a nice job portraying some of the sweeter moments in the relationships.
Furthermore, not to spoil anything, but the ending left a lot to be desired. The only positive thing I can say about this book is that I think he did a nice job portraying some of the sweeter moments in the relationships.
August 17, 2024
Visai malonus romanas, skaityti nesunku, veikėjai įtikinami, siužetas irgi ne toks paprastas, kaip gali iš pirmo žvilgsnio atrodyti - tikrai daug siužeto tropų sugriaunama.
Ypač rekomenduočiau vyrams, potencialiai netoli arba jau vaikų gamybos amžiaus.
Ypač rekomenduočiau vyrams, potencialiai netoli arba jau vaikų gamybos amžiaus.
December 1, 2019
Short and likable book.
My first book of Erich Segal, it was good.
My first book of Erich Segal, it was good.
February 5, 2018
Pese a que sólo he leído dos obras del autor, comienzo a creer que su estilo es bastante predecible: "El ser humano reacciona sólo ante las tragedias"
Sé que es así, sin embargo la manera en la que lo aborda Segal no me convence del todo.
Además el final me dejó algo perpleja. ¿Qué se supone que significa? Dejando de lado lo emocional... ¿alguien quiere pensar en los gastos?
No tienen ni idea de lo mal que me cayeron el par de hijas malcriadas de Bob y lo impresionada que quedé con el gran contraste respecto a Jean-Claude; lo que te hace cuestionarte si educan mejor a los niños en Francia.
No he vivido nada parecido al tema principal del libro y no sé si esa sea la razón de que la historia me haya dejado tan indiferente.
Sé que es así, sin embargo la manera en la que lo aborda Segal no me convence del todo.
Además el final me dejó algo perpleja. ¿Qué se supone que significa? Dejando de lado lo emocional... ¿alguien quiere pensar en los gastos?
No tienen ni idea de lo mal que me cayeron el par de hijas malcriadas de Bob y lo impresionada que quedé con el gran contraste respecto a Jean-Claude; lo que te hace cuestionarte si educan mejor a los niños en Francia.
No he vivido nada parecido al tema principal del libro y no sé si esa sea la razón de que la historia me haya dejado tan indiferente.
February 4, 2017
Review : Man, Woman and Child.
I have heard a lot of Erich Segal, about his immense way of blending the emotions. Man, Woman and Child, shows it well. It's a story of a couple, enjoying a successful and almost perfect married life, until a child, Jean Claude, who happens to be, this man's child, from the lady with whom he had an affair, in France, while he was on his academic trip. More than, man and woman, it was the child Jean Claude who grabbed my attention the most, throughout the novel, with his robust and pleasing way. It was the charm of his personality that even, two young daughters of Robert beckwith, makes up a good friendship with him, though, knowing him to be the product of their father's illicit affair. Besides, I truly fell in love with the character of Sheila Beckwith for her immense kindness and patience, the way she dealt with the situation, although, being completely torn up from inside, due to the betrayal of her husband. But, her firm belief in her husband and their marriage,was what brought them all together at last. And Jean Claude too, respecting the decision of his dead mother, decided to move away to France, for this education. Which ends the story on a good note.
Amazing blend of love, hatred, compassion, jealously, betrayal and all those emotions. This novel, gave me something, I would keep up forever with me, specially what Shiela Beckwith and Jean Claude taught me. If you are planning to read Erich Segal, then this novel surely can prove to be a good pick.
#Review
I have heard a lot of Erich Segal, about his immense way of blending the emotions. Man, Woman and Child, shows it well. It's a story of a couple, enjoying a successful and almost perfect married life, until a child, Jean Claude, who happens to be, this man's child, from the lady with whom he had an affair, in France, while he was on his academic trip. More than, man and woman, it was the child Jean Claude who grabbed my attention the most, throughout the novel, with his robust and pleasing way. It was the charm of his personality that even, two young daughters of Robert beckwith, makes up a good friendship with him, though, knowing him to be the product of their father's illicit affair. Besides, I truly fell in love with the character of Sheila Beckwith for her immense kindness and patience, the way she dealt with the situation, although, being completely torn up from inside, due to the betrayal of her husband. But, her firm belief in her husband and their marriage,was what brought them all together at last. And Jean Claude too, respecting the decision of his dead mother, decided to move away to France, for this education. Which ends the story on a good note.
Amazing blend of love, hatred, compassion, jealously, betrayal and all those emotions. This novel, gave me something, I would keep up forever with me, specially what Shiela Beckwith and Jean Claude taught me. If you are planning to read Erich Segal, then this novel surely can prove to be a good pick.
#Review
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January 9, 2015جان كلود ، الطفل الذي اتى عبر علاقة عابرة بين الامريكي المتزوج عالم الاحصاء (بكويث )
و الطبيبة الفرنسية الشابة ( نيكول غيرين ) آبان الثورة الطلابية الفرنسية في الستينات.
ان هذا الطفل البريء الجميل كان شرارة بعثت الاضطراب في عائلة ( بكويث مع زوجتة وابنتيه جيسكا المراهة وبولا الصغيرة ).
لقد تناولت الرواية سكيولوجيا العائلة والعلاقة الزوجية والمقدرة على التعامل مع خيانة الشريك.
فمثلا؛ حينما راود زوجة بكويث ان ترضخ لاغراء زبونها في العمل كانت بهذا العمل في ((لاشعورها)) تعاقب زوجها على خيانته.
ومثال اخر: حينما كانت تحس بكراهية تجاه الطفل جام كلود وتشعر بذنب في نفس الوقت بشبب انه لم يكن السبب بل يجب ان تكره زوجها.لقد كان صراعا داخلها.
وبشكل عام فالرواية تروي صراعا سيكولوجيا يتجلى بين هذه الشخصيات وفي اعماقها وذلك من اجل المحافظة على بقائها كما كانت على الاقل.. ولكن تطور الصراع والاحداث يفضي الى نتائج متوقعة وغير متوقعة.. وهذا ما على القارئ ان يستشفه!
ولكن ما اعجبني هو صلابة الطفل وبنفس الوقت احسست بحزن شديد تجاه ما واجهه فهو لم يختر كل هذا . وبرغم ذلك فهو قوي جدا وذو شخصية فريدة بحق.
و الطبيبة الفرنسية الشابة ( نيكول غيرين ) آبان الثورة الطلابية الفرنسية في الستينات.
ان هذا الطفل البريء الجميل كان شرارة بعثت الاضطراب في عائلة ( بكويث مع زوجتة وابنتيه جيسكا المراهة وبولا الصغيرة ).
لقد تناولت الرواية سكيولوجيا العائلة والعلاقة الزوجية والمقدرة على التعامل مع خيانة الشريك.
فمثلا؛ حينما راود زوجة بكويث ان ترضخ لاغراء زبونها في العمل كانت بهذا العمل في ((لاشعورها)) تعاقب زوجها على خيانته.
ومثال اخر: حينما كانت تحس بكراهية تجاه الطفل جام كلود وتشعر بذنب في نفس الوقت بشبب انه لم يكن السبب بل يجب ان تكره زوجها.لقد كان صراعا داخلها.
وبشكل عام فالرواية تروي صراعا سيكولوجيا يتجلى بين هذه الشخصيات وفي اعماقها وذلك من اجل المحافظة على بقائها كما كانت على الاقل.. ولكن تطور الصراع والاحداث يفضي الى نتائج متوقعة وغير متوقعة.. وهذا ما على القارئ ان يستشفه!
ولكن ما اعجبني هو صلابة الطفل وبنفس الوقت احسست بحزن شديد تجاه ما واجهه فهو لم يختر كل هذا . وبرغم ذلك فهو قوي جدا وذو شخصية فريدة بحق.
October 2, 2017
The problem with Erich Segal novels is that you ought to read them before you've read any other books. As I have experienced through Man, Woman and Child and his other immensely popular Love Story, the author explores topics that have been run down over the years. So the element of novelty is lost; although you must admit that the treatment meted out by Segal to these topics is far more superior.
Man, Woman and Child is based on the subject of infidelity and its repercussions on a perfect family. What should have been a black and white concept doesn't remain so. While you maintain anger towards the man whose actions threaten to break his family, you are quick to reproach the woman-his wife, when a similar situation presents her way.
The presence of the child (from the other woman) perfectly binds the thread of the story. He is a poster child, as is expected, but nowhere does the handling of his character seem cloying.
Sensitivity towards creation of the characters and unravelling of the plot shines throughout.
Man, Woman and Child is based on the subject of infidelity and its repercussions on a perfect family. What should have been a black and white concept doesn't remain so. While you maintain anger towards the man whose actions threaten to break his family, you are quick to reproach the woman-his wife, when a similar situation presents her way.
The presence of the child (from the other woman) perfectly binds the thread of the story. He is a poster child, as is expected, but nowhere does the handling of his character seem cloying.
Sensitivity towards creation of the characters and unravelling of the plot shines throughout.
June 3, 2025
Absolutely brilliant writing. Loved how the author sticks to the plot and jumps right in. With so much drama , this could have run into a 500 page easily. But to stick to essentials, emotive, sensitive and so brilliantly crafted this 200 page novel is a must read on Grace, forgiveness, marriage and how the greys in life cant define a person. And how, we can, rise above the events. Oh its a beautiful novel. ❤️
September 11, 2007
I first read this when I was seventeen. Surprisingly, I took a different perspective the second time I read this ten years later.
A favorite.
A favorite.
January 2, 2012
Reminded me of the hindi movie Maasoom starring Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi. This one's a tear-jerker.
September 12, 2016
A story of forgiveness, helplessness, innocence,ignorance delivered in different amounts which were just right. A nice one time read.
June 4, 2020
Like a lot of other reviewers here, I too read the book after seeing the Indian film 'Masoom' which is supposedly based on the book. So my review might be a tad tilted.
So we meet a brilliant MIT professor Robert Beckwith and his editor wife Sheila. These two live a 'perfect life'- they have great careers, a loving marriage and two beautiful daughters Paula and Jessica. But 'tragedy', if you can call it, strikes when one day Robert suddenly gets a call from an old acquaintance in France who informs him about his 'illegitimate' son, Jean-Claude. Robert had a fling with Jean-Claude Claude's mother Nicole Guerin a decade previously when she, a doctor has treated him. Nicold is dead now, and Robert has to take responsibility of the boy as his only guardian. Now all Robert held dear is at stake, yet he cannot deny he affection he feels for the son he never knew about. The rest of the story deals with a great deal of themes, including love, the idea of marriage and the relationship between parents and offspring.
The story principally follows Robert and the bond he forges with his new son. His character is well-carved, but often he is portrayed as a wronged man-made maybe because most of it is in his point of view. You may or may not sympathise with him. Jean-Claude's character on the other hand is a true gem of this novel. He doesn't talk much, yet he says it all. An young child who has been thrust into maturity and an unknown environment much before he could make sense of it. Yet he has a sensitivity towards his surroundings, incredible patience and a loving nature which will surely endear him to the readers.
Sheila is again a well-written character. You would sympathise with her, but also crave for more of her thoughts. I would have loved to seen more of Sheila and how this all affects her relationship with Robert. They have a great chemistry. But everything gets resolved rather quickly for these two.
'Man, Woman and Child' is a quick read. It would not take you more than a few hours to finish if you are a voracious reader. Though it is very high on emotions, the prose is simple without great fanfare. Which, as readers would know, is Segal's style. The author does not intend to make the story a commentary on morality or values, which is quite a treat. It is just an observation of an ordinary family in extraordinary circumstances. If you are looking for a deep psychological or philosophical piece, you are not going to find it in 'Man, Woman and Child'.
In the end, this novel is a good one. Some may even find it great. But definitely not the best in this genre.
So we meet a brilliant MIT professor Robert Beckwith and his editor wife Sheila. These two live a 'perfect life'- they have great careers, a loving marriage and two beautiful daughters Paula and Jessica. But 'tragedy', if you can call it, strikes when one day Robert suddenly gets a call from an old acquaintance in France who informs him about his 'illegitimate' son, Jean-Claude. Robert had a fling with Jean-Claude Claude's mother Nicole Guerin a decade previously when she, a doctor has treated him. Nicold is dead now, and Robert has to take responsibility of the boy as his only guardian. Now all Robert held dear is at stake, yet he cannot deny he affection he feels for the son he never knew about. The rest of the story deals with a great deal of themes, including love, the idea of marriage and the relationship between parents and offspring.
The story principally follows Robert and the bond he forges with his new son. His character is well-carved, but often he is portrayed as a wronged man-made maybe because most of it is in his point of view. You may or may not sympathise with him. Jean-Claude's character on the other hand is a true gem of this novel. He doesn't talk much, yet he says it all. An young child who has been thrust into maturity and an unknown environment much before he could make sense of it. Yet he has a sensitivity towards his surroundings, incredible patience and a loving nature which will surely endear him to the readers.
Sheila is again a well-written character. You would sympathise with her, but also crave for more of her thoughts. I would have loved to seen more of Sheila and how this all affects her relationship with Robert. They have a great chemistry. But everything gets resolved rather quickly for these two.
'Man, Woman and Child' is a quick read. It would not take you more than a few hours to finish if you are a voracious reader. Though it is very high on emotions, the prose is simple without great fanfare. Which, as readers would know, is Segal's style. The author does not intend to make the story a commentary on morality or values, which is quite a treat. It is just an observation of an ordinary family in extraordinary circumstances. If you are looking for a deep psychological or philosophical piece, you are not going to find it in 'Man, Woman and Child'.
In the end, this novel is a good one. Some may even find it great. But definitely not the best in this genre.
August 13, 2021
Just finished reading Erich Segal's novel MAN, WOMAN, AND CHILD, published in 1980. Segal is probably best known for writing the bestseller LOVE STORY, which went on to become a hit film.
MAN, WOMAN, AND CHILD is a story about just that. Bob and Sheila Beckwith are the perfect married couple. Envied by all their friend for having it all. Two beautiful children and a marriage that has lasted a long time. The novel begins when Bob gets a phone call from France, stating that a doctor he had an affair with ten years ago while still married to Sheila has died and that her nine-year-old son is Bob's child.
From there things get sticky. He's never told Sheila about the marital affair, has played the devoured husband and father for the last ten years. When he does confess to his wife and that the boy has no place to go to, things take a turn for the worst between the couple. The boy is now an orphan and has no place to go. Bob convinces Shiela to let him come with them to their place for the summer, but not tell the boy that Bob is his father. Well, with secrets like that, it's just a matter of time until the shit hits the fan.
It's really a well-told story, maybe not bursting with emotional emphasis. It's told very straightforward. It reminded me of reading a screenplay in novel form. Mostly dialogue, with some action, and a sprinkle of inner thoughts. It's really about the effect a lie, no matter how old or unimportant, can come back later. I kept thinking of how I'd feel, not just in a man's role, but in the woman's and the child's. It might be a cliche plot, but it was written very clearly which made it still enjoyable.
And although I found the ending to be a mix of sappy yet realistic in some ways, I kept thinking: How would I feel if I were in each of the man, woman, and child's positions. It's kind of an interesting situation. At first, I thought the title was dull, but Segal did a good job at balancing the lie between the three characters.
All in all, it was a pretty good read. It's definitely a good book to read and analyze if you're wanting something fast-paced, and almost film-like in construction. MAN, WOMAN, AND CHILD, by Erich Segal. My rating - 4/5 Apparently there was a film made of this book which I didn't know even existed, starring Martin Sheen and Blythe Danner, which might be interesting to watch after reading the book.
MAN, WOMAN, AND CHILD is a story about just that. Bob and Sheila Beckwith are the perfect married couple. Envied by all their friend for having it all. Two beautiful children and a marriage that has lasted a long time. The novel begins when Bob gets a phone call from France, stating that a doctor he had an affair with ten years ago while still married to Sheila has died and that her nine-year-old son is Bob's child.
From there things get sticky. He's never told Sheila about the marital affair, has played the devoured husband and father for the last ten years. When he does confess to his wife and that the boy has no place to go to, things take a turn for the worst between the couple. The boy is now an orphan and has no place to go. Bob convinces Shiela to let him come with them to their place for the summer, but not tell the boy that Bob is his father. Well, with secrets like that, it's just a matter of time until the shit hits the fan.
It's really a well-told story, maybe not bursting with emotional emphasis. It's told very straightforward. It reminded me of reading a screenplay in novel form. Mostly dialogue, with some action, and a sprinkle of inner thoughts. It's really about the effect a lie, no matter how old or unimportant, can come back later. I kept thinking of how I'd feel, not just in a man's role, but in the woman's and the child's. It might be a cliche plot, but it was written very clearly which made it still enjoyable.
And although I found the ending to be a mix of sappy yet realistic in some ways, I kept thinking: How would I feel if I were in each of the man, woman, and child's positions. It's kind of an interesting situation. At first, I thought the title was dull, but Segal did a good job at balancing the lie between the three characters.
All in all, it was a pretty good read. It's definitely a good book to read and analyze if you're wanting something fast-paced, and almost film-like in construction. MAN, WOMAN, AND CHILD, by Erich Segal. My rating - 4/5 Apparently there was a film made of this book which I didn't know even existed, starring Martin Sheen and Blythe Danner, which might be interesting to watch after reading the book.
June 16, 2025
This book was exceptionally well done and that too within 221 pages It was one of those stories that I picked up and just couldn’t put down, finishing it in a single sitting.
Segal’s writing is empathetic, deeply sensitive, and an exploration of family dynamics that you rarely see in fiction these days. Most relationship dramas lean towards romance, but this one? This was relationship psychology 101, an intimate look at marriage, fatherhood, and the impossible choices people are forced to make. And set in the 80s, no less—an era of raw, untangled emotions that I kind of wish still existed!
I do think the story would’ve benefited from focusing more on the boy’s childlike innocence, rather than making him wise beyond his years. That being said, the children in the book were endearing, articulate, and had that ‘13-going-on-30’ energy, which makes perfect sense considering their academically driven parents.
Some moments in this book were heart-meltingly sweet, and some were utterly gut-wrenching. My heart particularly went out to Jean Claude—I just wanted to hug that child. If this situation played out in real life, the “right” choice might seem obvious, but Segal brilliantly muddies the waters, making it impossible to pick a side.
Readers tend to villainize Bob, but the wife’s retaliation wasn’t exactly black and white either. The nuance of it all really got to me. To be honest, I read this as if I was listening to a close friend confide in me rather than judging it as an outsider—I just felt their joys and sorrows without needing to take a stance. That’s what made it such an immersive read.
The only part I didn’t fully get? Gavin. I’m still not sure what his role really added to the story, so if anyone has insights, let me know!
Final verdict? 3.75 stars, maybe even a 4.
I found myself thinking about the characters long after I finished—which, to me, is always a sign of a book that leaves its mark. Also, my mum and I will be watching both the Martin Sheen and Naseeruddin Shah versions of the screen adaptation this weekend, so that should be an interesting comparison!
Segal’s writing is empathetic, deeply sensitive, and an exploration of family dynamics that you rarely see in fiction these days. Most relationship dramas lean towards romance, but this one? This was relationship psychology 101, an intimate look at marriage, fatherhood, and the impossible choices people are forced to make. And set in the 80s, no less—an era of raw, untangled emotions that I kind of wish still existed!
I do think the story would’ve benefited from focusing more on the boy’s childlike innocence, rather than making him wise beyond his years. That being said, the children in the book were endearing, articulate, and had that ‘13-going-on-30’ energy, which makes perfect sense considering their academically driven parents.
Some moments in this book were heart-meltingly sweet, and some were utterly gut-wrenching. My heart particularly went out to Jean Claude—I just wanted to hug that child. If this situation played out in real life, the “right” choice might seem obvious, but Segal brilliantly muddies the waters, making it impossible to pick a side.
Readers tend to villainize Bob, but the wife’s retaliation wasn’t exactly black and white either. The nuance of it all really got to me. To be honest, I read this as if I was listening to a close friend confide in me rather than judging it as an outsider—I just felt their joys and sorrows without needing to take a stance. That’s what made it such an immersive read.
The only part I didn’t fully get? Gavin. I’m still not sure what his role really added to the story, so if anyone has insights, let me know!
Final verdict? 3.75 stars, maybe even a 4.
I found myself thinking about the characters long after I finished—which, to me, is always a sign of a book that leaves its mark. Also, my mum and I will be watching both the Martin Sheen and Naseeruddin Shah versions of the screen adaptation this weekend, so that should be an interesting comparison!
March 29, 2021
What's your opinion about the Shekhar Kapur movie Masoom?
Man, Woman and Child is a very powerful story which actually depicted the balanced amalgamation of human emotions. When a happily married couple found about an oblivion, a fact and present which absolutely disturbed their milieu of happy family of husband -wife and two daughters. Robert is an MIT professor and Sheila is an editor, and they are too comfortable with each other still after twenty years of relationship. But, the happy bubble gets woobly as Robert comes to know about a massive car accident and a child, Jean-Claude out of wedlock. It was a long forgotten affair of just three days and none tried to rekindle it afterwards. When Robert explains the situation to Sheila, they agree to take in the boy for the summer holidays; however, they also agree to keep the boy's identity a secret. Despite the pragmatism of Sheila, chaos break when Robert's daughters, Jessica and Paula, discover Jean-Claude's true identity. But, it's actually not easy to hate a sensitive yet emotionally strong boy like Jean-Claude and things take an unimaginable detour soon.
The book was written by Erich Segal, got published in 1980, and since then it has been adapted into numerous films.
Crafted in the tender tradition of writing by the author, what follows is an evocative, emotionally-charged book. It's not a fairy-tale but more about a typical American family whose deep love is shaken, tested and ultimately reaffirmed.
It pierced through my soul and I can say that the anecdotes of father-son duo can't get more beautiful. Why are Erich Segal’s stories such classics when it comes to tugging at the heartstrings which lead to the most tender spot? I literally gobbled 'Man, Woman and Child' and my husband caught me getting teary eyed now and then.
PS: Once again I will be watching Masoom which is somewhat a good adaptation of this book but there's a different ending.
Man, Woman and Child is a very powerful story which actually depicted the balanced amalgamation of human emotions. When a happily married couple found about an oblivion, a fact and present which absolutely disturbed their milieu of happy family of husband -wife and two daughters. Robert is an MIT professor and Sheila is an editor, and they are too comfortable with each other still after twenty years of relationship. But, the happy bubble gets woobly as Robert comes to know about a massive car accident and a child, Jean-Claude out of wedlock. It was a long forgotten affair of just three days and none tried to rekindle it afterwards. When Robert explains the situation to Sheila, they agree to take in the boy for the summer holidays; however, they also agree to keep the boy's identity a secret. Despite the pragmatism of Sheila, chaos break when Robert's daughters, Jessica and Paula, discover Jean-Claude's true identity. But, it's actually not easy to hate a sensitive yet emotionally strong boy like Jean-Claude and things take an unimaginable detour soon.
The book was written by Erich Segal, got published in 1980, and since then it has been adapted into numerous films.
Crafted in the tender tradition of writing by the author, what follows is an evocative, emotionally-charged book. It's not a fairy-tale but more about a typical American family whose deep love is shaken, tested and ultimately reaffirmed.
It pierced through my soul and I can say that the anecdotes of father-son duo can't get more beautiful. Why are Erich Segal’s stories such classics when it comes to tugging at the heartstrings which lead to the most tender spot? I literally gobbled 'Man, Woman and Child' and my husband caught me getting teary eyed now and then.
PS: Once again I will be watching Masoom which is somewhat a good adaptation of this book but there's a different ending.
October 6, 2020
Story
It is my first time reading a drama novel. I am lucky it is my first book I have read because it is quiet a gem. We all know that in this generation it is a standard story but still you can relate to all the main character in this book. I like this novel because it will teach you things in life, love and family. It is well-written and scenes a good paced. The book make me even bothered on the part where Gavin wilson entered the scene. it make say " no! I must know what they are going to with Shiela." I am the angelic force says "no don't do that".
The only thing I may say "I don't like" is the part when Sheila and the girls sudden change of heart on Jean-Claude. The writer should elaborate more on how. Also, the exit of Gavin Wilson. It is almost felt like a filler to be added on the story.
Adaptability to Film
It is already adapted to film staring Martin Sheen and Blythe Danner. I haven't watched it yet but I am sure they can manage to pull it right. If it going to be a remake, yes, it is possible. But I am bit worried to the masses taste right now. But I don't bother, it can be an Oscar-material piece if it created right and with right amount of creativity
Conclusion
This book is short but it takes important aspect of life. The world of second chance. This book is lighthearted and tackles one important part in relationship. It is how to deal with fire when things are falling apart. The book is good, well-paced and there is enough drama that make you love reading it. My rate will be 3.75
January 7, 2024
What this book reinforces over and over again is one simple fact: men are children. Incapable of owning up to their mistakes, incapable of functioning independently and worst of all shamelessly brazen about their incapabilities.
We are told a male child is what every father desires. A son. Daughters, after all, could never quite compare.
Bob supposedly loves his wife, but unsurprisingly, loyalty isn't part and parcel of his (very superfluous) love.
He has an affair. Did he love the other woman? He's never quite sure. It just happened, you see.
When his daughters find out about his infidelity, he escapes quickly, leaving his hurt and betrayed wife to handle everything while he attends concerts and eats clams. His young son falls sick, and being a chauvinistic male, Bob is, of course, incapable of child care and expects his wife to step up.
I'm floored. Literally driven to speechlessness. I somehow despise Bob with every atom of my soul.
Through the span of this 200-something page novel, you can only really be sure of one fact. Bob didn't love anyone except himself. Not his wife, not the woman he had an affair with, possibly not even the child that resulted from this affair. The only reason he's affectionate towards Jean Claude, as far as I can tell, is his gender. The ultimate ego boost, a male child.
Sheila's capitulation when it inevitably came seemed so quick, almost random. From anger to forgiveness in the blink of an eye.
I wish this book had made me think about the complexities of human relationships. Instead, it just made me angry.
We are told a male child is what every father desires. A son. Daughters, after all, could never quite compare.
Bob supposedly loves his wife, but unsurprisingly, loyalty isn't part and parcel of his (very superfluous) love.
He has an affair. Did he love the other woman? He's never quite sure. It just happened, you see.
When his daughters find out about his infidelity, he escapes quickly, leaving his hurt and betrayed wife to handle everything while he attends concerts and eats clams. His young son falls sick, and being a chauvinistic male, Bob is, of course, incapable of child care and expects his wife to step up.
I'm floored. Literally driven to speechlessness. I somehow despise Bob with every atom of my soul.
Through the span of this 200-something page novel, you can only really be sure of one fact. Bob didn't love anyone except himself. Not his wife, not the woman he had an affair with, possibly not even the child that resulted from this affair. The only reason he's affectionate towards Jean Claude, as far as I can tell, is his gender. The ultimate ego boost, a male child.
Sheila's capitulation when it inevitably came seemed so quick, almost random. From anger to forgiveness in the blink of an eye.
I wish this book had made me think about the complexities of human relationships. Instead, it just made me angry.
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