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What Is Missing
"A wise and necessary book, one I’ve been recommending ardently to everyone I know. " —Julie Orringer, author of The Flight Portfolio
Suspenseful and gripping, award-winning author Michael Frank’s What is Missing is a psychological family drama about a father, a son, and the woman they both love.
Costanza Ansaldo, a half-Italian and half-American translator, is convinced that she has made peace with her childlessness. A year after the death of her husband, an eminent writer, she returns to the pensione in Florence where she spent many happy times in her youth, and there she meets, first, Andrew Weissman, an acutely sensitive seventeen-year-old, and, soon afterward, his father, Henry Weissman, a charismatic New York physician who specializes in—as it happens—reproductive medicine.
With three lives each marked by heartbreak and absence—of a child, a parent, a partner, or a clear sense of identity—What is Missing offers Costanza, Andrew, and Henry the opportunity to make themselves whole when the triangle resumes three months later in New York, where the relationships among them turn and tighten with combustive effects that cut to the core of what it means to be a father, a son, and—for Costanza—a potential mother.
Suspenseful and gripping, award-winning author Michael Frank’s What is Missing is a psychological family drama about a father, a son, and the woman they both love.
Costanza Ansaldo, a half-Italian and half-American translator, is convinced that she has made peace with her childlessness. A year after the death of her husband, an eminent writer, she returns to the pensione in Florence where she spent many happy times in her youth, and there she meets, first, Andrew Weissman, an acutely sensitive seventeen-year-old, and, soon afterward, his father, Henry Weissman, a charismatic New York physician who specializes in—as it happens—reproductive medicine.
With three lives each marked by heartbreak and absence—of a child, a parent, a partner, or a clear sense of identity—What is Missing offers Costanza, Andrew, and Henry the opportunity to make themselves whole when the triangle resumes three months later in New York, where the relationships among them turn and tighten with combustive effects that cut to the core of what it means to be a father, a son, and—for Costanza—a potential mother.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2019
57 people are currently reading
2446 people want to read
About the author
Michael Frank
49 books65 followersMichael Frank’s essays, articles, and short stories have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Slate, The Yale Review, Salmagundi, The TLS, and Tablet, among other publications. His fiction has been presented at Symphony Space’s Selected Shorts: A Celebration of the Short Story, and his travel writing has been collected in Italy: The Best Travel Writing from The New York Times. He served as a Contributing Writer to the Los Angeles Times Book Review for nearly ten years. A recipient of a 2020 Guggenheim Fellowship, he lives with his family in New York City and Liguria, Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
November 24, 2019
Andrew Weissman, a senior in high school, is traveling with his father to a medical conference in Florence, Italy. Henry Weissman is a divorced physician specializing in infertility who lives in New York City. While Andrew is out jogging one morning, he meets Constanza who is widowed and lives in Manhattan. Andrew introduces her to his father.
Three months later, Henry and Costanza's relationship is developing at a rapid pace. Costanza is still grieving the loss of her husband and is aware that her window to motherhood is closing as she approaches forty years old. Henry has been alone for many years and welcomes Costanza into his life and his home. They begin to explore their lives together against the backdrop of extended family and responsibilities. This quickly developing relationship must survive revelations which have remained in secret for many years.
What Is Missing is a debut novel by Michael Frank about the importance of honesty and relationships. Time has a way of revealing truths and it’s best to share the good with the bad. For those who enjoy the story, I encourage you to consider the author's memoir.
Three months later, Henry and Costanza's relationship is developing at a rapid pace. Costanza is still grieving the loss of her husband and is aware that her window to motherhood is closing as she approaches forty years old. Henry has been alone for many years and welcomes Costanza into his life and his home. They begin to explore their lives together against the backdrop of extended family and responsibilities. This quickly developing relationship must survive revelations which have remained in secret for many years.
What Is Missing is a debut novel by Michael Frank about the importance of honesty and relationships. Time has a way of revealing truths and it’s best to share the good with the bad. For those who enjoy the story, I encourage you to consider the author's memoir.
October 28, 2019
(@fsgbooks #partner) | What Is Missing by Michael Frank | Final Thoughts
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before picking up this book, i fell in love with the cover. once through my love of the cover, i let my mind run wild over the title... what is missing. what is missing? there are many scenarios to weigh here, and i couldn’t wait to learn which we were going to experience through this read.
.
for about the first three quarters of the book, i found myself being swept up in the day to day life of Costanza and Henry. Costanza was such an alluring, intriguing, and mysterious person to me. her background, past, culture, and overall story made her so likable to me. i was impressed by how willing she was to confront risk with bravery and decisiveness, and go through the difficult and rigid process that is IVF, despite any lingering worries about the man she chose to move forward with.
.
now, at around page 250, i thought i knew exactly what i was in for with this book, and boy, was i wrong. nothing turned out how i predicted and i was literally gasping and making the strangest noises while reading. i just couldn’t believe the twists and turns that were emerging out of this seemingly straightforward, go-with-the-flow story. i’ll read any book detailing experiences and perspectives on motherhood— however, you must know that this one takes a lead in such a unique and powerful way. it will encourage you to question and confront the various ways we define ‘family’ and will leave you with so many good feels to process. if you’re looking for a fairly different approach to a complex family read, with details you may have not expected or been prepared for, this one is for you.
.
4/5 ⭐️
.
before picking up this book, i fell in love with the cover. once through my love of the cover, i let my mind run wild over the title... what is missing. what is missing? there are many scenarios to weigh here, and i couldn’t wait to learn which we were going to experience through this read.
.
for about the first three quarters of the book, i found myself being swept up in the day to day life of Costanza and Henry. Costanza was such an alluring, intriguing, and mysterious person to me. her background, past, culture, and overall story made her so likable to me. i was impressed by how willing she was to confront risk with bravery and decisiveness, and go through the difficult and rigid process that is IVF, despite any lingering worries about the man she chose to move forward with.
.
now, at around page 250, i thought i knew exactly what i was in for with this book, and boy, was i wrong. nothing turned out how i predicted and i was literally gasping and making the strangest noises while reading. i just couldn’t believe the twists and turns that were emerging out of this seemingly straightforward, go-with-the-flow story. i’ll read any book detailing experiences and perspectives on motherhood— however, you must know that this one takes a lead in such a unique and powerful way. it will encourage you to question and confront the various ways we define ‘family’ and will leave you with so many good feels to process. if you’re looking for a fairly different approach to a complex family read, with details you may have not expected or been prepared for, this one is for you.
.
4/5 ⭐️
December 22, 2019
As Costanza walked away from him, he took a series of photographs of her long white form, receding. Against the chaos of the market she looked like a cross between a goddess and a ghost.
This novel is about the complications of human relationships. We follow three characters as they all move or rather made to move through the intricate paths that intersect and mingle with one another. Andrew, a student on a trip to Italy with his father Henry who happens to be a doctor specialized in reproductive medicine and their encounter with translator Costanza, a childless woman trying to restart her life after the death of her husband and how their lives take form of a single ball of yarns which continues to unfurl as the story goes on.
What I truly admired about this novel is the correctness with which Micheal Frank portrayed the dilemmas and intricacies of human life and their insecurities. I loved to read the story of Costanza as well as the developing relationship between these characters. The father and son relationship between Andrew and Henry was the most relatable to me. The only problem ( well not really a problem) was that this book was slightly longer than it needed to be. There were certain scenes that could have been edited out. But overall, an engaging book about well developed characters as they go though day after day of their life.
This novel is about the complications of human relationships. We follow three characters as they all move or rather made to move through the intricate paths that intersect and mingle with one another. Andrew, a student on a trip to Italy with his father Henry who happens to be a doctor specialized in reproductive medicine and their encounter with translator Costanza, a childless woman trying to restart her life after the death of her husband and how their lives take form of a single ball of yarns which continues to unfurl as the story goes on.
What I truly admired about this novel is the correctness with which Micheal Frank portrayed the dilemmas and intricacies of human life and their insecurities. I loved to read the story of Costanza as well as the developing relationship between these characters. The father and son relationship between Andrew and Henry was the most relatable to me. The only problem ( well not really a problem) was that this book was slightly longer than it needed to be. There were certain scenes that could have been edited out. But overall, an engaging book about well developed characters as they go though day after day of their life.
March 29, 2020
I'm a fan of The Mighty Franks, Frank's memoir of his family. And this novel is likewise evocative and psychologically astute. The writing is lovely, Italy especially is beautifully rendered. The characters are complex and intriguing, and perhaps at the core are the sometimes complicated questions of what is a family, whether its made by genetics or love, and what constitutes a good man, which here is infinitely problematic. I did feel the book swung away from itself when we dive into all the lengthy details about what goes into IVF and other kinds of reproduction, and to be honest I was a little sad that Costanza, an incredibly fascinating character who sees life in such interesting ways, would so thoroughly lose all of herself in IVF. I guessed the twists very early on. But it's a thought-provoking book and I loved most of it.
May 20, 2020
I liked Frank's writing, but I found this book frustrating in a bad way. Characters' decisions frequently made little sense, and it seemed like while a lot of ground was covered, there was little depth given to any one target.
December 16, 2019
All my reviews live at https://deedispeaking.com/reads/. Big thanks to Michael Frank and FSG for sending a finished copy of this book my way in exchange for an honest review.
What Is Missing is a lyrical, introspective look deep into the relationships and desires of a set of deeply flawed, deeply human people. The characters Michael Frank created drew me in and hooked me until the last page (and even then). I definitely enjoyed it.
The third-person narration mostly bounces between the perspectives of three characters: teenage Andrew, his father Henry, and a woman named Costanza whose famous author husband has recently died. The story opens in Italy, in Andrew’s perspective, just before he meets Costanza for the first time. Soon after they (literally) run into her in a museum, and Henry’s brought into their little world. Henry and Costanza hit it off immediately.
Three months later, in their home city of New York, the trio begin again: Costanza and Henry in a whirlwind of a relationship and Andrew caught in the middle. Soon, Costanza and Henry embark on a quest for a child, as Costanza has long wanted a baby and Henry is eager to begin a new chapter, a happier chapter, of his life. There’s a unique energy and relationship between Costanza and Henry, Costanza and Andrew, and Henry and Andrew. I don’t want to give away too much, but the conflicts that arise within each pair, and among the three of them together, are what charges the story forward and barrels it toward the ending with energy and intensity.
This story deals most strongly in the questions about the relationship between a parent and a child — before the child is born, as the child becomes an adult, and long after that child has become an adult. What makes someone a parent? What makes that relationship what it is? But also: What do our desires, choices, and actions say about us, and can we hold complex emotions at the same time, even while they exist in conflict with one another?
I was very nervous going into this novel about an experience that is so strongly rooted in womanhood — fertility and the journey to a hopeful pregnancy — written by a male author. I was glad to find that Michael Frank’s ability to capture all sides of a complex emotion, combined with (I imagine) some very good early readers who helped to ensure the voice felt authentic, helped Costanza’s character and emotions feel very real. It helps, too, that much of the story is told from Henry’s or Andrew’s perspectives. The choice to examine the conflict and issue through so many characters’ eyes was a good one, one that worked.
I’m glad that I buddy-read this book with two other friends, because the ending was something. As I got closer and closer to the last page, I found myself wondering how the heck this was going to come to any sort of a satisfying conclusion. I did not quite imagine what actually happened, and I wish I could have seen all three characters’ perspectives on what happened rather than just one, but it did feel “surprising yet inevitable,” as endings ultimately should. Can’t wait to talk through that one, though.
“Costanza wondered if all these other women in the waiting room had gotten themselves as wrong as she had gotten herself. What if, instead of reading, or texting, or hiding behind their earphones, they all started speaking, what a conversation that would be, what a chorus of regret and anguish! And anger, probably that too. And heartache. Not a chorus; an opera.”
What Is Missing is a lyrical, introspective look deep into the relationships and desires of a set of deeply flawed, deeply human people. The characters Michael Frank created drew me in and hooked me until the last page (and even then). I definitely enjoyed it.
The third-person narration mostly bounces between the perspectives of three characters: teenage Andrew, his father Henry, and a woman named Costanza whose famous author husband has recently died. The story opens in Italy, in Andrew’s perspective, just before he meets Costanza for the first time. Soon after they (literally) run into her in a museum, and Henry’s brought into their little world. Henry and Costanza hit it off immediately.
Three months later, in their home city of New York, the trio begin again: Costanza and Henry in a whirlwind of a relationship and Andrew caught in the middle. Soon, Costanza and Henry embark on a quest for a child, as Costanza has long wanted a baby and Henry is eager to begin a new chapter, a happier chapter, of his life. There’s a unique energy and relationship between Costanza and Henry, Costanza and Andrew, and Henry and Andrew. I don’t want to give away too much, but the conflicts that arise within each pair, and among the three of them together, are what charges the story forward and barrels it toward the ending with energy and intensity.
This story deals most strongly in the questions about the relationship between a parent and a child — before the child is born, as the child becomes an adult, and long after that child has become an adult. What makes someone a parent? What makes that relationship what it is? But also: What do our desires, choices, and actions say about us, and can we hold complex emotions at the same time, even while they exist in conflict with one another?
I was very nervous going into this novel about an experience that is so strongly rooted in womanhood — fertility and the journey to a hopeful pregnancy — written by a male author. I was glad to find that Michael Frank’s ability to capture all sides of a complex emotion, combined with (I imagine) some very good early readers who helped to ensure the voice felt authentic, helped Costanza’s character and emotions feel very real. It helps, too, that much of the story is told from Henry’s or Andrew’s perspectives. The choice to examine the conflict and issue through so many characters’ eyes was a good one, one that worked.
I’m glad that I buddy-read this book with two other friends, because the ending was something. As I got closer and closer to the last page, I found myself wondering how the heck this was going to come to any sort of a satisfying conclusion. I did not quite imagine what actually happened, and I wish I could have seen all three characters’ perspectives on what happened rather than just one, but it did feel “surprising yet inevitable,” as endings ultimately should. Can’t wait to talk through that one, though.
January 22, 2020
“𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. 𝘐 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯.”
I fell in love with this book as soon as I saw the cover. It’s simplicity and lines just scream to me. I was nervous to start reading because I didn’t want to be let down by the inside. Spoiler alert 🚨: Not let down! The inside is beautiful too.
This is an incredibly character-driven novel. Michael Frank did a masterful job of creating his characters and sharing their story. It felt very much like being a fly on the wall of someone’s home, which I am always about. There were some massively flawed mistakes made by our main characters and it added to their relatability and my affection for them. I’d hoped for a different ending, but don’t want to ruin anything for anyone so I won’t say much more.
All in all, I greatly enjoyed this book.
“𝘠𝘦𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘰. 𝘉𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦.
𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘐𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘥.”
TW: suicide, infertility, loss of loved ones
September 5, 2020
Ma che martellata sui denti è la delusione di un libro di un autore che avevi amato con "i formidabili Frank" e per giunta con una copertina stupenda? Succede.
Ancora prima di acquistarlo ero preoccupata proprio per la trama che non mi affascinava particolarmente. Non sono per nulla attratta dai triangoli, che siano amorosi, familiari, amicali. Inoltre, l'idea che si raccontasse il percorso della fecondazione assistita di una donna attraverso appunto questa triangolazione non mi convinceva. E i miei dubbi si sono confermati.
Costanza, la donna che appunto deve affrontare il percorso verso la maternità, inizialmente disincantata dal suo desiderio di diventare madre, grazie alla conoscenza di un medico e poi amante riscoprirà questa sua necessità. Ecco, già così si capisce che la figura di Costanza è scialba, debole, dimenticabile. È come se esistesse grazie al movimento degli altri, non c'è una psicologia, una evoluzione singolare del personaggio. Al contrario de I formidabili Frank, libro in cui la figura della zia era fenomenale. Qui invece nessun personaggio mi è piaciuto, forse Solo Andrew, il figlio di Henry, nonché compagno di Costanza. Mi è piaciuto in quanto soggetto adolescente singolare, ma non in relazione a Costanza e a questa maternità.
E poi il problema è proprio il tema: volere discutere della Fivet, della procreazione assistita, come un problema etico del nostro tempo e farlo in maniera per nulla originale, come una supercazzola descritta in un libro TROPPO lungo, che non aggiunge nulla al dibattito, non è necessario alla comprensione della modernità perché nel mondo siamo già ben oltre alla Fivet.
Insomma, questo libro pecca proprio di eccessiva lunghezza, supercazzole, finto progressismo.
Ancora prima di acquistarlo ero preoccupata proprio per la trama che non mi affascinava particolarmente. Non sono per nulla attratta dai triangoli, che siano amorosi, familiari, amicali. Inoltre, l'idea che si raccontasse il percorso della fecondazione assistita di una donna attraverso appunto questa triangolazione non mi convinceva. E i miei dubbi si sono confermati.
Costanza, la donna che appunto deve affrontare il percorso verso la maternità, inizialmente disincantata dal suo desiderio di diventare madre, grazie alla conoscenza di un medico e poi amante riscoprirà questa sua necessità. Ecco, già così si capisce che la figura di Costanza è scialba, debole, dimenticabile. È come se esistesse grazie al movimento degli altri, non c'è una psicologia, una evoluzione singolare del personaggio. Al contrario de I formidabili Frank, libro in cui la figura della zia era fenomenale. Qui invece nessun personaggio mi è piaciuto, forse Solo Andrew, il figlio di Henry, nonché compagno di Costanza. Mi è piaciuto in quanto soggetto adolescente singolare, ma non in relazione a Costanza e a questa maternità.
E poi il problema è proprio il tema: volere discutere della Fivet, della procreazione assistita, come un problema etico del nostro tempo e farlo in maniera per nulla originale, come una supercazzola descritta in un libro TROPPO lungo, che non aggiunge nulla al dibattito, non è necessario alla comprensione della modernità perché nel mondo siamo già ben oltre alla Fivet.
Insomma, questo libro pecca proprio di eccessiva lunghezza, supercazzole, finto progressismo.
November 28, 2019
3.5 stars.
A male author writing a novel largely about a woman in her late thirties who is desperate to have a child—I will admit I was wary and a bit skeptical. I started this book SO ready to roll my eyes at how poorly Frank understood and portrayed such a deeply female experience and how off the mark his characterization of Costanza was. But! I'm happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised. Though the story started off a little slow, it drew me in after a while and by the end I was fully invested. I did guess the reveal, but since this isn't a suspense novel, I didn't mind—I'm more interested in the family dynamics and the nuances of all the different relationships.
I recommend this one if you're into character studies, important life decisions, romantic relationships, tension between grown children and their parents, new beginnings, or good food (Costanza cooks a lot and every time I read about her shopping at the market for ingredients or filling the house with amazing smells as she prepped vegetables, I got really hungry), and you don't need a lot of intense plot.
A male author writing a novel largely about a woman in her late thirties who is desperate to have a child—I will admit I was wary and a bit skeptical. I started this book SO ready to roll my eyes at how poorly Frank understood and portrayed such a deeply female experience and how off the mark his characterization of Costanza was. But! I'm happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised. Though the story started off a little slow, it drew me in after a while and by the end I was fully invested. I did guess the reveal, but since this isn't a suspense novel, I didn't mind—I'm more interested in the family dynamics and the nuances of all the different relationships.
I recommend this one if you're into character studies, important life decisions, romantic relationships, tension between grown children and their parents, new beginnings, or good food (Costanza cooks a lot and every time I read about her shopping at the market for ingredients or filling the house with amazing smells as she prepped vegetables, I got really hungry), and you don't need a lot of intense plot.
October 10, 2019
This novel is about, primarily, one woman’s desire to become a mother. It is also about parents and (grown) children; about powerful (Jewish) men and the women they marry; about the cost of family secrets; about tension between brothers; about the legacy of suicide and the Holocaust. Michael Frank creates a believable and tactile world in his descriptions of Italy and of New York City, of medical office waiting rooms, of kitchens aromatic with good cooking and pristinely sterile Upper East Side duplexes. Acute psychological insights and sharp, often wry dialogue bring these characters to life, and the novel withholds (and ulimately reveals) its deeper secrets and human truths with masterful skill and compassion. You may not agree with all the choices these characters make, but in Frank’s hands, you’ll never doubt their humanity – or look away.
January 8, 2020
I have to thank Michael Frank for the author copy in exchange for an honest review.
And sometimes, honest reviews aren’t so great. Sadly, I didn’t enjoy this book. Maybe it’s just me because a lot of people loved this books. But I just didn’t.
One of the biggest things for me is the fact that there weren’t any chapters. Just short breaks. And I feel like I drag when I read a book with long chapters or no chapters at all.
Next, I couldn’t connect with the characters. They felt kind of far away to me which isn’t good. The plot was a good idea but I feel like... I just couldn’t connect with it or the characters.
I really wish I enjoyed this because the cover is gorgeous. It’s a simple like yet it’s so elegant and beautiful. That’s what drew me into this book in the first place apart from the synopsis. But sadly, the only good thing about this book in my eyes, was the cover. :(
And sometimes, honest reviews aren’t so great. Sadly, I didn’t enjoy this book. Maybe it’s just me because a lot of people loved this books. But I just didn’t.
One of the biggest things for me is the fact that there weren’t any chapters. Just short breaks. And I feel like I drag when I read a book with long chapters or no chapters at all.
Next, I couldn’t connect with the characters. They felt kind of far away to me which isn’t good. The plot was a good idea but I feel like... I just couldn’t connect with it or the characters.
I really wish I enjoyed this because the cover is gorgeous. It’s a simple like yet it’s so elegant and beautiful. That’s what drew me into this book in the first place apart from the synopsis. But sadly, the only good thing about this book in my eyes, was the cover. :(
March 31, 2020
Masterfully written is Michael Frank's prose in What Is Missing. I must say that he did an excellent job in constructing his characters. I wanted to smack just about all of them at some point, but who doesn't love reading about family drama. The connection between Constanza, Henry, and Andrew will make your top lip curl, shocked, and have you up all night reading under the lamp about this weird trio.
The book dealt with lies, deceit, a study of the human character, infertility (and IVF), and a plethora of complexities that will seize the reader's attention. The best part for me was the twist of an ending.
I enjoyed wandering off in Michael Frank's creative mind.
The book dealt with lies, deceit, a study of the human character, infertility (and IVF), and a plethora of complexities that will seize the reader's attention. The best part for me was the twist of an ending.
I enjoyed wandering off in Michael Frank's creative mind.
October 28, 2020
3.5
È il primo romanzo totalmente di finzione dell’autore, e pur essendo solido e bello, percepisco ancora un po’ di immaturità nella penna di romanziere, nonostante sia uno scrittore già affermato di un memoir amatissimo e di diversi racconti. In ogni caso però è stato un primo approccio decisamente riuscito: l’inseminazione artificiale e la voglia disperata di avere dei figli sono temi non sempre battuti con la giusta sapienza e conoscenza, mentre qui l’autore dimostra quasi dell’esperienza sia tecnica sia emotiva e psicologica. Volevo dare 4 stelle, ma mi voglio riservare per quello che parrebbe essere la sua piéce migliore, I Formidabili Frank. Non vedo l’ora!
È il primo romanzo totalmente di finzione dell’autore, e pur essendo solido e bello, percepisco ancora un po’ di immaturità nella penna di romanziere, nonostante sia uno scrittore già affermato di un memoir amatissimo e di diversi racconti. In ogni caso però è stato un primo approccio decisamente riuscito: l’inseminazione artificiale e la voglia disperata di avere dei figli sono temi non sempre battuti con la giusta sapienza e conoscenza, mentre qui l’autore dimostra quasi dell’esperienza sia tecnica sia emotiva e psicologica. Volevo dare 4 stelle, ma mi voglio riservare per quello che parrebbe essere la sua piéce migliore, I Formidabili Frank. Non vedo l’ora!
March 12, 2021
Deludente? Eh parecchio. Non ho dato 2 stelle perché non le merita comunque, anche se i personaggi meriterebbero uno 0.
Scusate, ma non li ho sopportati nemmeno uno! XD irritanti e viziati, Costanza in particolare ha irritato molto la mia sensibilità.
Le tre stelle le sono alla scrittura descrittiva di Frank, perché merita tutta la bellezza del libro. Avevo sperato ad una ambientazione in stile “I Formidabili Frank” ( che ho amato alla follia), ma niente, delusione. Forse è solo un mio problema
Scusate, ma non li ho sopportati nemmeno uno! XD irritanti e viziati, Costanza in particolare ha irritato molto la mia sensibilità.
Le tre stelle le sono alla scrittura descrittiva di Frank, perché merita tutta la bellezza del libro. Avevo sperato ad una ambientazione in stile “I Formidabili Frank” ( che ho amato alla follia), ma niente, delusione. Forse è solo un mio problema
February 2, 2020
What is missing. This book kept me going, but I felt that the ending was predictable and sad, not uplifting whatsoever. I found myself skimming toward the end. Loved the idea of an author tackling infertility in a nuanced way but in the end I wasn’t really rooting for any of the characters. ❤️ I have high hopes for future books by Michael frank but this wasn’t my favorite.
January 8, 2020
Intriguing but ultimately melodramatic
September 23, 2019
Ludicrous...affected....utterly self involved....
November 7, 2019
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my review
I gave this books a 3; I felt it was a high 3, but not quite a 4. The prose was well-written and the characters were well developed, albeit not always like-able. In fact, the only really honest and like-able person was Leopold. The levels of indecision, angst and self-absorption in EACH of the characters prevented me from giving the book a 4. I enjoyed the psychological development of each character, but - enough already!
I gave this books a 3; I felt it was a high 3, but not quite a 4. The prose was well-written and the characters were well developed, albeit not always like-able. In fact, the only really honest and like-able person was Leopold. The levels of indecision, angst and self-absorption in EACH of the characters prevented me from giving the book a 4. I enjoyed the psychological development of each character, but - enough already!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2020
A slow start but once I got into it I was surprised by how invested I felt in the story, and how deeply I cared for the characters. Michael Frank forms characters with substance so effortlessly that it feels impossible not to see them as real, living people. And I never thought I’d find an Oedipus complex truly fascinating but, here we are! Loved it.
October 14, 2019
I gave it two stars because of Leopold (which was more than half-way through the book). This book was so dysfunctional and a lot of times boring, I struggled to finish it.
December 5, 2019
In November I reviewed 2 books about (dysfunctional) families. You know the expression about things coming in 3’s? Michael Frank’s debut What is Missing makes the perfect 3rd book (a trifecta) for books I have recently read, delving into “families”. While on a father son summer vacay, for business (reproductive medicine conference in Italy), 17 yo Andrew and (divorced) Dad Dr. Henry Weisman both fall under the spell of the alluring,recently widowed, 40 year old Italian-American (translator), Costanza, staying in the same pension. Three months later, Costanza reunited with Henry and Andrew in New York. The story is about how the three wrestle with their pasts, (parental influences, prior relationships,religion, & thus the “greater historical events that coincide with our youth”) and their aspirations for their future, to be able to understand how & why they arrived, where they are, in their “present” lives.
As Dr. Weisman is a specialist in reproductive medicine, the book is heavily descriptive of this process, be forewarned. Not having had to ever go through this, (I consider myself very fortunate with 4 children), the novel does give you more then a glimpse into the demanding nature of #IVF. But I loved this book for its broader look at (Jewish) families & people’s “roles” in families. My absolute favorite character was Henry’s father Leopold ❤️. When he bestows an heirloom on Costanza, it broke me up 😢. It is so meaningful that he does this in his lifetime, rather then giving the gift 🎁 as an “inheritance”. This way she was able to express her appreciation of the gesture.
Some quotes from Leopold: “I like the idea of deli at a wedding instead of at a shivah.” “Change is not about putting in time. Change is about understanding. Insight.” Leopold was a proud father, evidenced by him telling Henry: “You have made life for so many people who would not have had life period. That is an accomplishment beyond all else to me. And it has made me a very proud father. The proudest.” Thanks 🙏🏻 for this amazing book @michaelfrankauthor. I loved it. #whatismissing #puglia #italy #market #cooking #ivf #ivfjourney #lovetriangle #family #relationships #fatherandson
As Dr. Weisman is a specialist in reproductive medicine, the book is heavily descriptive of this process, be forewarned. Not having had to ever go through this, (I consider myself very fortunate with 4 children), the novel does give you more then a glimpse into the demanding nature of #IVF. But I loved this book for its broader look at (Jewish) families & people’s “roles” in families. My absolute favorite character was Henry’s father Leopold ❤️. When he bestows an heirloom on Costanza, it broke me up 😢. It is so meaningful that he does this in his lifetime, rather then giving the gift 🎁 as an “inheritance”. This way she was able to express her appreciation of the gesture.
Some quotes from Leopold: “I like the idea of deli at a wedding instead of at a shivah.” “Change is not about putting in time. Change is about understanding. Insight.” Leopold was a proud father, evidenced by him telling Henry: “You have made life for so many people who would not have had life period. That is an accomplishment beyond all else to me. And it has made me a very proud father. The proudest.” Thanks 🙏🏻 for this amazing book @michaelfrankauthor. I loved it. #whatismissing #puglia #italy #market #cooking #ivf #ivfjourney #lovetriangle #family #relationships #fatherandson
December 13, 2019
🤰🏼REVIEW🍷 “Happiness, she knew, was not a particularly insightful state of mind...she had forgotten how blinding it could be”.
What is Missing is a beautiful, atmospheric, and poignant story that follows the journeys of Costanza, Henry, and Andrew as they navigate their ways through the process of in vitro fertilization.
Seventeen year old Andrew meets 40 year old Costanza at a hotel in Italy, where Andrew is accompanying his father Henry (a fertility doctor) at a conference. Their connection is immediate. By chance Costanza runs into Henry at a museum, but their paths do not cross again until all three are returned home, months later, to New York.
Henry invites Costanza to move in with them almost immediately, and the three begin their lives together. At least, for some time- and then Henry and Constanza decide to try in vitro fertilization, their last hope for a child together. Throughout all of this, Henry struggles with his relationship with Andrew, Andrew holds strong feelings for Costanza, and both Costanza and Henry are hiding pieces of their past that are starting to come out.
This book is beautifully written. Frank truly excels at creating a story that explores every facet of what is “missing” from peoples lives besides the obvious- it is layered, emotional, and, most importantly, makes the reader think about their own approaches and ways of being in a relationship. Throughout the entire time I was reading this book, I was envisioning it as an indie movie with quirky characters, beautiful settings, and a staccato storyline. Perfect when paired with a twinkling Christmas tree, a warm blanket, and a delicious meal inspired by the mouthwatering dinners cooked by Costanza. 4 ⭐️
What is Missing is a beautiful, atmospheric, and poignant story that follows the journeys of Costanza, Henry, and Andrew as they navigate their ways through the process of in vitro fertilization.
Seventeen year old Andrew meets 40 year old Costanza at a hotel in Italy, where Andrew is accompanying his father Henry (a fertility doctor) at a conference. Their connection is immediate. By chance Costanza runs into Henry at a museum, but their paths do not cross again until all three are returned home, months later, to New York.
Henry invites Costanza to move in with them almost immediately, and the three begin their lives together. At least, for some time- and then Henry and Constanza decide to try in vitro fertilization, their last hope for a child together. Throughout all of this, Henry struggles with his relationship with Andrew, Andrew holds strong feelings for Costanza, and both Costanza and Henry are hiding pieces of their past that are starting to come out.
This book is beautifully written. Frank truly excels at creating a story that explores every facet of what is “missing” from peoples lives besides the obvious- it is layered, emotional, and, most importantly, makes the reader think about their own approaches and ways of being in a relationship. Throughout the entire time I was reading this book, I was envisioning it as an indie movie with quirky characters, beautiful settings, and a staccato storyline. Perfect when paired with a twinkling Christmas tree, a warm blanket, and a delicious meal inspired by the mouthwatering dinners cooked by Costanza. 4 ⭐️
June 26, 2021
Avevo conosciuto Michael Frank con I formidabili Frank, racconto autobiografico e stupendo del suo rapporto con la zia Hank in una Los Angeles super glamour. Devo ammettere che Frank funziona meglio come autore di memoir (forse il suo lavoro di giornalista influisce), che come romanziere. Quello che manca ha deluso le mie aspettative.
Frank continua a esplorare il tema dell'ingombranza delle figure famigliari, che qui sono essenzialmente quelle paterne, per tutti e tre i protagonisti: Costanza, Henry e Andrew. Le loro storie dimostrano come sia essenzialmente impossibile emanciparsene completamente, seppure come sappiamo dalla notte dei tempi sia un conflitto incessante e necessario alla definizione del proprio sé. Frank però aggiunge una riflessione sul determinismo biologico (grazie anche al mestiere di Henry, professionista nella medicina della fertilità) che mi lascia perplesso. Con il personaggio di Andrew la storia sembra far intuire che l'antagonismo padre/figlio sia scritto nei geni, e possa quindi in qualche modo fuggirsi quando il legame si libera della sua base biologica.
In generale, non sono riuscito a provare empatia per nessuno dei personaggi. Mi pare che Frank limiti la loro caratterizzazione all'idiosincrasia (= il personaggio è complesso perché fa cose/ha abitudini pretenziose insolite).
Comunque, il libro si legge senza grandi intoppi, non pesa. Se non avessi letto prima I formidabili Frank probabilmente lo avrei apprezzato di più.
August 19, 2021
When I first saw this book I was captivated by the minimalistic design of its cover. The Epigraph is what truly struck me;
“𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. 𝘐 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯.”
I was so excited to delve into this story and learn more about these characters.
However, I was left incredibly disappointed.
**Spoilers ahead**
I will start with a positive note, I liked the scene descriptions and the story flowed in a way that was easy enough to follow and kept me reading. I also liked Leopold and Andrew very much.
Now onto the negatives. I felt very disconnected from the characters, almost far away. It felt as though you were watching them from the outside. There was a lot of ground covered but it was only surface level. In moments where there could have been emotional depth, the scene either ended or it was from an outsiders perspective. For example; when Henry spent hours in the bathtub or when Costanza wasn't getting out of bed. These scenes could have been met with such incredible emotional connection between reader and character but instead, we got someone else's POV.
The decision making in this book confused and frustrated me to no end. It just didn't make sense and nothing was thoroughly explained.
The ending was predictable but just because I expected it, does not mean it felt any less Icky.
Whether or not it was done in the manner that Andrew says it was done... who the fuck asks a person WHO IS STIL IN HIGHSCHOOL for their sperm. Was he 18 at the time? Yes. but MA'AM he's still a high schooler for fuck sake. ugh. nasty.
Also, I don't understand why the book never once discussed adoption or anonymous donor sperm. Costanza briefly thought about taking a child from a train but never considered adoption??
“𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. 𝘐 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯.”
I was so excited to delve into this story and learn more about these characters.
However, I was left incredibly disappointed.
**Spoilers ahead**
I will start with a positive note, I liked the scene descriptions and the story flowed in a way that was easy enough to follow and kept me reading. I also liked Leopold and Andrew very much.
Now onto the negatives. I felt very disconnected from the characters, almost far away. It felt as though you were watching them from the outside. There was a lot of ground covered but it was only surface level. In moments where there could have been emotional depth, the scene either ended or it was from an outsiders perspective. For example; when Henry spent hours in the bathtub or when Costanza wasn't getting out of bed. These scenes could have been met with such incredible emotional connection between reader and character but instead, we got someone else's POV.
The decision making in this book confused and frustrated me to no end. It just didn't make sense and nothing was thoroughly explained.
The ending was predictable but just because I expected it, does not mean it felt any less Icky.
Whether or not it was done in the manner that Andrew says it was done... who the fuck asks a person WHO IS STIL IN HIGHSCHOOL for their sperm. Was he 18 at the time? Yes. but MA'AM he's still a high schooler for fuck sake. ugh. nasty.
Also, I don't understand why the book never once discussed adoption or anonymous donor sperm. Costanza briefly thought about taking a child from a train but never considered adoption??
November 20, 2019
“People tend to fall into two groups. Those who feel the past on them always, like a shadow, and those who are free.” - What is Missing, Michael Frank
Review:
This was such a perfect slow burn read and I really enjoyed it. I took my time reading this one and it definitely left me with a real book hangover! At first, it was too slow for me and I had to mentally prepare myself for this one. But then, I found myself getting more and more intrigued about each of the characters, their struggles and their past. I eventually found myself invested with the story.
#WhatisMissing is primarily a story of this woman with a strong desire to have a child. She then goes through the whole IVF process. I really like Costanza’s character. She’s strong and brave. However, she definitely has some questionable choices in life but I still rooted for her from the beginning. Another character that unexpectedly stood out for me was grandpa Leopold. He’s just too adorable and definitely unforgettable! I think the author did such a great job developing the characters in this book.
This is also the first time that I read a novel without chapters. Not really sure what to feel about that. I personally like to have chapters since it gives me a stopping point to be able to breathe and just soak everything in especially if I’m reading serious and complex family drama like this one.
Overall, I still really like the story and the characters. It was a good cozy read, perfect for cold months. The story is definitely different but if you enjoy complex characters and thought provoking stories then this one is for you.
Review:
This was such a perfect slow burn read and I really enjoyed it. I took my time reading this one and it definitely left me with a real book hangover! At first, it was too slow for me and I had to mentally prepare myself for this one. But then, I found myself getting more and more intrigued about each of the characters, their struggles and their past. I eventually found myself invested with the story.
#WhatisMissing is primarily a story of this woman with a strong desire to have a child. She then goes through the whole IVF process. I really like Costanza’s character. She’s strong and brave. However, she definitely has some questionable choices in life but I still rooted for her from the beginning. Another character that unexpectedly stood out for me was grandpa Leopold. He’s just too adorable and definitely unforgettable! I think the author did such a great job developing the characters in this book.
This is also the first time that I read a novel without chapters. Not really sure what to feel about that. I personally like to have chapters since it gives me a stopping point to be able to breathe and just soak everything in especially if I’m reading serious and complex family drama like this one.
Overall, I still really like the story and the characters. It was a good cozy read, perfect for cold months. The story is definitely different but if you enjoy complex characters and thought provoking stories then this one is for you.
January 2, 2021
Frank does a beautiful job of fully demonstrating each characters and their complexities. Costanza's anxieties, fears, and emotions are portrayed so realistically and are so relatable that we empathize with her deeply. I appreciate how Frank effortlessly moves between characters. He brings to life secondary but important and rich characters like Leopold and Justin who make the story feel far more complete and far more human. I loved Andrew too. He was written with so much subtlety and caution which lends itself to many emotions behind and underneath the text. And Henry. Henry may be the story's weakest character, but it feels designed to be that way. His lack of courage, though consistent with his story arc, is saddening and his story feels a bit incomplete.
As for the quiet but dramatic ending of the story, I'm still thinking about it. It felt a bit strange, a bit too unwieldy and large for a such a delicate novel. Though satisfying in some ways, I think that satisfaction is a bit unearned.
As for the quiet but dramatic ending of the story, I'm still thinking about it. It felt a bit strange, a bit too unwieldy and large for a such a delicate novel. Though satisfying in some ways, I think that satisfaction is a bit unearned.
December 18, 2019
This is a book that exudes elegance and class from its start in Italy and as it continues in New York (then back to Italy again). The incredibly descriptive writing completely transports the reader to where Henry and his son Andrew meet the mysterious Costanza and their complex and tragic lives intermingle.
‘What is Missing’ walks the reader through the IVF process in an intimate way; from Costanza, desperately desiring a child, to Henry, the doctor (and her lover) who has discovered great advances in the process.
This was one of those enjoyable reads that I loved taking my time with. A budding romance, then the heartbreaking drama that constantly throws life off of its track, Michael Frank masterfully weaves together a great story. It was just what I needed to slow the busy holiday season down a bit.
‘What is Missing’ walks the reader through the IVF process in an intimate way; from Costanza, desperately desiring a child, to Henry, the doctor (and her lover) who has discovered great advances in the process.
This was one of those enjoyable reads that I loved taking my time with. A budding romance, then the heartbreaking drama that constantly throws life off of its track, Michael Frank masterfully weaves together a great story. It was just what I needed to slow the busy holiday season down a bit.
September 16, 2021
There is much to like about this book, and a bit to dislike too. For me, I couldn't stand the Henry character. I found him arrogant, deceitful, and just plain unpleasant. Fortunately, he was balanced out by Costanza and Andrew, and some of the minor characters such as Leopold, whom I found truly delightful, and Maria Rosaria, a mother any Italian-American daughter will recognize. For those who don't know much about assisted reproduction, the explanations are easy to follow. But what made the book stand out for me were the complex relationships between and among the characters. That's, for me, the author's strength. I was really interested to see what would happen to each of these characters (even Henry). I won't say any more, to avoid spoilers.
August 9, 2020
This novel is a morality play for 21st Century genetics. Costanza and Andrew meet cute, in Italy. But Costanza becomes involved with Andrew's father Henry. The plot moves the story along and the main plot twist became apparent to me well before the author would have wanted it to. The moral dilemma presented made for interesting reading. The full drama of the moral dilemma did not have me invested fully partly because I knew it was coming and partly because Henry did not jump off the page and remained a more of a plot device than a person. Having said that I would be inclined to read another work by Mr. Frank.
March 29, 2021
[3.5?]
I Formidabili Frank è un stato un memoir/romanzo frizzante, fatto di protagonisti (non personaggi) molto ingombranti, vivaci e decisamente umani.
Il secondo romanzo di Frank è invece fatto di progeatonisti di nuovo profondamente umani, ma anche caricaturali. La traduttrice, lo scrittore ebreo (Roth? Non lo sapremo mai), il dottore, il figlio del dottore, i segreti che io avevo già intuito a inizio libro. Resta una bellissima narrazione, eppure non regge il confronto con la "formidabile famiglia Frank".
Leggerò comunque altro di Michael Frank, è sicuramente un bravo scrittore!
Edit: e troppe, troppe pagine dedicate alla fivet e in generale la procreazione assistita.
I Formidabili Frank è un stato un memoir/romanzo frizzante, fatto di protagonisti (non personaggi) molto ingombranti, vivaci e decisamente umani.
Il secondo romanzo di Frank è invece fatto di progeatonisti di nuovo profondamente umani, ma anche caricaturali. La traduttrice, lo scrittore ebreo (Roth? Non lo sapremo mai), il dottore, il figlio del dottore, i segreti che io avevo già intuito a inizio libro. Resta una bellissima narrazione, eppure non regge il confronto con la "formidabile famiglia Frank".
Leggerò comunque altro di Michael Frank, è sicuramente un bravo scrittore!
Edit: e troppe, troppe pagine dedicate alla fivet e in generale la procreazione assistita.
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