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A Man Of Understanding
It takes a man of understanding to rebuild a shattered soul, a man with a deep and learned grasp of philosophy and poetry, a man who can nurture and inspire an enquiring mind, a man with the wit and humour to bring the world alive. That enigmatic man is Horatio Hennessy. His grandson Blue is that shattered soul. Following the death of twelve-year-old Blue's parents, his new home is a Finca in the mountains of Mallorca, with the grandfather he has never met before. But is Horatio up to the challenge, or is he merely trying, through Blue, to make good his past? Gradually a bond evolves between them through a shared love of poetry. But when secrets are uncovered, will understanding turn to misunderstanding? Will two souls be shattered this time? Absorbing, moving, witty and profound, A Man of Understanding is a beautifully-told story of the search for a higher understanding of the self and others, interlaced with poetry, philosophy and love.
314 pages, Paperback
Published April 7, 2022
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130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 3, 2022
This was one of the most poignant and evocative novels I’ve read in some time. The writing is stunning and profound, the glorious settings are vividly described, the cast of characters seem to step right off the page and there is a rich timeless quality that could put this tale in almost any modern era.
12 year old Rufus Ellerton’s life is shattered when his parents are killed in a car crash. He is sent to live in a finca on Mallorca, with his grandfather (Granga), Horatio Hennessy, who has so far been a stranger in his life. The first thing Granga does is change Rufus’ name to Blue, “like the cloudless sky”. Blue is unsure about this at first but soon welcomes his new identity as the pair quickly begin to bond through their pain.
Granga attempts to ease Blue’s suffering by giving him new experiences and sharing his love of authentic food, great art, philosophy and travel. On a trip to Morocco, Blue finds a book of poetry called “Verses of a Solitary Fellow”, and realises these are Granga’s published poems. This opens up a whole new world for Blue, who not only finds a deeper understanding of the man who is rapidly becoming his idol, but also the realisation that he wants to become a poet too. The prose of the novel is then interspersed with poetry, as the two characters bare their souls. One of my favourite parts is when the two write their first poem together, learning so much about each other in the process.
The relationship between Blue and Granga is the star of the show, but the supporting characters add to the rich fabric too. I loved the warmth of Maria, Granga’s housekeeper and the quiet wisdom of John Thompson, Blue’s best friend.
Before reading, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the combination of literature, poetry and philosophy. Poetry, I adore, but after having my mind completely boggled by a short course on philosophy at uni, I’ve tended to shy away from that subject.
However, this novel, told from the perspective of young Blue, made some very big ideas truly accessible. Not satisfied with telling a moving and heart warming tale, it also got me thinking about reason, belief, emotion, ethics and aesthetics. It taught me some of the ideas of Aristotle and Kant among others.
If it had been written differently this could have been a challenging read, but the endearing and enquiring voice of Blue lets these huge ideas flow seamlessly through the narrative, as we question them along with him.
The ending is so touching; it definitely left a tear or two in my eyes. It also left me thinking, not just about the story and the characters but about some of the big ideas the narrative deals with. That, for me, is the mark of a great novel!
12 year old Rufus Ellerton’s life is shattered when his parents are killed in a car crash. He is sent to live in a finca on Mallorca, with his grandfather (Granga), Horatio Hennessy, who has so far been a stranger in his life. The first thing Granga does is change Rufus’ name to Blue, “like the cloudless sky”. Blue is unsure about this at first but soon welcomes his new identity as the pair quickly begin to bond through their pain.
Granga attempts to ease Blue’s suffering by giving him new experiences and sharing his love of authentic food, great art, philosophy and travel. On a trip to Morocco, Blue finds a book of poetry called “Verses of a Solitary Fellow”, and realises these are Granga’s published poems. This opens up a whole new world for Blue, who not only finds a deeper understanding of the man who is rapidly becoming his idol, but also the realisation that he wants to become a poet too. The prose of the novel is then interspersed with poetry, as the two characters bare their souls. One of my favourite parts is when the two write their first poem together, learning so much about each other in the process.
The relationship between Blue and Granga is the star of the show, but the supporting characters add to the rich fabric too. I loved the warmth of Maria, Granga’s housekeeper and the quiet wisdom of John Thompson, Blue’s best friend.
Before reading, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the combination of literature, poetry and philosophy. Poetry, I adore, but after having my mind completely boggled by a short course on philosophy at uni, I’ve tended to shy away from that subject.
However, this novel, told from the perspective of young Blue, made some very big ideas truly accessible. Not satisfied with telling a moving and heart warming tale, it also got me thinking about reason, belief, emotion, ethics and aesthetics. It taught me some of the ideas of Aristotle and Kant among others.
If it had been written differently this could have been a challenging read, but the endearing and enquiring voice of Blue lets these huge ideas flow seamlessly through the narrative, as we question them along with him.
The ending is so touching; it definitely left a tear or two in my eyes. It also left me thinking, not just about the story and the characters but about some of the big ideas the narrative deals with. That, for me, is the mark of a great novel!
April 26, 2022
One could say it’s pretentious and ambitious – it certainly speaks of a belief in a certain level of academic prowess and talent, when literary work is described in the confines, boundaries and expectations of poetry, philosophy and literature. And here we are. This book manages to work within those expectations, cross the boundaries and expand upon the expectations, and it is also so much more at the same time.
I tell no lie when I say that I shed a tear at the end. Not for the story or the characters per se, but rather for the beauty this work entails and encompasses, and brings together so seamlessly. A melding of word art, emotional turmoil and entwining it with such a firm grasp on existential thoughts and fears.
No thought or word to be uttered without deeper introspection. No interaction noted or action taken without an exploration of depth of connection, of creativity, and acknowledgement of simply being – of existence.
I adored it. I love the art of poetry, and questions of philosophy that burn to be dissected. This is such a wonderful combination of the two, which is only enhanced by the presence of the Blue and Horatio. The stripping of persona and relationships to the core of inner essence – soul, if one can identify something so elusive and tangible. Then using core emotions of grief, abandonment, the need to belong and be loved to drive this powerful story to a conclusion, which is in itself once more a beginning or end, a door to be closed or opened. Beautiful work.
I tell no lie when I say that I shed a tear at the end. Not for the story or the characters per se, but rather for the beauty this work entails and encompasses, and brings together so seamlessly. A melding of word art, emotional turmoil and entwining it with such a firm grasp on existential thoughts and fears.
No thought or word to be uttered without deeper introspection. No interaction noted or action taken without an exploration of depth of connection, of creativity, and acknowledgement of simply being – of existence.
I adored it. I love the art of poetry, and questions of philosophy that burn to be dissected. This is such a wonderful combination of the two, which is only enhanced by the presence of the Blue and Horatio. The stripping of persona and relationships to the core of inner essence – soul, if one can identify something so elusive and tangible. Then using core emotions of grief, abandonment, the need to belong and be loved to drive this powerful story to a conclusion, which is in itself once more a beginning or end, a door to be closed or opened. Beautiful work.
May 2, 2022
Blue and Granga – this is the story of a twelve-year-old boy who has lost both his parents in a car accident, and his grandfather Horatio Hennessey. Rufus Ellerton has gone to Mallorca to stay with his Granga, an elderly man he has never met. A man who decides to call him Blue, like the sky.
As soon as Blue arrives at Granga’s Finca in the mountains, they are off to Morocco and then to the South of France. It’s an exciting whirlwind and wherever they go, everyone seems to know Horatio.
Then one day, while staying in France, Blue finds a book of poems called Verses of a Solitary Fellow by Horatio R Hennessey. These are Granga’s poems.
‘I opened the book at the first page. Five words marked the Dedication: To Sophia, my beloved wife.’
And so begins the relationship between Blue and Granga. It’s not always an easy one and there were times I wanted to bang their heads together. Granga talks, philosophises, teaches Blue about poetry, good food and Aristotle and the Golden Mean. But in reality he says nothing to make Blue feel wanted or loved. And Blue often reacts annoyingly, but I have to remember he’s only twelve. Sometimes I think Granga forgets as well.
I’d love to live in their village in Mallorca. The beautiful weather, the sea, the wonderful food and the freedom. But is it the right place for a boy who needs an education? Or would he be better off at boarding school?
My favourite part of the book apart from the poems which alone deserve 5 stars, is the part where Blue meets twelve sheep in a field. He talks to them like they are dogs or fluffy people. Then at Granga’s birthday barbeque, they have lamb and Blue is overcome with emotion. As a vegetarian, I understand how he feels. Have they eaten one of his new friends? Will there only be eleven sheep in the field tomorrow? I’ll leave you to find out.
This book could have been pretentious, snobby and aimed at a reader with an MA in philosophy at least to understand it, let alone appreciate its beauty. But it isn’t. You don’t need to like poetry (though I do) or have read Aristotle or Kant (I haven’t) to love it. It’s just beautiful and it made me cry.
Many thanks to @annecater for inviting me to be part of #RandomThingsTours
As soon as Blue arrives at Granga’s Finca in the mountains, they are off to Morocco and then to the South of France. It’s an exciting whirlwind and wherever they go, everyone seems to know Horatio.
Then one day, while staying in France, Blue finds a book of poems called Verses of a Solitary Fellow by Horatio R Hennessey. These are Granga’s poems.
‘I opened the book at the first page. Five words marked the Dedication: To Sophia, my beloved wife.’
And so begins the relationship between Blue and Granga. It’s not always an easy one and there were times I wanted to bang their heads together. Granga talks, philosophises, teaches Blue about poetry, good food and Aristotle and the Golden Mean. But in reality he says nothing to make Blue feel wanted or loved. And Blue often reacts annoyingly, but I have to remember he’s only twelve. Sometimes I think Granga forgets as well.
I’d love to live in their village in Mallorca. The beautiful weather, the sea, the wonderful food and the freedom. But is it the right place for a boy who needs an education? Or would he be better off at boarding school?
My favourite part of the book apart from the poems which alone deserve 5 stars, is the part where Blue meets twelve sheep in a field. He talks to them like they are dogs or fluffy people. Then at Granga’s birthday barbeque, they have lamb and Blue is overcome with emotion. As a vegetarian, I understand how he feels. Have they eaten one of his new friends? Will there only be eleven sheep in the field tomorrow? I’ll leave you to find out.
This book could have been pretentious, snobby and aimed at a reader with an MA in philosophy at least to understand it, let alone appreciate its beauty. But it isn’t. You don’t need to like poetry (though I do) or have read Aristotle or Kant (I haven’t) to love it. It’s just beautiful and it made me cry.
Many thanks to @annecater for inviting me to be part of #RandomThingsTours
April 30, 2024
A Man of Understanding is a beautifully told coming of age novel that shows us the relationship between a grandfather and grandson who have never met before.
We are introduced to twelve year old Rufus, just having lost both parents. He is sent to live with his grandfather, Horatio. A man he doesn't know, who renames him Blue. We see a boy full of pain and confusion with a man who doesn't speak overly much, and when he does, it's the blunt truth. His renaming of Rufus is part of his idea that his grandson needs to find the positives in life after everything he has been through.
Blue settles down in his new life and does enjoy times of closeness with Horatio, who is a poet, and they discover a joint love of poetry. Their shared grief creates a connection that transcends the need to 'know' each other. We do see his grandfather's softer side, which is a contrast to his more usual strict self.
They travel together through Spain, to Morocco, and also France. These times are precious as they discuss poetry, writing, and philosophy. Exploring feelings and secrets that have been hidden.
A novel that is multi layered and created the space for me to mull over the meaning of grief, love and guilt in friendship, and within a family. I have not read a book as philosophical as this for quite some time. The plot is there to give a starting point and a little framework through which I could reflect on the themes that Horatio and Blue raised as the story developed.
It's such a poetic novel in every way. I could say I felt almost honoured to read A Man of Understanding, I felt like I shared their journey and even became a little more aware of the feelings and thoughts it brought up. I could say I may have blinked a little tear away, too.
Thanks to Diana Janney for my gifted copy of the book to write my honest review.
We are introduced to twelve year old Rufus, just having lost both parents. He is sent to live with his grandfather, Horatio. A man he doesn't know, who renames him Blue. We see a boy full of pain and confusion with a man who doesn't speak overly much, and when he does, it's the blunt truth. His renaming of Rufus is part of his idea that his grandson needs to find the positives in life after everything he has been through.
Blue settles down in his new life and does enjoy times of closeness with Horatio, who is a poet, and they discover a joint love of poetry. Their shared grief creates a connection that transcends the need to 'know' each other. We do see his grandfather's softer side, which is a contrast to his more usual strict self.
They travel together through Spain, to Morocco, and also France. These times are precious as they discuss poetry, writing, and philosophy. Exploring feelings and secrets that have been hidden.
A novel that is multi layered and created the space for me to mull over the meaning of grief, love and guilt in friendship, and within a family. I have not read a book as philosophical as this for quite some time. The plot is there to give a starting point and a little framework through which I could reflect on the themes that Horatio and Blue raised as the story developed.
It's such a poetic novel in every way. I could say I felt almost honoured to read A Man of Understanding, I felt like I shared their journey and even became a little more aware of the feelings and thoughts it brought up. I could say I may have blinked a little tear away, too.
Thanks to Diana Janney for my gifted copy of the book to write my honest review.
May 31, 2022
📚 After losing his parents, a 12-year old boy, Blue, moves from England o Mallorca to stay with his estranged grandfather, Horatio. They go on a trip together for 2 weeks and start forming a relationship as Horatio engages Blue in interesting philosophical conversations and introduces him to poetry. Blue, who was grieving the loss of his parents, gradually starts to feel inspired by life and the world again.
❤️I absolutely loved this book. Diana Janney masterfully weaves philosophy, poetry and art into a beautiful story of a young boy and his grandfather, connecting and inspiring each other to move forward after a tragedy. I mentioned philosophy, but this book is by no means preachy or pretentious. It sends us a reminder how important it is to “feel” things rather than think. You understand what it means when you read the poems featured in this book. The writing in this book flows naturally and lyrically. It is easy to absorb, understand and feel. So please do not feel intimidated by the philosophical elements of this book. This book is highly recommendable to everyone even if you are not big on philosophy and poetry.
❤️At the heart of philosophy and concepts this book explores is the questions about love. What does it mean to love? How do you live when you lost someone you loved? Blue and Horatio inspire and nurture each other throughout the book to understand the meaning of love and life. I loved that it isn’t just the old man teaching the young. Horatio is experienced and wise, but he still learns a lot from his grandson. What a beautiful reminder that learning is a never-ending journey, continuously expanding your mind and your world. So stay open-minded and open-hearted. The life is full of beauty and wonder. And love.
❤️I absolutely loved this book. Diana Janney masterfully weaves philosophy, poetry and art into a beautiful story of a young boy and his grandfather, connecting and inspiring each other to move forward after a tragedy. I mentioned philosophy, but this book is by no means preachy or pretentious. It sends us a reminder how important it is to “feel” things rather than think. You understand what it means when you read the poems featured in this book. The writing in this book flows naturally and lyrically. It is easy to absorb, understand and feel. So please do not feel intimidated by the philosophical elements of this book. This book is highly recommendable to everyone even if you are not big on philosophy and poetry.
❤️At the heart of philosophy and concepts this book explores is the questions about love. What does it mean to love? How do you live when you lost someone you loved? Blue and Horatio inspire and nurture each other throughout the book to understand the meaning of love and life. I loved that it isn’t just the old man teaching the young. Horatio is experienced and wise, but he still learns a lot from his grandson. What a beautiful reminder that learning is a never-ending journey, continuously expanding your mind and your world. So stay open-minded and open-hearted. The life is full of beauty and wonder. And love.
May 13, 2022
Firstly I completely underestimated this book. It's not something I would have normally read but I like to take myself out of my comfort zone sometimes and I'm so glad I did with this one.
It is one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read. The words just flow so naturally but there is so much substance behind them. The relationship between Rufus/Blue and his Grandfather (Granga) is something truly special and you really feel like you are reading about real people. It made me wish I was 12 again and able to relive the time with my Grandparents.
The story is interspersed with poems written by Granga and Blue and whilst I am really not one for poetry even I could appreciate the beauty and poignancy of these poems.
I finished reading the book with tears in my eyes and a massive lump in my throat. If, like me, you mainly read romcoms, thrillers etc and want to experience something outside your 'comfort' genres then give this a try. It's something really special.
It is one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read. The words just flow so naturally but there is so much substance behind them. The relationship between Rufus/Blue and his Grandfather (Granga) is something truly special and you really feel like you are reading about real people. It made me wish I was 12 again and able to relive the time with my Grandparents.
The story is interspersed with poems written by Granga and Blue and whilst I am really not one for poetry even I could appreciate the beauty and poignancy of these poems.
I finished reading the book with tears in my eyes and a massive lump in my throat. If, like me, you mainly read romcoms, thrillers etc and want to experience something outside your 'comfort' genres then give this a try. It's something really special.
April 26, 2022
"A Man of Understanding” by Diana Janney is a witty and heartwarming coming-of-age tale, centered on the inter-generational relationship between a grandfather and the grandson he had never met.
Twelve-year old Rufus lost his parents in an accident and, in return, he gained an enigmatic grandfather, Granga, who gave him a new name, Blue.
Through travels around Spain, Morocco and France, discussions about philosophy and poetry writing, Granga and Blue explore untold feelings and discover buried secrets. What does love, grief, friendship and guilt really mean and how do you go on?
Poetic in both content and style, this novel has a spare plot but a layered meaning that’ll make you reflect on the meaning of life.
Twelve-year old Rufus lost his parents in an accident and, in return, he gained an enigmatic grandfather, Granga, who gave him a new name, Blue.
Through travels around Spain, Morocco and France, discussions about philosophy and poetry writing, Granga and Blue explore untold feelings and discover buried secrets. What does love, grief, friendship and guilt really mean and how do you go on?
Poetic in both content and style, this novel has a spare plot but a layered meaning that’ll make you reflect on the meaning of life.
August 4, 2025
3.75 stars. This was a beautiful, heartwarming story. But it was also a bit simple, and I felt it could have been more developed. We didn't really get time to understand the Grandfather, and everything went a bit quickly to believe in the depth of feeling between him and Blue. Still, it was a lovely read.
July 8, 2023
It's beautiful
June 15, 2024
Stunning book
February 28, 2025
A beautiful read !
February 5, 2026
A book about grief that is hopeful and clever and honest. Warning, this book will make you want to move to Mallorca!
January 13, 2026
An outstanding book filling my feelings with emotions as every page was turned, a story of healing and loving.
July 24, 2024
This book is beautiful!
May 12, 2022
A NOVEL TO STIR THE SENSES
When I was approached to read and review A Man of Understanding, the new novel by Diana Janney I thought it seemed unique and touching. That was definitely an underestimation. I was correct about it being unique but I was not prepared for how this beautiful and poignant story completely captured my heart and stirred my senses. After being moved like never before from reading the evocative narrative I really struggled to read the last page as the tears in my eyes were distorting my vision.
In my opinion, A Man of Understanding should be classed as a modern literary classic. It is stunning. To read my full review, go to my book blog at: https://noveldelights.com/2022/04/21/...
When I was approached to read and review A Man of Understanding, the new novel by Diana Janney I thought it seemed unique and touching. That was definitely an underestimation. I was correct about it being unique but I was not prepared for how this beautiful and poignant story completely captured my heart and stirred my senses. After being moved like never before from reading the evocative narrative I really struggled to read the last page as the tears in my eyes were distorting my vision.
In my opinion, A Man of Understanding should be classed as a modern literary classic. It is stunning. To read my full review, go to my book blog at: https://noveldelights.com/2022/04/21/...
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews