Franky Furbo [Paperback]

William Wharton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1989

Set in a remote Italian village, this novel focuses on William Wiley and his family as they separate his fantasy about a magical fox, whom he claims to know, from reality. The author also wrote "Birdy", "Dad", "Midnight Clear", "Pride", "Scumbler" and "Tidings".

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Wharton ( Birdy ) again relies on a characteristic mix of fantasy and psychological realism in this fable for adults. During WW II, a dying American soldier, William Wiley, and his German captor, Wilhelm Klug, are miraculously rescued by a fox endowed with extraordinary powers, Franky Furbo. For William, the experience is indisputably true; when he discovers later that neither his wife nor children believe in Franky, he endures a crisis of faith and searches desperately for verification. The intricate fantasy is given depth by first-person narration and the utter credibility of William's dilemma. And the book's mystical ending gives Wharton an opportunity to explore new facets of favorite themes: our relationship to nature, the need for peace and tolerance, and the indestructible bonds of love. His vision skirts didacticism and sentimentality, instructing by inspiring. Author tour.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 228 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt; 1st edition (1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805011579
• ISBN-13: 978-0805011579
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,074,883 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wharton's own life makes the book even more intriguing, May 19, 2002

By 

Traveler (New England) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Franky Furbo (Paperback)

I don't want to repeat the accolades and explanations others have made. Suffice to say, this is a hard book to categorize. It's unusual and combines several genres. Some people might dismiss it as too "out there," but if they're patient they'll be rewarded with a wonderful and unique book full of idealism and mythology.

What makes this book especially intriguing, and perhaps will even help explain some of the content, is Wharton's (not his real name) own life.

"A Midnight Clear," another book written by Wharton which was also made into an excellent movie, tells the story of an intelligence unit during WW II which "illegally" creates a truce with a nearby German unit. Further research shows that a large portion of "Midnight" is autobiographical. Wharton himself was in an intelligence unit, was disfigured somewhat, and was also classified as a genius by the military. Parts of this history are also shown in "Franky Furbo."

Wharton's own beliefs were clearly shown when he left the US to live in France. Apparently, this was due in part to his disillusionment with the United States for its various actions and policies.

There's simply not enough space to get into all the details of Wharton's life. I recommend anyone who reads the book to do further research. It certainly helps explain "Franky Furbo" because Wharton shares a lot of Franky's beliefs and experiences. It just makes the story that much more mystical and interesting.

A must read for anyone who thinks different or has listened to Lennon's "Imagine" and agreed that we need to get beyond our nationalism and other oppressive beliefs.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mind Expanding Novel..., June 29, 2000

By 

Erin Silverstein (W. Nyack, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Franky Furbo (Paperback)

This novel is the most impressive work of literature I have read to date. On the surface, it may appear to be a childish book about a talking fox who saves humans from the brink of death and unites enemies in peace, but that does not begin to describe the wonder of this book. It wraps you in a world of peacefulness and idealism; you wish you were there. Then it cements in you a love for the characters and their lives. And finally, in an amazing display of science fiction, romance, and imagination, it smacks you in the face. You will either love this book, or it will make your head hurt and you will not get it at all. In either case, I suppose you'll enjoy the many fonts used to differentiate characters and languages. Ultimately, Franky Furbo is a beautifully flowing book that takes your mind on a rollercoaster of thoughts and imagination. Read it. It's not just about a talking fox.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the five best books I've ever read., June 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Franky Furbo (Hardcover)

Franky Furbo by William Wharton is a truly magnificent book! This fantasy is often sad; at times you may find it disturbing and difficult to read. Please persevere. You will be rewarded with a story which is enlightening and ultimately uplifting. It is a great book to give to friends and family as a special present, if you can find it. Since it is out-of-print, procuring copies can be a challenge, but it is worth the effort.