Customer Reviews

Franky Furbo

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

"Franky Furbo" begins innocently enough; Wharton paints a landscape and begins to people it. Soon, the book takes an unusual turn. It was a turn that gave me pause; I thought about not going on with the book.

I purchased "Franky Furbo" after reading Birdy, Pride, Dad and Scumbler. I considered those books to be gems, and I worried that I would be disappointed in this work. The path the author sets down for the reader to follow genuinely puzzled me, but I love Wharton's books, so I read on. I was entranced. I love Franky's story. It is another Wharton gem.

...This is one of those novels where you don't know what to expect, you read the description on the back and speculate what the book is going to be like...but wow. I was way off. I'm not sure if I can word this review right; but to put it simply: it's definitely a fantasy/reality type novel. The story itself is about an American soldier named William who gets saved by a supernatural fox along with a German soldier named Wilhelm during WWII. When William returns home he speaks of this supernatural talking fox named "Franky Furbo" who saved his life, but no one believes him. His journey is to invetigate this bizarre story and find out if any of it is real. The book is told from first person much like Huckleberry Finn, but there are several instances where we are taken into the mind of another person and see things from another's point of view. It's a fun novel if you have an open mind for fantasy and science fiction. Certainly pulls a spin of reality that almost makes you believe it.

I loved reading this...The books draws you in well, and the use of flashbacks and the Franky stories moves it along good. I never expected the ending at all, it was great! The future fox world was very interesting. I plan on reading the Franky Stories to my younger brother, and hopefully someday my own children. (and look forward to such!)

When I first read this book, I couldn't put it down. It's an unbelieveable tale that draws you in with a suprising twist at the end. This is an absolute must for any collector or fantasy fiction fan!

Of all the words, thewonders of Wharton, Franky Furbo brings it all home! For years my favorite Wharton fiction, (or is it~~fact?) I've hesitated in writing a review. (Wishing to somehow keep it a selfish secret!) With his precision sharpness, this surgeon of words carefully lifts the spirit,bathes it in light, and replaces it with sutures of love...leaving the reader, a Wharton wisdom seeker, feeling better, warmer, and more complete/whole. Through a mix of fantasy and reality(isn't that how most of us do life?), core values of love, family, and the honoring of both genders, are embraced as well as seeking of out and exploring our shadows....This brings with that, the light of understanding and acceptance. I would love a sequel, simply because I delighted so in reading Franky Furbo, yet is complete and whole as is!!! AN EXTRORDINARILLY CREATIVE WORK.

I don't get it. Unless this really IS a children's book it makes no sense at all. It is trite, repetitive and utterly tedious. If I hadn't read the other reviews and been something of a Wharton fan I would have junked it after twenty pages. The puerile `philosophy' may be compelling to eleven-year-olds, but from the book's rambling style and clumsy reliance on typographical devices it might well have been written by one. I struggled to the end, in dwindling hope of finding what others had valued. It wasn't there, and those first twenty pages were pretty much as good as it got.