Customer Reviews

Nine Wives

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Dan Elish has managed to carve out an intriguing and humorous character, Henry Mann, who gives us a glimpse into the romantic dreams and fantasies of a young at heart 30 + year old.

What I liked so much about this book was that the plot was developed through fantasy, there was at least a chuckle on every page, and the story was mainly told from a male perspecetive.

For a fresh slant and alot of fun..........don't miss this one!!

Before I read "Nine Wives," I thought it was only single women who fantasized about matrimony on the first date. But Henry Mann, who has reached the age of 32 and has decided to settle down, begins his story by proposing to three women at a single wedding (he was a bit drunk) and goes on to imagine weddings, children and of course lots of sex with most of the women he works with, talks with, or even sees across a crowded room. Henry is a sweet, creative, "nice guy" trying to make headway in the New York dating scene in spite of some considerable insecurities and serious jealousy issues. But his flaws are what make Henry so endearing -- you wouldn't care about him so much if he were perfect. His romantic misadventures showed me that a guy who is typically obsessed with sex and a little too hung up on how a woman looks can feel as scared, awkward and unsure of himself as any female. Male and female readers who crave a big dose of Happily Ever After will all be able to relate. The story is touching, funny and unpredictable, and the book is very hard to put down.

This is a charming and endearing novel which is wonderfully evocative about the world of 30-something singles, New York City struggling artists and the humorously devastating (and devastatingly humorous) pitfalls on the road to love. The characters are beautifully etched and the book is often laugh-out loud funny. A most enjoyable read.

What an entertaining dive into what are revealed to be the tragically shallow workings of the male mind! Henry is a modern Walter Mitty, a man who takes you though the wild roller coaster ride of his over active imagination, revealing all of his flaws, insecurities and just plain neurotic tendencies. All the while making the reader root for his success. I loved that Henry seemed so real and I did so want for him to find true love. Henry is the Bridget Jones of the Manhattan Set, and I want the sequel!

This book is incredibly humorous, entertaining and insightful. You're taken on an honest mental trip, never knowing what could possibly happen next. "Nine Wives" is a creative and original read!

Nine Wives had me laughing so hard, I was certain my fellow Greyhound passengers would think I was having a seizure. It is a terrific blend of humor, pathos, male psychology and creative plot twists. The protagonist, Harry Mann, is both likeable and hopelessly idealistic, constantly brushing himself off from the latest bump with reality (having emerged from daydreams of himself, say, being chosen one of People Magazine's sexiest men, after having cloned a goat). I found myself rooting for him, and, of course, finding familiar pieces of those hopeless dates to identify with. A wonderful summer read, this book will go far.

Dan Elish has created a single man for our age. Confused, neurotic, and infatuated by appearances, Henry often seems as superficial as the date-obsessed (and weight-obsessed!) women who dot the pages of summer chick-lit books. But he can also be kind and sweet, giving this lovely little book a unique and humane tone. Listen to Henry, and you might hear your buddies--or yourself.

This book is Funny! If you have ever found yourself in the middle of the single's scene...this will make you smile. The main character is not a bad guy....in fact he is really sweet and bright. The only problem is he is caught up in void between real life and fantasy. There are some laugh out loud scenes and you find yourself rooting for Mr. Mann. I think this author is heading for some great success. If this is his first adult novel...I'd keep and eye out for Mr. Elish's future work! Keep 'em coming Mr. Elish....I'll keep reading them!

Nine Wives is an unabashedly honest insight into the mind of Henry Mann, a thirty-something unmarried legal assistant/musician in Manhattan. Now that all his friends are getting married, Henry can no longer hear a woman's name without measuring her long-term potential, so the novel chronicles a series of (mis)adventures between himself and nine female prospects (some real, some imaginary). Even though this book was written by a man about a man (hence the protagonist's last name "Mann"), women readers can totally identify with Henry's hang-ups, hopes and self-doubts. If anything, Henry's behaviors show how similar the genders are (I was surprised and relieved to read that men too have elaborate fantasies about their wedding day even before the first date). And as for the quality of the writing, it's absolutely on target--smart without being pretentious, thorough without feeling tedious, and funny without jeopardizing the story's gravity. It's also lovingly peppered with dozens of apt literary and musical references. Often bittersweet and always true, Nine Wives is a perfect ten!

This book is a pleasant and funny look at a single 30-something in Manhattan looking for the woman of his dreams. It's an easy read and very likeable. It's not particularly deep or profound, but it's not a waste of time either.