Review of ‘Tin Man’ by Sarah Winman

“And I wonder what the sound of a heart breaking might be. And I think it might be quiet, unperceptively so, and not dramatic at all. Like the sound of an exhausted swallow falling gently to earth.”

Tin Man by Sarah Winman is a love triangle between two boys and a girl that explores melancholy, love and bisexuality like no other book ever has.

Most of the book is written from the perspective of Ellis, a 46-year-old lonely widower, who works in the paint shop at an Oxford Car Plant with utmost dedication. He always wanted to be an artist but after his mother’s death, his father stands against it. His friendship with Michael is a respite which turns into a brief love-affair; they were lovers for nine days. Soon, Ellis meets his future wife Annie and she changes nothing and everything.

The book revels in memories. Memories of Ellis’ childhood, his love affair with Michael and his wedded life with Annie, but also from Michael’s perspective. The memories are so palpable, it seems as if you’ve lived them and are reliving it as you read. The emotional insight of the author will leave you spellbound.

The writing is powerful yet fluid. The descriptions are profound, whether its about relationships or a landscape. The end is one which will leave you satisfied and content.

Tin Man is an emotional whirlwind but you won’t be scared to be in it because it assures you safety, warmth and kindness.

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