ROUNDTABLE REVIEWS'
Tony Parsons Page
Touchstone Books
ISBN: 0743236092
March 2005 (Paperback)
General Fiction
www.bbc.co.uk/arts/books/author/parsons/
Reviewed By Tracy Farnsworth
After a tragic diving accident claims the life of his wife, Alfie Budd realizes that without love he has no meaning. He leaves their Hong Kong home and returns to London where he resumes teaching English to foreigners. Despite all, his inner spark is gone. Instead, he enters into meaningless relationships with his students and remains totally alone.
Alfie begins the path of healing through the wise teachings of George Chang, a Tai Chi expert. However, George's lessons are not enough to bring Alfie out of his self-imposed loneliness. It is the arrival of Jackie Day that finds Alfie contemplating a second chance at love. Jackie is a single mom, who hopes to return to college. Before she can resume her education, she needs to pass an A-Level English class. Though he is hesitant, Alfie finds himself agreeing to tutor her, and thus finds himself falling in love again.
Rich with references to Frank Sinatra's music, ONE FOR MY BABY is a touching read. Tony Parsons writes with the dry humor for which British are known; I enjoy this style of humor, but I realize others don't. There are language differences. I learned long ago that American's don't speak English, we speak American. Sadly, I feel this is why some American reviewers are finding the book to be tedious.
The characters are all three-dimensional. Yes, Alfie may be dragging on about the loss of his wife, but if you are suddenly without your true love, wouldn't that be normal? I adored George. I have been curious about Tai Chi myself and know am certain it is something I need to try! And Jackie is tough, despite her life situation. She is truly likeable. Paired, the three key characters made ONE FOR MY BABY a highly enjoyable read.