John and Mary

by Mervyn Jones

John and Mary wake up together, in John's apartment. They had just met the night before. While he is very guarded, and she is most discreet, both of them are aware that the relationship has a potential beyond the ""limited commitment"" thus far--even though they have no social frame of reference and they now attempt to fill in their separate pasts, speculate over their mutual future. Rather unsentimentally, conditionally, cautiously, and privately the story is told in alternating, internal monologues, one starting just short of where the other stopped. Technically it is quite accomplished; for the most part it is attractive; and the book, while no more nor less important than any rather personal love story, has a sophisticated composure. Like John and Mary.

Genres: Fiction

154 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1966

About the author

Mervyn Jones was a British biographer and novelist, the son of psychoanalyst Ernest Jones.

Reviews

[Caroline Kimbel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet romance story taking place only over the course of a day. Really nice to read it in real time. It was so clearly written by a man tho…
“So he came into me, free and strong, like a ship plunging into the sea when it’s launched”

[Mireia Bragulat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gustó la simplicidad del libro. Contando la relación de dos nuevas personas a lo largo de un fin de semana. También ha sido el primer libro que he leido en el que el narrador va cambiando a lo largo de la temporalidad de la historia y eso me gustó mucho. Repito, el libro es corto y simple, pero hizo que cogiera cariño a los personajes, y entendiera sus miedos y pensamientos sobre la relación. No es muy romántico y eso también lo agradezco. Lo recomendio, es una lectura fácil y rápida. Lo tengo en mi estantería, así que puedo prestarlo si a alguien le interesa! :D

[Gea · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kohutav targutav tüütus, aga bussisõidul polnud muud lugemist kaasas (haarasin Tln bussijaama raamaturiiulist)

[Julia Salzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

stupid ass ending

[maya · Rating 3 out of 5]

liked it but also hated it so idk

[Teryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a couple who meet up one evening, sleep together and then spend the following day getting to know each other. It was one of those books that resonated with me. The film was good too, with
Dustin Hoffman and Mia Farrow.

[Angel Serrano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Para tratarse de una novela de 1966 es completamente revolucionaria. Se trata simplemente de un relato a cuatro manos de un encuentro típico "boy-meets-girl" que acaba en la cama. La naturalidad con la que ocurre nos parece normal ahora, pero no lo fue en su época.

[magda · Rating 3 out of 5]

6 ꙳
the ending did not sit right with me, but the analysis that main characters - Mary and John - had in their minds the feelings, thoughts and expression it was just captivating.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple meet for a sexual encounter and end up falling in love.