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Boy and Man
When a loved one disappears, you can never be sure whether they are alive or dead Jay once content with life in rural Ireland, left his childhood home and those who loved him to embark on the journey of his life in search of his father. Now Jay is fully grown and living in a mission hospital in Africa. Alone without his family or his roots, he has given up his quest.Back in Ireland, the man known as the master is recovering after a terrible accident. Sure that his missing grandson, the only person left of his family, is alive somewhere, he cannot rest untill he knows for sure.Both men are seeking, amid the human suffering they are surrounded by, to have their belief in life confirmed. And for both of them, its the kindness of strangers which brings comfort. From the travelling nun to the Polish builder, for the trusting truick driver to the released prisoner, it is these strangers who guide us on life's journey and who help bring the missing home to each other.
- GenresFiction
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
Niall Williams
32 books2,186 followersNiall Williams studied English and French Literature at University College Dublin and graduated with a MA in Modern American Literature. He moved to New York in 1980 where he married Christine Breen. His first job in New York was opening boxes of books in Fox and Sutherland's Bookshop in Mount Kisco. He later worked as a copywriter for Avon Books in New York City before leaving America with Chris in 1985 to attempt to make a life as a writer in Ireland. They moved on April 1st to the cottage in west Clare that Chris's grandfather had left eighty years before to find his life in America.
His first four books were co-written with Chris and tell of their life together in Co Clare.
In 1991 Niall's first play THE MURPHY INITIATIVE was staged at The Abbey Theatre in Dublin. His second play, A LITTLE LIKE PARADISE was produced on the Peacock stage of The Abbey Theatre in 1995. His third play, THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT, was produced by Galway's Druid Theatre Company in 1999.
Niall's first novel was FOUR LETTERS OF LOVE. Published in 1997, it went on to become an international bestseller and has been published in over twenty countries. His second novel, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN was published in 1999 and short-listed for the Irish Times Literature Prize. Further novels include THE FALL OF LIGHT, ONLY SAY THE WORD, BOY IN THE WORLD and its sequel, BOY AND MAN.
In 2008 Bloomsbury published Niall's fictional account of the last year in the life of the apostle, JOHN.
His new novel, HISTORY OF THE RAIN, will be published by Bloomsbury in the UK/Ireland and in the USA Spring 2014. (Spanish and Turkish rights have also been sold.)
Niall has recently written several screenplays. Two have been optioned by film companies.
His first four books were co-written with Chris and tell of their life together in Co Clare.
In 1991 Niall's first play THE MURPHY INITIATIVE was staged at The Abbey Theatre in Dublin. His second play, A LITTLE LIKE PARADISE was produced on the Peacock stage of The Abbey Theatre in 1995. His third play, THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT, was produced by Galway's Druid Theatre Company in 1999.
Niall's first novel was FOUR LETTERS OF LOVE. Published in 1997, it went on to become an international bestseller and has been published in over twenty countries. His second novel, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN was published in 1999 and short-listed for the Irish Times Literature Prize. Further novels include THE FALL OF LIGHT, ONLY SAY THE WORD, BOY IN THE WORLD and its sequel, BOY AND MAN.
In 2008 Bloomsbury published Niall's fictional account of the last year in the life of the apostle, JOHN.
His new novel, HISTORY OF THE RAIN, will be published by Bloomsbury in the UK/Ireland and in the USA Spring 2014. (Spanish and Turkish rights have also been sold.)
Niall has recently written several screenplays. Two have been optioned by film companies.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 10, 2012
What a glorious read this is, a moving tale of interwoven destinies, a thoughtful contemplative journey of people finding their way back to each other by means of mystery.
The different characters are each confronted with loss, with tragedy, with the challenge to go on, to find something valid, something more than themselves and beyond their own lives.
The characters' stories are interleaved and introduced in what appears to be a random order and this is handled with such precision that the reader does not feel lost or confused.
It's beautifully written, in lyrical prose, a delight, though raw when it warrants.
It's a story of endurance, of resilience and resolve, a commitment to bonds, to love.
I found it a precious reading experience, a book of heartfelt wisdom.
The different characters are each confronted with loss, with tragedy, with the challenge to go on, to find something valid, something more than themselves and beyond their own lives.
The characters' stories are interleaved and introduced in what appears to be a random order and this is handled with such precision that the reader does not feel lost or confused.
It's beautifully written, in lyrical prose, a delight, though raw when it warrants.
It's a story of endurance, of resilience and resolve, a commitment to bonds, to love.
I found it a precious reading experience, a book of heartfelt wisdom.
January 29, 2013
I read this over a few hours and enjoyed it more than I was expecting to. Ok so some would find the storyline a little improbable - and maybe it is - but for me that wasn't the main point of the book. Its about never giving up hope. I read this while I was not having the best day ever and it honestly did help to lift me. I will definitely read other books by Niall Williams.
May 2, 2026
This is the follow up to Boy in the World and ties up all the threads which unravelled in its predecessor. Consequently, I enjoyed it more and found the way Williams plotted the novel and brought the characters together very satisfying. As in the first novel there is a strong sense of events being guided by a divine force which some readers might find unbelievable, but by the end you will be wanting to believe!
June 14, 2017
Such a beautiful book. But it isn't just the excellent prose that keeps you turning the pages, the story moves quickly from one character to another, gradually bringing the strands of those lives together in a satisfying but not predictable ending. I discovered, after I'd started reading, that it was the second book of two, but that did not deter my enjoyment. Now I intend to read the first one.
September 11, 2025
Another gorgeous Niall book. Oh my aching heart ... he's got my number.
"Then Jay told him her story. He told it as all tellers do, first for himself, in the hope that the telling would lessen the suffering, that the story might find a shape and in the shape meaning, that loss and grief would have a place and be not the end. Then too he told it so that the love he had felt would live still."
"Then Jay told him her story. He told it as all tellers do, first for himself, in the hope that the telling would lessen the suffering, that the story might find a shape and in the shape meaning, that loss and grief would have a place and be not the end. Then too he told it so that the love he had felt would live still."
August 6, 2014
I heard Niall Williams talking to Mariella Frostrup about his latest book, so I thought I would try one of his earlier novels from the library Boy And Man. In spite of too many implausible coincidences, it is an enjoyable life-affirming read, and I've now reserved Boy in the World which I should have read first. He may not be Ireland's answer to Charles Dickens, but he spins a good involving yarn, and has a lovely turn of phrase.
Definitely should have read Boy in the World before Boy and Man, but I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the start of the journey, in spite of knowing what happened later.
Definitely should have read Boy in the World before Boy and Man, but I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the start of the journey, in spite of knowing what happened later.
March 23, 2016
Niall Williams is now my most favourite author. He gives hope in his stories, a love of Ireland and a little bit of magic. In this story there is an almost modern day Pip as he runs away and comes back again.
This book may not be as good as "Boy in the World" but what sequel is? Still this has great humanity and emotion covering how people see other countries, the search for 'why am I here?' and does God exist? The characters are warm and have great goodness in them. They live in a world which is not so good but try to do their best.
A feel good book, written with tenderness but brutally honest.
This book may not be as good as "Boy in the World" but what sequel is? Still this has great humanity and emotion covering how people see other countries, the search for 'why am I here?' and does God exist? The characters are warm and have great goodness in them. They live in a world which is not so good but try to do their best.
A feel good book, written with tenderness but brutally honest.
December 9, 2020
The master has lost his memory after a car crash. His 10 yr old grandson ,who lived with him since his mother died, runs away. The boy’s father, whom he has never met , has been taken prisoner by an unknown group demanding names after the Heathrow bombing. The story follows the 3 lives 6 years later...the boy ,working in a hospital in Africa, the father in an underground prison cell, blindfolded, alone, beaten, tortured ....a case of mistaken identity, the grandfather ( master) lifting out of his memory loss . Through a series of extraordinary coincidences the story unfolds.
April 24, 2013
Storyline absulutely improbable and vaet hung up on things spiritual which for me are two big negatives but beautifully written as always and views of Irish from the Poles and views of Africa from the Irish brilliant, tosss in a tattoed New Zealander and a suspected terrorist interweave cleverly and you have a very readable book. Sorry forgot the clever Dickens bits.
November 20, 2014
"Suffering an anguish familiar to the unrequited, he fed himself a soup of longing and loathing. Thorns of self-disgust he added, so that soon an indigestible repugnance was his." Not a particularly happy read...
January 6, 2019
Awww, that was wonderful. So glad I read the sequel to Boy In The World. Occasionally Ben's rambling was a bit much and seemed unnecessary but the way everyone's stories/lives tied together in the end was very clever, very well done. I think now I might just have to keep my copy of Boy In The World and find my own copy of Boy and Man. Great book.
July 11, 2021
Williams’ prose is like no other.
I had to stop and reread sentences of profound imagery, sadness and beauty.
For example, in describing Jay’s teenage angst,
“Suffering an anguish familiar to the unrequited, he fed himself a soup of longing and loathing. Thorns of self-disgust he added, so that soon an indigestible repugnant was his.”
I had to stop and reread sentences of profound imagery, sadness and beauty.
For example, in describing Jay’s teenage angst,
“Suffering an anguish familiar to the unrequited, he fed himself a soup of longing and loathing. Thorns of self-disgust he added, so that soon an indigestible repugnant was his.”
October 17, 2022
An Irish boy and his grandfather. The connections and losses that they share. They are far apart. They both know sadness but they both have good people around them looking after them. The book is lyrical and spiritual without being cloying or didactic. Williams writes so beautifully. He captures so many of the small things. And his characters feel complex and complete, as people do in real life.
February 2, 2026
A young Irish boy leaves his home and the care of his grandfather without notice to search for his unknown father. As the novel unfolds over many places from London to Ethiopia. Meanwhile his grandfather pines for his return and searches the internet, we meet many and varied people who cross paths with both the boy and the man before their eventual, and very emotional reunion.
July 5, 2020
Not sure how i came to put this book on hold at library, but very glad i did. Will be reading more from this author. This one a story of lost people and the random and unexpected places you find goodness and family. I loved it, despite the coincidences at the end that could have bothered me.
August 21, 2019
This book is an amazing sequel to The Boy. Riveting.
June 27, 2020
A great story, packed with loveable characters and beautifully written. Maybe a few unlikely coincidences, but these don't detract from the experience
March 14, 2025
another wonderful book.
I have only recently found this author and I am working my way through his books. Beautifully written and with engaging characters. A wonderful writer.
I have only recently found this author and I am working my way through his books. Beautifully written and with engaging characters. A wonderful writer.
November 26, 2025
A book that was very hard to follow and enjoy.
December 30, 2025
God rescues.
Thank you, Niall Williams.
Thank you, Niall Williams.
December 2, 2010
Read as a sequel to "Boy in the World". I found both these tales deeply moving.
June 24, 2011
An Irish novel about seeking, suffering and coming home. "Freedom is a recognition of oneself and one's limitations"
An old man seeks his missing grandson
An old man seeks his missing grandson
January 4, 2013
One of the best books I've read in years -- so glad my book club chose it.
January 27, 2013
I found the story line improbable, but loved the spirituality. Really glad I read it.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews