What do you think?
Rate this book
Kramer vs. Kramer
In the beginning they were three. Joanna and Ted Kramer, and four-year-old Billy—his big brown eyes bright with curiosity and wonder. A perfect family. Then on day the mother abandons them. Divorce. And now they are two. Father and son. Caring and cared for, learning what loving and belonging are all about, until there is a bond between them that nothing can break. Nothing and nobody—except maybe a mother who, almost two years later, changes her mind and wants her little boy back...
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
189 people are currently reading
1650 people want to read
About the author
Avery Corman
36 books21 followersAvery Corman (born November 28, 1935, in the Bronx, New York) is an American novelist.
He is the author of the novel Kramer vs. Kramer (1977) which created a sea change in attitudes toward child custody with the public and in the courts in the United States and internationally. Robert Benton wrote the screenplay and directed the movie of the same name Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep. It won 5 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screen Play. A previous Corman novel, Oh, God! (1971) was the basis for the movie comedy Oh, God!, screenplay by Larry Gelbart, starring George Burns and John Denver. His other novels include The Old Neighborhood (1980), 50 (1987), Prized Possessions (1991), The Big Hype (1992), A Perfect Divorce (2004), and The Boyfriend from Hell (2006).
In a characteristic assessment of Corman's writing, critic Stefan Kanfer said in Time magazine about the novel, 50, "Avery Corman has a literary gift for dialogue and predicament. Sealed in a time capsule, 50 could tell future generations more about contemporary middle-aged mores than a library of sociological theses."
Foreign language editions of Corman's novels have been published throughout the world. He is the author of articles and essays in a wide number of publications, including The New York Times for which he has written for various sections of the newspaper.
He turned his attention to writing for the stage and collaborated with the composer Cy Coleman on a musical, The Great Ostrovsky, for which Corman wrote the book and also co-wrote the lyrics with Mr. Coleman. It was produced in regional theater in Philadelphia in 2004, a project curtailed with the passing of Mr. Coleman that year.
He is the author of the novel Kramer vs. Kramer (1977) which created a sea change in attitudes toward child custody with the public and in the courts in the United States and internationally. Robert Benton wrote the screenplay and directed the movie of the same name Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep. It won 5 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screen Play. A previous Corman novel, Oh, God! (1971) was the basis for the movie comedy Oh, God!, screenplay by Larry Gelbart, starring George Burns and John Denver. His other novels include The Old Neighborhood (1980), 50 (1987), Prized Possessions (1991), The Big Hype (1992), A Perfect Divorce (2004), and The Boyfriend from Hell (2006).
In a characteristic assessment of Corman's writing, critic Stefan Kanfer said in Time magazine about the novel, 50, "Avery Corman has a literary gift for dialogue and predicament. Sealed in a time capsule, 50 could tell future generations more about contemporary middle-aged mores than a library of sociological theses."
Foreign language editions of Corman's novels have been published throughout the world. He is the author of articles and essays in a wide number of publications, including The New York Times for which he has written for various sections of the newspaper.
He turned his attention to writing for the stage and collaborated with the composer Cy Coleman on a musical, The Great Ostrovsky, for which Corman wrote the book and also co-wrote the lyrics with Mr. Coleman. It was produced in regional theater in Philadelphia in 2004, a project curtailed with the passing of Mr. Coleman that year.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
October 3, 2020
First I saw the film and it was a good one. Winner of four Oscars in 1980 : best picture,best actor,best supporting actress and best director.
The story is a bit unusual,a woman walks out on her young son and husband. The husband has no option but to raise his son all by himself as he struggles with the pressures and uncertainties of his job. And then suddenly his wife has a change of heart and wants her son back !
Terrific performance by Dustin Hoffman,well supported by Meryl Streep. She generally outshines her co-stars,she is among the finest actresses,but here,her role is rather limited.
A good book with a touching story,which became an even better movie.
The story is a bit unusual,a woman walks out on her young son and husband. The husband has no option but to raise his son all by himself as he struggles with the pressures and uncertainties of his job. And then suddenly his wife has a change of heart and wants her son back !
Terrific performance by Dustin Hoffman,well supported by Meryl Streep. She generally outshines her co-stars,she is among the finest actresses,but here,her role is rather limited.
A good book with a touching story,which became an even better movie.
January 10, 2022
کرامر علیه کارمر فیلم بسیار موفقی به کارگردانی رابرت بنتون وبا بازی غول هایی مانند داستین هافمن و مریل استریپ است ، که به موضوع ازدواج ، یکنواختی زندگی پس از آن ، جدال دائمی مرد برای کسب درآمد ، تلاش زن برای مستقل شدن ، طلاق و حضانت فرزند پرداخته است . تِم اصلی فیلم که به شدت تکراری و شاید کلیشه ای باشد در دستان کارگردانی ماهر مانند بنتون به یک اثر جاندار و به شت تاثیرگذار تبدیل شده و البته بازی های بسیار قوی و پر احساس داستین هافمن و مریل استریپ که هر دو در اوج دوران حرفه ای خود بوده اند هم بر غنای فیلم افزوده است .
اما نسخه فارسی کتاب که انتشارات باهم و با ترجمه شهرام پورانفر منتشر شده ، داستان آشفته و پریشان و نسبتا بی سر وته ایست . در این کتاب نه عشق پرشور پدربه فرزند به درستی نشان داده شده و نه شخصیت دمدمی مزاج و متلون مادر . ترجمه ضعیف و بی روح آقای پوران فر به همراه غلط های املایی و جملاتی که بی معنی ، بی ربط ، نامربوط و پوچ به نظر می رسند کتاب کرامر علیه کرامر را به اثری ضعیف ، خسته کننده و ملال آور تبدیل کرده است .
اما نسخه فارسی کتاب که انتشارات باهم و با ترجمه شهرام پورانفر منتشر شده ، داستان آشفته و پریشان و نسبتا بی سر وته ایست . در این کتاب نه عشق پرشور پدربه فرزند به درستی نشان داده شده و نه شخصیت دمدمی مزاج و متلون مادر . ترجمه ضعیف و بی روح آقای پوران فر به همراه غلط های املایی و جملاتی که بی معنی ، بی ربط ، نامربوط و پوچ به نظر می رسند کتاب کرامر علیه کرامر را به اثری ضعیف ، خسته کننده و ملال آور تبدیل کرده است .
October 18, 2023
Titulo: Kramer contra Kramer
Autor: Avery Corman
Motivo de lectura: #PopSugarReadingChallenge2023
Lectura / Relectura: Lectura
Mi edicion: Electronico
Puntuacion: 2/5
Esta es la clase de libros que encuentro muy dificil de reseñar, ya que casi todo el contenido de la obra es un enorme red flag.
Los personajes principales son presentados con rasgos completamente distintos. Por un lado tenemos a Ted Kramer, un hombre negligente emocional, egoista por completo, donde el yoismo es la unica moneda que conoce. Por otro lado tenemos a Joanna Kramer, una mujer que se la retrata como alguien que tuvo muchos compañeros sexuales, su salud mental practicamente pende de un hilo, y se siente superada por muchas situaciones, especialmente la maternidad.
Desde un inicio somos testigos de que esta pareja esta condenada al fracaso. Son dos personas que se casan no por estar locamente enamorados el uno por el otro, mas bien el mandato es "nos casamos porque la sociedad nos dice que en una relacion este es el siguiente paso". Eventualmente tendran un hijo (Billy Kramer) el cual no es producto de ser un hijo deseado/buscado, otra vez occurre lo del "por mandamiento de la sociedad" (y esto no es algo que yo pueda percibir, explicitamente esta escrito en el libro).
Considero que al personaje de Joanna Kramer deberia habersele dado mas profundidad, sobre todo al tema de su salud mental. Asunto que esta taxitamente durante toda la trama. Joanna es una mujer que no esta segura de ser madre, y de repente se encuentra con la responsabilidad de otra vida depediendo de su cuidado. Y es aca donde el personaje de Ted Kramer se convierte para mi en un ser despota. Joanna plantea la posibilidad de contratar una niñera, a lo que Ted "no, no hay dinero". Joanna plantea la posibilidad de poder volver a trabajar, a lo que Ted "y quien cuidara del bebe?". Para Ted Joanna se convierte en una mujer que solo debe ejercer como madre, y eso es todo.
Cuando Ted habla de su rol como padre, esta es su idea:
La idea de una crianza equilibrada es nula. Para Ted ser padre es "ayudar" de vez en cuando. Aun cuando ve a Joanna luchando porque se ve desbordada por todo lo referido a Billy, Ted opta por tomar una posicion distante, como un testigo que presencia un desastre y elige no involucrarse.
El amor nunca esta presente, en ninguna de sus formas, ni en la pareja, ni en los lazos familiares.
En algun momento intente hacer las paces con la historia, tomar en cuenta que fue un libro escrito en los 70's, que ciertas parejas pueden tener esta clase de dinamica, que Ted es desagradable, que Joanne esta perdida..pero entonces surgio un parrafo durante la trama que convirtio a Ted en un ser absolutamente despreciable, digno de todo repudio y termino de arruinar completamente la lectura para mi:
Este parrafo es un asco, Ted es el padre de Billy, experimentar erecciones porque su hijo se sienta en su regazo no es normal y entonces para mi es imposible normalizar esto y hacer de cuenta que no pasa nada. Durante ese suceso no se resuelve correctamente ese incidente. Ted no saca al niño de su regazo diciendo "papa debe ir al baño a hacer pis" o "hijo, bajate porque tengo un calambre", tampoco es que Ted se siente horrorizado o incluso culpable, habia muchas maneras de resolver esto si realmente era involuntario.
Igualmente nadie podra justficarme que sentirse estimulado sexualmente porque un hijo se siente en el regazo de un padre es normal, NO LO ES.
La unica verdadera victima de todo esto es Billy, un niño que no recibe verdadero amor, quien es tomado como un botin de guerra simplemente en nombre de dañar al otro, y no por un genuino interes para con el niño.
Originalmente le iba a dar la calificacion de una estrella a este libro, pero decidi subirle una estrella por Billy y todo el calvario emocional que debe atravesar por tener padres que no estaban preparados para cuidar de este niño.
Autor: Avery Corman
Motivo de lectura: #PopSugarReadingChallenge2023
Lectura / Relectura: Lectura
Mi edicion: Electronico
Puntuacion: 2/5
Esta es la clase de libros que encuentro muy dificil de reseñar, ya que casi todo el contenido de la obra es un enorme red flag.
Los personajes principales son presentados con rasgos completamente distintos. Por un lado tenemos a Ted Kramer, un hombre negligente emocional, egoista por completo, donde el yoismo es la unica moneda que conoce. Por otro lado tenemos a Joanna Kramer, una mujer que se la retrata como alguien que tuvo muchos compañeros sexuales, su salud mental practicamente pende de un hilo, y se siente superada por muchas situaciones, especialmente la maternidad.
Desde un inicio somos testigos de que esta pareja esta condenada al fracaso. Son dos personas que se casan no por estar locamente enamorados el uno por el otro, mas bien el mandato es "nos casamos porque la sociedad nos dice que en una relacion este es el siguiente paso". Eventualmente tendran un hijo (Billy Kramer) el cual no es producto de ser un hijo deseado/buscado, otra vez occurre lo del "por mandamiento de la sociedad" (y esto no es algo que yo pueda percibir, explicitamente esta escrito en el libro).
Considero que al personaje de Joanna Kramer deberia habersele dado mas profundidad, sobre todo al tema de su salud mental. Asunto que esta taxitamente durante toda la trama. Joanna es una mujer que no esta segura de ser madre, y de repente se encuentra con la responsabilidad de otra vida depediendo de su cuidado. Y es aca donde el personaje de Ted Kramer se convierte para mi en un ser despota. Joanna plantea la posibilidad de contratar una niñera, a lo que Ted "no, no hay dinero". Joanna plantea la posibilidad de poder volver a trabajar, a lo que Ted "y quien cuidara del bebe?". Para Ted Joanna se convierte en una mujer que solo debe ejercer como madre, y eso es todo.
Cuando Ted habla de su rol como padre, esta es su idea:
Se esforzo por “hacer su parte”, segun el lo veia, y llamo a Joanna antes de regresar a casa para ver si necesitaba algo. Pero administrar la casa dependia de ella. Ayude con Billy, lo bañe y me quede con el unas horas los fines de semana. Sin embargo, ella era responsable de el, de su ropa, de su alimentacion, de su salud, del pediatra, de las etapas de su desarrollo..cuando tuvo que aprender a usar el urinario, cuando tuvo que sacarlo de la cuna y colocardo en una cama. El era el papa, pero ella era la mama.
La idea de una crianza equilibrada es nula. Para Ted ser padre es "ayudar" de vez en cuando. Aun cuando ve a Joanna luchando porque se ve desbordada por todo lo referido a Billy, Ted opta por tomar una posicion distante, como un testigo que presencia un desastre y elige no involucrarse.
El amor nunca esta presente, en ninguna de sus formas, ni en la pareja, ni en los lazos familiares.
En algun momento intente hacer las paces con la historia, tomar en cuenta que fue un libro escrito en los 70's, que ciertas parejas pueden tener esta clase de dinamica, que Ted es desagradable, que Joanne esta perdida..pero entonces surgio un parrafo durante la trama que convirtio a Ted en un ser absolutamente despreciable, digno de todo repudio y termino de arruinar completamente la lectura para mi:
Las erecciones involuntarias resolvieron el problema. Con sus pantalones cortos de nailon y Billy moviendose en su regazo, Ted comenzo a tener erecciones involuntarias. Eran incomodas y vergonzosas, y cuando Billy volvio al regazo de Ted y tuvo otra, sintio un deseo abrumador de liberarse de las erecciones involuntarias.
Este parrafo es un asco, Ted es el padre de Billy, experimentar erecciones porque su hijo se sienta en su regazo no es normal y entonces para mi es imposible normalizar esto y hacer de cuenta que no pasa nada. Durante ese suceso no se resuelve correctamente ese incidente. Ted no saca al niño de su regazo diciendo "papa debe ir al baño a hacer pis" o "hijo, bajate porque tengo un calambre", tampoco es que Ted se siente horrorizado o incluso culpable, habia muchas maneras de resolver esto si realmente era involuntario.
Igualmente nadie podra justficarme que sentirse estimulado sexualmente porque un hijo se siente en el regazo de un padre es normal, NO LO ES.
La unica verdadera victima de todo esto es Billy, un niño que no recibe verdadero amor, quien es tomado como un botin de guerra simplemente en nombre de dañar al otro, y no por un genuino interes para con el niño.
Originalmente le iba a dar la calificacion de una estrella a este libro, pero decidi subirle una estrella por Billy y todo el calvario emocional que debe atravesar por tener padres que no estaban preparados para cuidar de este niño.
April 4, 2021
One of my pandemic reads. I never had the chance to see it the movie in 1979. I was a senior in high school then and our town did not have electricity so there was no movie house. When I entered college the following year, I went to the city and my grandmother had a black and white TV. In there, I saw Academy Awards for the first time in my life. This movie won the most number of trophies including that of the Best Picture.
So, when I saw this book in a second-hand bookstore (Booksale) for only P15 ($0.30), I bought this right away. After reading the book, I searched for film clips in YouTube and more or less, I had the idea of how the story was turned into an award-winning movie. I loved the acting of Meryl Streep, Dustin Hoffman and scene-stealer, Justin Henry.
What can I say about the book? It did not disappoint. The storytelling is plain and straightforward and written with probably with a movie in mind. Why? I could imagine the characters moving on the celluloid screen rather than on the pages of the book. This could also be the reason why the movie chose to be faithful to the book. The movie people did not see the need to change anything and I liked it.
I still have a stack of books to review here on Goodreads. I hope that I'll be able to revitalize my account here through writing reviews like I used to.
So, when I saw this book in a second-hand bookstore (Booksale) for only P15 ($0.30), I bought this right away. After reading the book, I searched for film clips in YouTube and more or less, I had the idea of how the story was turned into an award-winning movie. I loved the acting of Meryl Streep, Dustin Hoffman and scene-stealer, Justin Henry.
What can I say about the book? It did not disappoint. The storytelling is plain and straightforward and written with probably with a movie in mind. Why? I could imagine the characters moving on the celluloid screen rather than on the pages of the book. This could also be the reason why the movie chose to be faithful to the book. The movie people did not see the need to change anything and I liked it.
I still have a stack of books to review here on Goodreads. I hope that I'll be able to revitalize my account here through writing reviews like I used to.
February 2, 2016
¡POR FIN TERMINÉ MI PRIMER LIBRO DEL AÑO!
RTC.
RTC.
February 18, 2023
Saw the movie and I can say that the book is way better. Had to get used to the direct/harsh story telling, but found it a good story to read. Something different.
January 2, 2015
I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did.
One of those instances where the movie was quite a bit better than the book.
One of those instances where the movie was quite a bit better than the book.
October 2, 2015
I was actually re-reading this classic - still loved it, although this time I had a harder time believing the ending. Maybe I'm just more jaded after 20 years.
October 30, 2017
I did enjoy this book and it was a fast read but I found the middle to be a little slow. I wish the book focused more on Teds relationship with Billy rather than Ted’s dating life. Still made me cry though so three stars.
February 17, 2016
The novel did not start strongly, but got immensely better as it progressed. Very quick read; quite a page turner. Somewhat antiquated and quaint by today's standards, but it's interesting as a document of its time. 3.5 out of 5.
March 20, 2022
Read so long ago, I can't remember even if I liked it. Excellently directed movie though.
August 6, 2022
Колкото и да се опитвам да разбера една майка, която изоставя детето си, така и не ми се получава. Явно не съм достатъчно широко скроена. Мисля, че даже бих стигнала до крайност, ако някой се опита да ми вземе детето. Напълно разбирам Тед Крамър , колкото и скучно и досадно да излеждат неговите тревоги и мисли. Това е истинската действителност, когато отглеждаш сам едно дете. Знам го от личен опит. Няма нищо по-ценно от това да си постоянен в грижата и обичта си към едно човешко същество, което си довел на земят�� по твое желание. Нищо друго няма значение.
На книгата не й достига малко , за да кажа че ми харесва напълно. Написана е като някакъв бюлетин от случки. Да,достатъчно тежка е темата , но не е емоционално пресъздадена.
Въпреки , че съм гледала филма, пак ме разстрои. Непрекъснато мисля за тези деца, които биват изоставяни , какво им причиняват , в какви хора се превръщат. Ужасно е.
На книгата не й достига малко , за да кажа че ми харесва напълно. Написана е като някакъв бюлетин от случки. Да,достатъчно тежка е темата , но не е емоционално пресъздадена.
Въпреки , че съм гледала филма, пак ме разстрои. Непрекъснато мисля за тези деца, които биват изоставяни , какво им причиняват , в какви хора се превръщат. Ужасно е.
July 1, 2023
Dlho som knižku Kramerová versus Kramer odkladala, ktosi tu mi poradil, že mám do nej ísť. Príbeh, ktorý sa na stránkach knihy odvíja, je vraj nepatetickou oslavou otcovstva, presvedčivým rozprávaním o každodenných radostiach a starostiach otca, ktorý sám vychováva syna, lebo jeho matka sa ho vzdala. No mne to prišlo ako pravý opak. Vzhľadom na to, že kniha je staršia (1979), bolo veľmi cítiť ako odvtedy doba pokročila a mne to ako celok prišlo niečo v duchu "bez dcéry neodídem", (alebo skôr "bez syna") . Absolútne štýlovo mimo mňa, prvé strany mi dokonca prišli troška trápne a jednoduché opisom ,ktorý sa už hádam ani nepoužíva, nehovoriac o predvídateľnosti deja.Verím, že filmové spracovanie s Dustinom Hoffmanon a Meryl Streep dopadlo lepšie (vraj získalo Oskara ).Ešte som si ho nestihla pozrieť. Za mňa toto slabí priemer, možno tak pre sentimentálne povahy. Nuž, ale aby som nebola krutá, malo to jedno plus. Dej sa odohrával v New Yorku, na čo mám slabosť + malo to sotva 200 strán, to by veru aj stačilo...
Odporúčam na vlastné riziko...
Odporúčam na vlastné riziko...
June 30, 2012
A heart-rending story of the immutable determination and fathomless love of a father for his son in times tempestuous, Kramer vs. Kramer immediately connects with the emotional quotient of a person however minuscule that might be. It recounts the quandary of a person caught between his seemingly bright calling future and an adorable son alone at home after his wife decides to walk out on him. The way in which the author has managed to create the magical bonding and slow love between the father-son duo and the how the former strives to never let his son miss his mother by trying to be both for him leaves you dry throat-ed in the very least as it unfolds. Times get a little rough as the mother re-surfaces and a legal battle ensues for the custody of the child with the father eventually gives up, not because he cannot carry on any further but because he wants to save his son the ordeal of having to choose between his mother and father whilst in the dock. One of the best books on the purest form of sheer parental instincts and love. A must read.
October 23, 2017
I didn't hate this book but I got pretty bored reading it. There were parts throughout the book I found myself wanting to quit reading the book all together. That being said there isn't anything wrong with the writing of Avery Corman as the writing is very simple. A reader can read the whole book in one setting if they skimmed or were really into the story. Something I found a little odd about the writing was that it has some pretty semi-graphic sexual stuff that I felt was kind of excessive. This book wasn't for me but it could for someone else. I find this to be a 2.5 rating for me.
December 30, 2024
“Involuntary erections” is diabolical.
Our author decides to derail the story with a three sentence description about the father accidentally getting aroused while his son sits on his lap at the pool.. multiple times.
It’s amazing how good filmmakers were in the seventies to take such shit and make chocolate mousse, this and Jaws are the best examples.. 2.5/5
Our author decides to derail the story with a three sentence description about the father accidentally getting aroused while his son sits on his lap at the pool.. multiple times.
It’s amazing how good filmmakers were in the seventies to take such shit and make chocolate mousse, this and Jaws are the best examples.. 2.5/5
September 30, 2023
Poignant
February 6, 2023
Ох мэй. Эмоциональные американские горки необычайных наклонов и петель – твоё отношение к героям меняется не то что каждую главу, и даже не каждую страницу – каждые несколько строчек их то ненавидишь, то сопереживаешь им, то будто бы понимаешь этих людей, то перед тобой натуральный серпентарий с рептилоидами. Сложное чтиво (по иронии – читается быстро и увлекательно, суд – просто песня), где мало места любви, зато навалом психологических разборов всевозможных а-как-какать ситуаций, касающихся одиночного отцовства и несчастливого материнства.
Инфантильные донельзя герои (привет, США 70х) в поиске нужных чувств и эмоций ("А вдруг я чудовище? А вдруг надо ощущать себя иначе?") постоянно сверяются с внутренними компасами и перманетно все делают невпопад и неправильно. В "Сапера" проще вслепую играть, чем Тэду и Джоанне Крамер – принять верное решение. Впрочем, тем человечнее выглядят их кривые и косые поступки и попытки быть хоть чуточку лучше. На редкость не гуманистичная книга, не строящая иллюзий относительно человеческой натуры, но этой конкретной истории такой подход, скорее, в плюс, чем в минус.
Инфантильные донельзя герои (привет, США 70х) в поиске нужных чувств и эмоций ("А вдруг я чудовище? А вдруг надо ощущать себя иначе?") постоянно сверяются с внутренними компасами и перманетно все делают невпопад и неправильно. В "Сапера" проще вслепую играть, чем Тэду и Джоанне Крамер – принять верное решение. Впрочем, тем человечнее выглядят их кривые и косые поступки и попытки быть хоть чуточку лучше. На редкость не гуманистичная книга, не строящая иллюзий относительно человеческой натуры, но этой конкретной истории такой подход, скорее, в плюс, чем в минус.
July 31, 2018
I first read this book and saw the movie over 30 years ago.
Before putting it in my out box I decided to read it again.
Both Joanna & Ted are around 30 before they settle down to marriage. Two years later comes their son Billy. Joanna gives up her job to be a full-time mum.
Joanna loves her son but she is bored with diaper changing, feeding, reading & playing children's games. She feels she is loosing her self worth, her identity. So when Billy is 4 years old she walks out on her marriage and her son. She divorces Ted and signs over all custody, of Billy, to him.
Ted suddenly becomes not only the bread winner but also the ons-on parent. He finds a housekeeper to help with the daily chores. He lives for his son and they develope a strong bond.
Nearly 2 years later Joanna decides she wants her son back.
The court case nearly ruins Ted, both financially & emotionaly, and "the mother' always has the strongest claim. Justice will provail but is it always fair and what of the 6 year old boy ?
Before putting it in my out box I decided to read it again.
Both Joanna & Ted are around 30 before they settle down to marriage. Two years later comes their son Billy. Joanna gives up her job to be a full-time mum.
Joanna loves her son but she is bored with diaper changing, feeding, reading & playing children's games. She feels she is loosing her self worth, her identity. So when Billy is 4 years old she walks out on her marriage and her son. She divorces Ted and signs over all custody, of Billy, to him.
Ted suddenly becomes not only the bread winner but also the ons-on parent. He finds a housekeeper to help with the daily chores. He lives for his son and they develope a strong bond.
Nearly 2 years later Joanna decides she wants her son back.
The court case nearly ruins Ted, both financially & emotionaly, and "the mother' always has the strongest claim. Justice will provail but is it always fair and what of the 6 year old boy ?
October 21, 2017
It takes a village to raise a child - if i had truly understood this saying before i had my son i might have dodged the ball but then after being with my son for 5 yrs now, i wouldn't have it any other way. Motherhood, a blissful ride? Are you kidding me? Did i think of giving it all up and running away? Yes a million times! But these are wild imaginations which i don't have the inkling to pay any heed because i know it would make my life meaningless. But Joanna Kramer took that road less travelled for a mother and i can understand and relate to it though i cannot rationalize with her decision. Motherhood comes naturally they say, it is a primal instinct and there’s nothing denying that. Infact, even the law upholds it. But, what about fatherhood? Can a father fill in a mother’s place? Can he really love the child unconditionally and give his 100% to every parental need? Can he alone face the pressures that overwhelm parents? This beautiful book is a testimonial to one such love between Ted Kramer and his son, Billy Kramer. It’s funny, true and so heart felt that it makes it a memorable read.
July 27, 2025
A morte de Robert Benton aos 92 anos no dia 11 de Maio , veio recordar-me um dos seus filmes que lhe deu três Óscares em 1980 e de que gostei tanto .
Já o revi diversas vezes e comovem-me sempre algumas cenas das expressões de sofrimento do pequeno Billy, as angústias da mãe Joana (Meryl Streep) e o papelão do extremoso pai Ted (Dustin Hoffmann).
Foi fácil arranjar o livro escrito por Avery Corman e como sei a história toda resolvi treinar um pouco o meu inglês .
O filme começa com a mãe a sair de casa.
O livro mostra-nos um pai que ajuda desde o nascimento do filho mas em que as “boring tasks” ficaram a cargo da mãe e sentimos mais empatia por ela desde o início o que não acontecia no filme .
Achei a escrita fraca, com diálogos metidos à pressão parecendo ter sido escritos para um filme .
Treinei o inglês mas achei o livro fraco e ao contrário do que costuma suceder, pior que o filme.
Já o revi diversas vezes e comovem-me sempre algumas cenas das expressões de sofrimento do pequeno Billy, as angústias da mãe Joana (Meryl Streep) e o papelão do extremoso pai Ted (Dustin Hoffmann).
Foi fácil arranjar o livro escrito por Avery Corman e como sei a história toda resolvi treinar um pouco o meu inglês .
O filme começa com a mãe a sair de casa.
O livro mostra-nos um pai que ajuda desde o nascimento do filho mas em que as “boring tasks” ficaram a cargo da mãe e sentimos mais empatia por ela desde o início o que não acontecia no filme .
Achei a escrita fraca, com diálogos metidos à pressão parecendo ter sido escritos para um filme .
Treinei o inglês mas achei o livro fraco e ao contrário do que costuma suceder, pior que o filme.
February 16, 2020
Чудесно написана книга, отлична оценка от мен.
Ето такива текстове обичам - естествено силни, непретенциозни, все едно някой е бъркал в първичния бульон на литературата, за да ги напише.
Ето такива текстове обичам - естествено силни, непретенциозни, все едно някой е бъркал в първичния бульон на литературата, за да ги напише.
August 14, 2015
Velmi úspěšná kniha amerického spisovatele původem z Bronxu v podstatě vypráví celkem prostý příběh, na němž je zajímavá zejména jeho perspektiva.
Mrkněme se mu tedy pěkně pod pokličku...
Ted Kramen je takový normální chlápek, který má touhu randit s pokud možno co nejvíce ženami a užívat si tak rozličných sexuálních eskapád. Jelikož jsem muž, tak mu celkem rozumím. Jelikož jsem ale zároveň muž ne extrémně promiskuitní, tak zároveň i chápu jeho touhu upnout se na tu jedinou, což je v jeho světě Joanna. Ti dva se prostě našli, nedá se zrovna hovořit o lásce z brakové literatury a ani o onom pověstném "vzplanutí srdcí", apod. Ted i Joanna jednoduše zjistili, že se sexuálními experimenty toho mají dost a že by nebylo zcela od věci nalézt si nějakou stabilitu... Podobně přistupují i k dalším věcem ve svém životě, například i k narození potomka. Oba tuto událost brali celkem netečně jako další příčku na žebříku jménem život.
Ted i Joanna žijí v sedmdesátých letech, v době, kdy patřit k tzv. "me-generation" nebylo něco extra neobvyklého. Sami vidí, že rodinný život jde na úkor jejich kariéry, jejich koníčků, jejich svobody... Joanna, ačkoli dítě miluje, se rozhodne rodinu opustit a začít nový život někde zcela jinde. Povinnosti spadnou rázem ze dne na den na Teda.
Právě nepřítomnost matky v rodině činí úhel vyprávění knihy velmi zajímavým. Jelikož Ted žije v kapitalistické zemi, tak se musí celkem ohánět, aby vydělal dostatečný finanční obnos, neboť v době kdy je v zaměstnání je potřeba najmout nějakou chůvu. Zároveň musí být připraven i na to, že jeho zaměstnání je celkem nejisté a nemůže si dovolit o něj přijít. Práce a syn se tak stávají prakticky jedinými body jeho života. Sexuální radovánky a společenský život chtě nechtě musí ustoupit do pozadí.
Příběh krásného vztahu otce a syna (a ano, vůbec to v knize nezní jako klišé) byl záhy po svém vydání zfilmován a jak už to tak někdy bývá, snímek se stal možná populárnější než kniha (nemalou měru na tom prý měl i hlavní protagonista Dustin Hoffman). Film jsem neviděl, nemohu soudit, ale tuto zdánlivě obyčejnou knihu o neobyčejných věcech bych rád doporučil.
Mrkněme se mu tedy pěkně pod pokličku...
Ted Kramen je takový normální chlápek, který má touhu randit s pokud možno co nejvíce ženami a užívat si tak rozličných sexuálních eskapád. Jelikož jsem muž, tak mu celkem rozumím. Jelikož jsem ale zároveň muž ne extrémně promiskuitní, tak zároveň i chápu jeho touhu upnout se na tu jedinou, což je v jeho světě Joanna. Ti dva se prostě našli, nedá se zrovna hovořit o lásce z brakové literatury a ani o onom pověstném "vzplanutí srdcí", apod. Ted i Joanna jednoduše zjistili, že se sexuálními experimenty toho mají dost a že by nebylo zcela od věci nalézt si nějakou stabilitu... Podobně přistupují i k dalším věcem ve svém životě, například i k narození potomka. Oba tuto událost brali celkem netečně jako další příčku na žebříku jménem život.
Ted i Joanna žijí v sedmdesátých letech, v době, kdy patřit k tzv. "me-generation" nebylo něco extra neobvyklého. Sami vidí, že rodinný život jde na úkor jejich kariéry, jejich koníčků, jejich svobody... Joanna, ačkoli dítě miluje, se rozhodne rodinu opustit a začít nový život někde zcela jinde. Povinnosti spadnou rázem ze dne na den na Teda.
Právě nepřítomnost matky v rodině činí úhel vyprávění knihy velmi zajímavým. Jelikož Ted žije v kapitalistické zemi, tak se musí celkem ohánět, aby vydělal dostatečný finanční obnos, neboť v době kdy je v zaměstnání je potřeba najmout nějakou chůvu. Zároveň musí být připraven i na to, že jeho zaměstnání je celkem nejisté a nemůže si dovolit o něj přijít. Práce a syn se tak stávají prakticky jedinými body jeho života. Sexuální radovánky a společenský život chtě nechtě musí ustoupit do pozadí.
Příběh krásného vztahu otce a syna (a ano, vůbec to v knize nezní jako klišé) byl záhy po svém vydání zfilmován a jak už to tak někdy bývá, snímek se stal možná populárnější než kniha (nemalou měru na tom prý měl i hlavní protagonista Dustin Hoffman). Film jsem neviděl, nemohu soudit, ale tuto zdánlivě obyčejnou knihu o neobyčejných věcech bych rád doporučil.
April 8, 2018
I owned a copy of this book when I was way too young, sometime after the movie came out, so 11? 10? I read it more than once as a tween/teen, and was marked forever by the passage describing Billy's birth, in which the nurse wipes up the "blood and shit." You poop during childbirth? Terrifying! It came back to me when I was pregnant; turns out it's no big deal, and you don't have to be shaved any longer, so I spent all those years worrying for nothing.
Rereading this now, as an adult, I of course find it a lot different. Mainly, it's a fascinating time capsule of New York and its environs in the mid to late seventies. Ted earns $24,000 a year and can afford a two-bedroom apartment in the East Seventies, and a full-time housekeeper/nanny, and a weekend time share on Fire Island? Straight people go to Fire Island?
The character of Joanna is much less sympathetic than in the movie, although I still felt for her. She is emotionally starved, and has drifted through life as the ideal her parents and her husband expect. You are happy for her rebellion, even as you wonder how she could leave her son behind. The ending of the book, while probably more realistic, makes Joanna more of a villain than the movie, in which she nobly cedes custody of Billy to Ted after seeing what a better parent he is, and that Billy is happy and comfortable in the only home he's ever known. Book Joanna, it turns out, is still incapable of getting her shit together.
I also found myself wondering what would become of the characters later: would Ted remarry? have more children? how would that affect his relationship with Billy? would Joanna ever figure out what she wants in life, or would she spend it aimless, playing tennis and dating younger men?
Considering "white men with problems" is one of my least favorite genres of fiction, it's a credit to the movie that I've still found this book a good read all these years later.
Rereading this now, as an adult, I of course find it a lot different. Mainly, it's a fascinating time capsule of New York and its environs in the mid to late seventies. Ted earns $24,000 a year and can afford a two-bedroom apartment in the East Seventies, and a full-time housekeeper/nanny, and a weekend time share on Fire Island? Straight people go to Fire Island?
The character of Joanna is much less sympathetic than in the movie, although I still felt for her. She is emotionally starved, and has drifted through life as the ideal her parents and her husband expect. You are happy for her rebellion, even as you wonder how she could leave her son behind. The ending of the book, while probably more realistic, makes Joanna more of a villain than the movie, in which she nobly cedes custody of Billy to Ted after seeing what a better parent he is, and that Billy is happy and comfortable in the only home he's ever known. Book Joanna, it turns out, is still incapable of getting her shit together.
I also found myself wondering what would become of the characters later: would Ted remarry? have more children? how would that affect his relationship with Billy? would Joanna ever figure out what she wants in life, or would she spend it aimless, playing tennis and dating younger men?
Considering "white men with problems" is one of my least favorite genres of fiction, it's a credit to the movie that I've still found this book a good read all these years later.
June 1, 2017
Sometime in the 80s, as a pre-teen, I caught the back end of this movie on cable. I remembered nothing about it when I saw this book for sale at the library, except the depiction of a father and his son, and that the end made me cry. I didn't even remember how it ended! What would happen was therefore still a mystery to me as I read. In succinct and lively, vivid prose, Corman paints an emotional but not overly sentimental history that got me crying on at least three separate occasions. The end had me bawling. Yes, it's dated -- the background, anyway -- but the writing is solid, and if you're a child of the 70s you may enjoy those bits. This was engrossing, so well-written that if I hadn't already known a famous movie came out of it, I'd have said it deserved to be made into a film. I am not a parent, but I can't think of another book that so skillfully illustrates what being one must feel like, from the fear and frequent exhaustion to the silliness, love, and everyday perfect moments. Really excellent.
August 6, 2011
Although I did see the movie, I'd not read the book. The novel was good but lacked the charm of the 1979 film with Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep. My preference for the movie surprised me since books normally trump their film versions, in my opinion (the other exception being "Jaws".) My friend speaks often of the lengthy struggle he went through to gain custody of his young son in the late 80's, which is what made me pick up the book when I found it available. I wouldn't advise against reading the book, but I'd gently guide you toward watching the screen version if you haven't seen it, keeping in mind that it wasn't made yesterday.
March 7, 2010
It was interesting. I think I found myself being offended by the social mores of the seventies than by anything else. i.e. when Ted's lawyer warns him that a male intermediary might only be there to try and elicit a "homosexual proposition" that could be used against him in the custody hearing...yeah, not okay. Also, the time-warp snapshot of a time when Cheerios cost fifty cents ("and they're made of air!") and a full-time nanny only $125/week was somewhat intimidating. Good, quick read.
November 22, 2018
Such a nice book! Starting with the mother's feelings and point of view and then moving on to the father's. Witnessing a love and a connection that strong, like a mother's would be! And pointing out that a father's role is equally important and he can feel immense love ,even though they don't carry the babies for 9 months. So emotional and beautiful story! Very true and naked from any sugar coating
March 1, 2019
I loved this book - the emotion and the witty humor. The only thing that kept me from giving a 5-star rating was literally the last page of the book. I won't give any spoilers, but other than that, this was a very engaging story and a quick read. Also, my biggest pet peeve in books is when authors (typically, unfortunately) do a poor job of writing for young children, both in dialogue and behavior. Mr. Corman was on-point in his writing for Billy. This made the story that much more believable.
July 9, 2016
slow start with a heartbreaking last third
Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews