Dale Harcombe's Reviews > The One-in-a-Million Boy

As he comes and does jobs around the place for her, an eleven year old boy scout connects with 104 year old Ona Vitkus. But then one day he doesn’t come. Two weeks later Quinn turns up instead. Quinn is a musician and the boy’s father who has largely been absent for a lot of his son’s life. Quinn has never really taken the time to try and understand his son, who has a passion for records, loves to count things in batches of tens and seemingly has no interest in music. Quinn sets out to complete the weeks of tasks in the yard that his son had previously undertaken.
This story starts with Ona, who was born in Lithuania in 1900, telling her story on tape. Snippets of the taped story continue throughout the book. I loved the way this book was presented with Ona’s life story being revealed. In those transcripts the reader is asked to read between the lines. We hear the boy’s questions and comments even though they are not stated. It’s very effective. The inclusion of so many Guinness book of records facts adds a fascinating dimension that is relevant to the story. But especially I was drawn to the characters and the way the plot unfolded. Just when you think you know which way it will go. It takes a little bit different tangent.
From the beginning this gentle story of love, friendship, regrets, family and relationships, grief, choices and consequences, had me absolutely hooked. There are moments of humour and others where tears will come to the surface in this emotionally engaging book. I’ve been wanting to read this one for a while and was so pleased to get my hands on it, that other books I had brought home from the library or had sitting here were quickly ignored. Often when a book has had a lot of hype and expectation are up, a reader can be disappointed. Not with this one! I loved everything about it, including the ending. Thought provoking this book is a joy to read and to savour. I highly recommend this beautiful book.