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The Man in the Window
Since he was disfigured in a fire sixteen years ago, recluse Louis Malone has remained hidden from the prying eyes of his neighbors in the small town of Waverly.
Across town, Iris Shula, a lonely and unlovely nurse knows, at thirty-seven, it is unlikely that her Prince Charming will ever appear. But Iris is about to learn how wrong she is.
When Louis accidently falls out of his second story window these two kindred souls are brought together. What unfolds is a most unlikely love story. One that will make you laugh and that will break—and remake—your heart.
Across town, Iris Shula, a lonely and unlovely nurse knows, at thirty-seven, it is unlikely that her Prince Charming will ever appear. But Iris is about to learn how wrong she is.
When Louis accidently falls out of his second story window these two kindred souls are brought together. What unfolds is a most unlikely love story. One that will make you laugh and that will break—and remake—your heart.
238 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1992
348 people are currently reading
2,019 people want to read
About the author
Jon Cohen
3Ìýbooks712ÌýfollowersA former critical care nurse, Jon Cohen is the author of "The Man in the Window" and "Max Lakeman and the Beautiful Stranger." Jon is the recipient of a creative writing grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and is the co-writer of the film "Minority Report," directed by Steven Spielberg. His latest novel is "Harry's Trees."
Jon lives with his wife outside of Philadelphia.
Jon lives with his wife outside of Philadelphia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
April 18, 2014
Utterly unique in every way. I LOVED and I will always LOVE this book.
"The Man in the Window" was quirky, off beat, and written in a way that carried me through like riding waves of all sorts, and I never had a "wipe out" - high praise from me because I'm a very picky reader.
"The Man in the Window" was quirky, off beat, and written in a way that carried me through like riding waves of all sorts, and I never had a "wipe out" - high praise from me because I'm a very picky reader.
July 19, 2014
I feel cheated. I was sold a charming, albeit sad, love story; what I got was a mess of stories that really didn't have that much to do with the blurb on the back of the book.
The descriptions says:
"Since he was disfigured in a fire sixteen years ago, recluse Louis Malone has remained hidden from the prying eyes of his neighbors in the small town of Waverly.
Across town, Iris Shula, a lonely and unlovely nurse, knows at thirty-seven it is unlikely that her Prince Charming will ever appear. But Iris is about to learn how wrong she is.
When Louis accidentally falls out of his second-story window, these two kindred souls are brought together. What unfolds is a most unlikely love story. One that will make you laugh and that will break—and remake—your heart."
In truth, Louis' love story is tertiary in this book. I was thisclose to putting the book down when I had read through the first chapter and had yet to really even be introduced to Louis. Sigh... what a let down. Iris and Louis are COMPLETELY overshadowed by their parents' stories, the neighbor's issues.... ugh... it just wasn't what they said it would be. Then when we finally get down to them it's over in about five seconds. I'm done with this author - you have to at least KNOW what your book is about and how to describe it. Had you described what you actually wrote I wouldn't have been so disappointed. Fool me once...
The descriptions says:
"Since he was disfigured in a fire sixteen years ago, recluse Louis Malone has remained hidden from the prying eyes of his neighbors in the small town of Waverly.
Across town, Iris Shula, a lonely and unlovely nurse, knows at thirty-seven it is unlikely that her Prince Charming will ever appear. But Iris is about to learn how wrong she is.
When Louis accidentally falls out of his second-story window, these two kindred souls are brought together. What unfolds is a most unlikely love story. One that will make you laugh and that will break—and remake—your heart."
In truth, Louis' love story is tertiary in this book. I was thisclose to putting the book down when I had read through the first chapter and had yet to really even be introduced to Louis. Sigh... what a let down. Iris and Louis are COMPLETELY overshadowed by their parents' stories, the neighbor's issues.... ugh... it just wasn't what they said it would be. Then when we finally get down to them it's over in about five seconds. I'm done with this author - you have to at least KNOW what your book is about and how to describe it. Had you described what you actually wrote I wouldn't have been so disappointed. Fool me once...
April 22, 2014
This book was a kindle monthly deal. I downloaded it thinking it sounded cute and quirky, but was not sure what to expect. As it happens, I wound up being blown away. I cannot say enough good things about this book, and from this day forward, it will be one of my most highly recommended books. I laughed out loud over many parts, and cried over some as well.
It is really difficult to describe the plot of this book. Louis is a burn victim and recluse. Iris is a nurse who is very short, overweight, and homely. Her coworkers refer to her as the troll. She's a strong woman and a very caring and compassionate nurse. The story begins with the death of Louis's father, and he meets Iris by chance the day of the funeral. They made a connection, though neither realize it. They don't get to know each other until much later in the book, but theirs' is the real story of the book. At the same time, and unbeknownst to Iris and Louis, Gracie (Louis's mother) and Arnie (Iris's father) also make a connection, forge a friendship, and help each other to learn to move forward in life.
As quirky as these characters are, they all have one main thing in common. They are all damaged. They all have baggage. They all feel alone in the world. Through laughter and tears, Louis and Iris show us that no matter how much baggage we all have, there are others out there who's baggage matches our own. Louis learns to face his fears thanks to Iris's unconditional acceptance of him. Iris finally lets her guard down and lets a more positive, playful side of herself shine through. The most beautiful thing about their relationship is that they see each other not through rose colored glasses, but exactly as they are and accept each other automatically and without question.
This is one of those stories that gives you hope. It makes you think about how society treats those who are different. It reminds us that all lives have dignity and deserve to be treated as such. And it does so with a sense of humor and a smile.
It is really difficult to describe the plot of this book. Louis is a burn victim and recluse. Iris is a nurse who is very short, overweight, and homely. Her coworkers refer to her as the troll. She's a strong woman and a very caring and compassionate nurse. The story begins with the death of Louis's father, and he meets Iris by chance the day of the funeral. They made a connection, though neither realize it. They don't get to know each other until much later in the book, but theirs' is the real story of the book. At the same time, and unbeknownst to Iris and Louis, Gracie (Louis's mother) and Arnie (Iris's father) also make a connection, forge a friendship, and help each other to learn to move forward in life.
As quirky as these characters are, they all have one main thing in common. They are all damaged. They all have baggage. They all feel alone in the world. Through laughter and tears, Louis and Iris show us that no matter how much baggage we all have, there are others out there who's baggage matches our own. Louis learns to face his fears thanks to Iris's unconditional acceptance of him. Iris finally lets her guard down and lets a more positive, playful side of herself shine through. The most beautiful thing about their relationship is that they see each other not through rose colored glasses, but exactly as they are and accept each other automatically and without question.
This is one of those stories that gives you hope. It makes you think about how society treats those who are different. It reminds us that all lives have dignity and deserve to be treated as such. And it does so with a sense of humor and a smile.
October 25, 2013
I received a copy of this book as a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ Giveaway.
I just finished reading this book this afternoon. I'm not even sure how to review it. It was very unique. I totally loved it. It was a heartwarming page-turner that was laugh out loud funny. I really enjoyed getting to know the other characters, like Gracie, Atlas, and Arnie, even though clearly it was Iris and Louis that were the main focus. Getting to know those other characters too was integral in getting to know Iris and Louis. By the end I felt like I was really living these events with them; I felt like one of the neighbors watching Louis fall out the window and I drove with them to hospital crammed in the back seat.
I'm so happy Nancy Pearl picked this gem as one of her Book Lust Discoveries. What a wonderful, well-written read.
I just finished reading this book this afternoon. I'm not even sure how to review it. It was very unique. I totally loved it. It was a heartwarming page-turner that was laugh out loud funny. I really enjoyed getting to know the other characters, like Gracie, Atlas, and Arnie, even though clearly it was Iris and Louis that were the main focus. Getting to know those other characters too was integral in getting to know Iris and Louis. By the end I felt like I was really living these events with them; I felt like one of the neighbors watching Louis fall out the window and I drove with them to hospital crammed in the back seat.
I'm so happy Nancy Pearl picked this gem as one of her Book Lust Discoveries. What a wonderful, well-written read.
July 27, 2015
A Simon & Schuster sale brought this book to my attention. The story description + steady reviews of 4 & 5 stars enticed me to buy. Then another sale happened & I'm encouraged to spend just a little bit more and purchase the audio book, too. So, I've bought this book twice. And I although hated it I stuck it out to the very end because I. Bought. This. Book. Twice.
This author just rambles and drones on forever! He certainly has a unique idea for a plot, but he kills the story by dragging the reader through the weeds of one tangent and into another. Our pair of star crossed social misfits don't really meet to begin building a friendship until three-fourths of the story has already passed.
I will commend the narrator, Jeff Cummings. I thought he did a great performance in spite of the story line. If I decide to purchase any more audio books, then I'll certainly look for his name.
However, I'm thankful to have finished this story!
This author just rambles and drones on forever! He certainly has a unique idea for a plot, but he kills the story by dragging the reader through the weeds of one tangent and into another. Our pair of star crossed social misfits don't really meet to begin building a friendship until three-fourths of the story has already passed.
I will commend the narrator, Jeff Cummings. I thought he did a great performance in spite of the story line. If I decide to purchase any more audio books, then I'll certainly look for his name.
However, I'm thankful to have finished this story!
December 7, 2015
Soul satisfying
I laughed and cried as I joined these well described characters move through their lives and more than one stepped away from looking through the window to move into life with all its pain and joy. This tale touched so many emotions and yes there are a few times it is a little surreal and mystical but most of us have seen a bit of that in our own lives. Such lessons! Take a chance, step out of your comfort zone, reach out to others, look for the glass half full, and yeah you got dealt a crappy hand but maybe better to play it out and take a chance. All of this in lovely, well written prose. Wonderful.
I have read several novels on Nancy Pearl's book lust list and this my FAV.
I laughed and cried as I joined these well described characters move through their lives and more than one stepped away from looking through the window to move into life with all its pain and joy. This tale touched so many emotions and yes there are a few times it is a little surreal and mystical but most of us have seen a bit of that in our own lives. Such lessons! Take a chance, step out of your comfort zone, reach out to others, look for the glass half full, and yeah you got dealt a crappy hand but maybe better to play it out and take a chance. All of this in lovely, well written prose. Wonderful.
I have read several novels on Nancy Pearl's book lust list and this my FAV.
March 24, 2014
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ giveaways.
Such a unique and quirky story. Each character was vivid and special in their own way - some I liked, some not so much... But that was the beauty of the writing.
I found myself laughing at things I shouldn't. Wishing for encounters and breakthroughs. I wanted everyone to have a happy ending right from the start.
And Johnny Depp.... Louise needs to be played by Johnny Depp if a movie is ever filmed.
I plan to suggest this title to my book club. I'm sure it will bring LOTS of discussion.
Such a unique and quirky story. Each character was vivid and special in their own way - some I liked, some not so much... But that was the beauty of the writing.
I found myself laughing at things I shouldn't. Wishing for encounters and breakthroughs. I wanted everyone to have a happy ending right from the start.
And Johnny Depp.... Louise needs to be played by Johnny Depp if a movie is ever filmed.
I plan to suggest this title to my book club. I'm sure it will bring LOTS of discussion.
January 26, 2015
The writing is beautiful. ,y. One effortlessly imagined what was happening on the pages as a movie in my mind. However, so much was left unanswered that I gasped when I realized I was on the last page. I suppose the author wants us to fill in the blanks-but that's what I believe his job to be. Still, lovely writing and adorable characters.
August 29, 2016
This was a mess.
There were so many pages that just went on and on that I had to go back to remember whose head I was in at the moment.
And uh...how about highlight connection between The Tube Man a little more? Or was there no connection...perhaps that was a neat little idea that fizzled once the author began to write it.
Way too many open holes. It seemed very unfinished.
There were so many pages that just went on and on that I had to go back to remember whose head I was in at the moment.
And uh...how about highlight connection between The Tube Man a little more? Or was there no connection...perhaps that was a neat little idea that fizzled once the author began to write it.
Way too many open holes. It seemed very unfinished.
October 25, 2013
Awesome book! My favorite line in the book was: "Arnie, my dear, the beauty of being old is that one is unable to take a good look." What a wonderful story about how we live, how we perceive dying, and what happens to us in the middle as well. A worth while read!
November 12, 2014
This book was a total surprise.
The synopsis did not do this book justice.
I feel in love with the coupling of the two main characters.
The synopsis did not do this book justice.
I feel in love with the coupling of the two main characters.
December 11, 2023
This was a sweet, quirky slice-of-life book. I enjoyed it, but I didn't LOVE it as much as "Harry's Trees".
It felt like there were a lot of quotable lines in this book, but of course I didn't write any down. I did capture one paragraph where the image conveyed struck a chord with me for some reason. It was after a character had fallen out of a window, and later was contemplating how on earth it had happened.
"He'd been at the window, watching, content to watch, even. He had not been predisposed to go out the window, but the moment had suddenly changed, as it does when you are pushed, as it does when you are standing at the edge of a cliff and you are overwhelmed by a thought you had not had a second before: I could jump, you think. Or perhaps he had merely stood by the window and, of its own accord, the house shifted all of its molecules for him, moved itself back a foot or two but did not take him with it, so that where there had been a floor and a wall with a window, there was only air--everything that was in front of Louis was suddenly behind him. Down he went, reentering the world through no effort of his own."
Normally I don't like this style of run-on rambling writing....but this works for me.
Overall, this book is definitely worth a read. I'm tagging it as "magical realism" because there's a smidge of unexplained whimsy here and there.
It felt like there were a lot of quotable lines in this book, but of course I didn't write any down. I did capture one paragraph where the image conveyed struck a chord with me for some reason. It was after a character had fallen out of a window, and later was contemplating how on earth it had happened.
"He'd been at the window, watching, content to watch, even. He had not been predisposed to go out the window, but the moment had suddenly changed, as it does when you are pushed, as it does when you are standing at the edge of a cliff and you are overwhelmed by a thought you had not had a second before: I could jump, you think. Or perhaps he had merely stood by the window and, of its own accord, the house shifted all of its molecules for him, moved itself back a foot or two but did not take him with it, so that where there had been a floor and a wall with a window, there was only air--everything that was in front of Louis was suddenly behind him. Down he went, reentering the world through no effort of his own."
Normally I don't like this style of run-on rambling writing....but this works for me.
Overall, this book is definitely worth a read. I'm tagging it as "magical realism" because there's a smidge of unexplained whimsy here and there.
June 25, 2019
This is the first book by Jon Cohen I’ve read. The writing is different than anything else I’ve read which was a very present thought of mine as I read the book. It’s realistic yet has notes of magical realism. It’s a slow paced story that is described as being about a man who hasn’t left his house in 16 years after he was badly burned and a nurse named Iris who is 4�7 and 155 lbs and is described as homely. However, it is just as much about the community they live in as it is about these two. I love Iris’s dad Arnie he had me laughing out loud! The audiobook was well done.
September 27, 2013
I must put a little disclaimer on this review. I cut my reading teeth on my mother’s cheap Harlequin Romance novels from the 70′s and 80′s. Even today I count Loving Rescue by Dixie Browning as one of my top 50 favorite books because it evokes a particular time of neon plastic accessories popular during the early 90′s and being utterly clueless to anything to do with the male anatomy. While The Man in the Window had a noticeable lack of “milky breasts� and “engorged members,� it still had the feel of one of the slick white paperbacks with the lead character’s likenesses trapped in a red circle front and center.
Before you assume that is a bad thing, keep in mind that this is a reprinting of a novel originally published in 1992, which is most apparent when Iris buys a Mars Bar for $.40 before making a call from a PAY PHONE for a QUARTER!! This is Americana at it’s finest, people! I really enjoyed the vintage charm of this book. The quirky neighbors and gentlemanly manners really made this feel like a southern spun dark comedy, which I find especially intriguing coming from the screenwriter of Minority Report.
Cohen penned something much greater than a romance, because honestly it’s not very convincing when read as simply a love story. At the heart of The Man in the Window is fear. Every character is afraid of something � persecution, loneliness, things that are different than ourselves. And love requires a certain kind of fearlessness. Fearlessness is not something you can be on your own. That kind of fearlessness requires you to draw on the strength of others when all of your strength has run out.
See more reviews by The Readist at .
Before you assume that is a bad thing, keep in mind that this is a reprinting of a novel originally published in 1992, which is most apparent when Iris buys a Mars Bar for $.40 before making a call from a PAY PHONE for a QUARTER!! This is Americana at it’s finest, people! I really enjoyed the vintage charm of this book. The quirky neighbors and gentlemanly manners really made this feel like a southern spun dark comedy, which I find especially intriguing coming from the screenwriter of Minority Report.
Cohen penned something much greater than a romance, because honestly it’s not very convincing when read as simply a love story. At the heart of The Man in the Window is fear. Every character is afraid of something � persecution, loneliness, things that are different than ourselves. And love requires a certain kind of fearlessness. Fearlessness is not something you can be on your own. That kind of fearlessness requires you to draw on the strength of others when all of your strength has run out.
See more reviews by The Readist at .
July 11, 2016
Have you ever wondered why guys like hardware stores so much? This book sheds light on that question.
It's a hopeful story of how lonely people, who don't necessarily fit in, can find each other.
I would recommend this book.
It's a hopeful story of how lonely people, who don't necessarily fit in, can find each other.
I would recommend this book.
October 29, 2013
This was both a beautiful book and a beautifully written book. I will never forget it. It is one of those books that vibrates with supressed emotions and deep loneliness. One that touches the soul.
November 10, 2013
Beautiful and humorous love story set in a small town of quirky, but caring people. Told tenderly with a touch of spiritual magic. A quick and uplifting read and laugh out loud moments.
April 9, 2015
Louis and Iris, another classic couple in a very non-traditional manner: Louis with his burns and hiding from the world; Iris with her non-beauty but meeting the world head on.
May 20, 2014
I bought this book because it was a Kindle daily deal. I think I paid $1.99. I truly enjoyed this book. The writing is bold and refreshing. I would highly recommend!
June 2, 2014
I just loved this book!
February 2, 2016
Charming. Wonderfully flawed, realistic characters.
January 6, 2020
Two quirky outsiders finding love is the perfect description of sentimental claptrap, but is decidedly NOT sentimental claptrap. Cohen seamlessly mixes humor amidst the tragedy, magic amidst the realism, romance amidst the unlovely--all the best juxtapositions. His voice is strong and sure and best of all, poignant.
I do not ever recall tears springing to my eyes as early as PAGE 30 of ANY book, but Cohen's book now holds the title. No other book I've read in the last decade (or ever) has used the word "sphincter" and made me laugh (out loud).
I know why this is a book lust rediscovery, and I'm grateful Nancy Pearl reprinted this one.
"I am as harmless as the wind on your cheek, he'd whisper... I am as harmless as the smell of leaves, he'd say, the words leaving a vapor on the windowpane..." (43).
I do not ever recall tears springing to my eyes as early as PAGE 30 of ANY book, but Cohen's book now holds the title. No other book I've read in the last decade (or ever) has used the word "sphincter" and made me laugh (out loud).
I know why this is a book lust rediscovery, and I'm grateful Nancy Pearl reprinted this one.
"I am as harmless as the wind on your cheek, he'd whisper... I am as harmless as the smell of leaves, he'd say, the words leaving a vapor on the windowpane..." (43).
August 2, 2018
I have to be honest, I gave up at 9% showing on my Kindle.
I should have known that the multi-page introduction, a glowing introduction at that, was going to be a book that totally bored me, and it did.
For me it lacked absolutely everything I love, and I didn't even start warming to the main characters, much less have the storyline grab me.
I'm sure this book suits other people, but all it did for me was send me to sleep!
I should have known that the multi-page introduction, a glowing introduction at that, was going to be a book that totally bored me, and it did.
For me it lacked absolutely everything I love, and I didn't even start warming to the main characters, much less have the storyline grab me.
I'm sure this book suits other people, but all it did for me was send me to sleep!
July 7, 2022
Having just read Harry's Trees and loved it, I'm on a quest for all things Jon Cohen. This is another of those books you want to reread because it's so well written and such a lovely story.
Louis was burned badly in a fire when he was sixteen and for the last sixteen years, he sits in his family home watching the world out the window, covered in a purple scarf and hat. Iris is a nurse who lives with her father Arnie and is homely. She's good at her job but has never had a relationship with anyone except her parents. When these two meet, they spark something in each other.
It's a road to get to their meeting, but one of those lovely meandering forest paths with flowers, birds singing, and blackberries to pick along the way so the reader doesn't mind at all. There's a bit of magic and wonderful characters, even the mean ones. It's another fabulous story by Mr. Cohen and well-worth reading.
Louis was burned badly in a fire when he was sixteen and for the last sixteen years, he sits in his family home watching the world out the window, covered in a purple scarf and hat. Iris is a nurse who lives with her father Arnie and is homely. She's good at her job but has never had a relationship with anyone except her parents. When these two meet, they spark something in each other.
It's a road to get to their meeting, but one of those lovely meandering forest paths with flowers, birds singing, and blackberries to pick along the way so the reader doesn't mind at all. There's a bit of magic and wonderful characters, even the mean ones. It's another fabulous story by Mr. Cohen and well-worth reading.
March 11, 2023
Absolutely delightful. If you're a fan of Fredrik Bachman you will love this book.
October 9, 2014
The Man in the Window by Jon Cohen features a cast of characters all living in one small town with a monster. Of course, Louis isn't really a monster, but some of his neighbors have begun to think of him that way. As a teenager, Louis was terribly burned in a fire that caused his face to become unrecognizable. His mother and father, Atlas and Grace have spent the last sixteen years caring for him, but Louis has become a recluse. He is never without his hat and purple scarf even at home and he almost never leaves the house. Iris, a nurse that will soon be meeting Louis, thinks of herself as a kind of monster. What most people would likely interpret as unattractive she deems repulsive, but she refuses to let it stop her. She is a successful nurse and she enjoys her work. She is fairly new to town, having moved into her father's home to care for him after the passing of her mother and so knows nothing of the man in the window.
I was really excited about this book for the first several chapters. I hadn't gotten very far into it before I started thinking about who on my Christmas list needed to receive their own copy. The book begins with Atlas's death. It happens rather early so I hope that isn't too much of a spoiler for you. One of the first things I loved so much about this book was that Gracie refused to provide "appropriate" clothing to the funeral director for her husband. Instead she insisted her husband be dressed in his favorite clothes- "a flannel work shirt, a pair of corduroys thin at the knees, gray cotton socks, and an old pair of Hush Puppies." When pressed about it Gracie had this to say: "My husband, I guarantee you, Mr. Rose, does not wish to travel through eternity in a necktie and a pair of shiny shoes pressing on his bunions." I adore that this character would think of such a thing. She loved her husband so much that she didn't want him to be uncomfortable, even in death. Reflecting on their marriage, Gracie recalled the many times Atlas would tell her, "Gracie, I hope to God I go before you do." He simply could not stand to live without her by his side. Gracie's response was "Atlas, neither of us is going to go. They make special allowances for people like us." I love that.
The storytelling in the first half of the book had me fascinated, but it languished in the middle. It became slow and lost much of it's spark. It always makes me sad when a book doesn't turn out to be as good as I had hoped it would be. Just near the end, it picked up pace and I was able to enjoy it again, but it never did get back to what it was in the beginning.
Check out more of my reviews at SmartGirlsRead!
I was really excited about this book for the first several chapters. I hadn't gotten very far into it before I started thinking about who on my Christmas list needed to receive their own copy. The book begins with Atlas's death. It happens rather early so I hope that isn't too much of a spoiler for you. One of the first things I loved so much about this book was that Gracie refused to provide "appropriate" clothing to the funeral director for her husband. Instead she insisted her husband be dressed in his favorite clothes- "a flannel work shirt, a pair of corduroys thin at the knees, gray cotton socks, and an old pair of Hush Puppies." When pressed about it Gracie had this to say: "My husband, I guarantee you, Mr. Rose, does not wish to travel through eternity in a necktie and a pair of shiny shoes pressing on his bunions." I adore that this character would think of such a thing. She loved her husband so much that she didn't want him to be uncomfortable, even in death. Reflecting on their marriage, Gracie recalled the many times Atlas would tell her, "Gracie, I hope to God I go before you do." He simply could not stand to live without her by his side. Gracie's response was "Atlas, neither of us is going to go. They make special allowances for people like us." I love that.
The storytelling in the first half of the book had me fascinated, but it languished in the middle. It became slow and lost much of it's spark. It always makes me sad when a book doesn't turn out to be as good as I had hoped it would be. Just near the end, it picked up pace and I was able to enjoy it again, but it never did get back to what it was in the beginning.
Check out more of my reviews at SmartGirlsRead!
December 26, 2015
Our first glimpse of Louis Malone is him sitting at the top of the stairs listening as his mother Gracie insists to the funeral director that her recently deceased husband Atlas be buried in his flannel workshirt, courduroys, and Hushpuppies. (The final score was Gracie: 1, Rose Funeral Home: 0, by the way.) And upstairs still, Louis watches the procession of casseroles and baked goods droppped off at the front door by friends and neighbors sympathizing with the newly widowed Gracie and even (maybe, just maybe) hoping to get a glimpse of Louis as well.
Now thirty-two, Louis has not been seen in Waverly in the sixteen years since the accident that left him horribly disfigured. He has watched the seasons meMan in the windowlt into years from the upstairs windows of his parents home, only sometimes creeping out in the dark of night to touch a spot in the yard he had only seen from two stories up.
And now, face muffled in his trademark purple scarf with Pirate's ball cap pulled low, Louis rides in the limo to the funeral home, waits until the service ends, and then watches the graveside service from the safety of the back seat. As the service wraps up, a woman taps on the window. She tells Louis there are "worse things than death"--and she's not the least bit nonplussed to be talking to a man covered head-to-toe save for his eyes. She's a nurse, she tells Louis, on her way to the hospital and thought the funeral might have been one of her patients.
That nurse, Iris Shula, was horrible in her own way: overweight, abnormally short, and (even Iris herself would admit) just plain ugly. Iris works in critical care and not much surprises her. Not a blood splatter shaped like a perfect Valentine heart. Not even the dying Tube Man who every so often speaks one impossible word at a time: The. Man. In. The. Window. Is. Loose.
And then the worlds of these two misfits begin to collide. Iris's elderly widowed father Arnie crosses paths with Atlas's funeral procession; Louis falls from a window and meets Iris in the emergency room; Arnie, lost and confused, enters Louis's home one night and is befriended by Gracie.
And then Iris, drawn to Louis who inexplicably touches her heart, reaches out to him--the unloved to the unlovable--and he reaches back.
This is a world beautifully conceived by writer Jon Cohen--where a hardware store can fix all of life's ills, where the comatose offer up talismans, where falling two stories is really an ascent.
I read the last paragraph at least five times. You should too.
[read more at thisismysymphony.net]
Now thirty-two, Louis has not been seen in Waverly in the sixteen years since the accident that left him horribly disfigured. He has watched the seasons meMan in the windowlt into years from the upstairs windows of his parents home, only sometimes creeping out in the dark of night to touch a spot in the yard he had only seen from two stories up.
And now, face muffled in his trademark purple scarf with Pirate's ball cap pulled low, Louis rides in the limo to the funeral home, waits until the service ends, and then watches the graveside service from the safety of the back seat. As the service wraps up, a woman taps on the window. She tells Louis there are "worse things than death"--and she's not the least bit nonplussed to be talking to a man covered head-to-toe save for his eyes. She's a nurse, she tells Louis, on her way to the hospital and thought the funeral might have been one of her patients.
That nurse, Iris Shula, was horrible in her own way: overweight, abnormally short, and (even Iris herself would admit) just plain ugly. Iris works in critical care and not much surprises her. Not a blood splatter shaped like a perfect Valentine heart. Not even the dying Tube Man who every so often speaks one impossible word at a time: The. Man. In. The. Window. Is. Loose.
And then the worlds of these two misfits begin to collide. Iris's elderly widowed father Arnie crosses paths with Atlas's funeral procession; Louis falls from a window and meets Iris in the emergency room; Arnie, lost and confused, enters Louis's home one night and is befriended by Gracie.
And then Iris, drawn to Louis who inexplicably touches her heart, reaches out to him--the unloved to the unlovable--and he reaches back.
This is a world beautifully conceived by writer Jon Cohen--where a hardware store can fix all of life's ills, where the comatose offer up talismans, where falling two stories is really an ascent.
I read the last paragraph at least five times. You should too.
[read more at thisismysymphony.net]
April 18, 2016
Nancy Pearl, my favorite literary critic, said after reading The Man in the Window, “Here was a novel to love.� And indeed it is. Author Jon Cohen has captured the essence of life in this poignant, funny and often caustic novel.
Louis Malone, now 32, badly disfigured in a fire when he was 16, became a recluse, hidden away in the family home. His world was what he could see from his upstairs bedroom window.
Iris Shuda, an extremely capable nurse, was resigned to never finding love. As Cohen describes her, Iris had been an unappealing baby, and as it turned out, that was her physical highpoint.
Gracie Malone, Louis� loving mother and a recent widow, is not yet used to living without her husband, and now her son is her whole world.
Widower Arnie Shuda, Iris� father, is a rough and tumble sort of guy, full of earthy humor. His right hand is a hook and he openly jokes about it.
The Man in the Window develops these four characters with such living force, I felt I knew them, that they were my neighbors. The hospital scenes with Iris are so realistic I wondered how the author knew so much about medicine. But then I learned that Jon Cohen was at one time a critical care nurse.
When Louis falls out of his second-story bedroom window, he and Iris are brought together. And then, along the way, their parents meet.
The Man in the Window is a marvelous, well developed, heart-rending love story. I loved it so much I dreaded reaching the end.
Louis Malone, now 32, badly disfigured in a fire when he was 16, became a recluse, hidden away in the family home. His world was what he could see from his upstairs bedroom window.
Iris Shuda, an extremely capable nurse, was resigned to never finding love. As Cohen describes her, Iris had been an unappealing baby, and as it turned out, that was her physical highpoint.
Gracie Malone, Louis� loving mother and a recent widow, is not yet used to living without her husband, and now her son is her whole world.
Widower Arnie Shuda, Iris� father, is a rough and tumble sort of guy, full of earthy humor. His right hand is a hook and he openly jokes about it.
The Man in the Window develops these four characters with such living force, I felt I knew them, that they were my neighbors. The hospital scenes with Iris are so realistic I wondered how the author knew so much about medicine. But then I learned that Jon Cohen was at one time a critical care nurse.
When Louis falls out of his second-story bedroom window, he and Iris are brought together. And then, along the way, their parents meet.
The Man in the Window is a marvelous, well developed, heart-rending love story. I loved it so much I dreaded reaching the end.
May 1, 2014
As a healthcare worker, understanding ER and ICU and how nurses deal with things, I enjoyed a majority of this book based on the merit he has for telling the inner workings of a hospital correctly instead of just turning it into Grey's Anatomy Hollywood trickery. Even with little touches of secret healthcare lingo (Code Brown and The Fifth Floor for example), he really turns this into a shining example of an authentic retelling of hospital life. For this part, he had my attention.
I have always been drawn to stories of recluses, hermits, those with a shameful past or a disfigurement. The half that is not authentic hospital action is about a man, Louis, who hasn't left the house for sixteen years. He wears a scarf over his face so that no one can see him, and he watches the world pass by his window. He is the neighborhood curiosity, and the whole scenario reminds me of "To Kill a Mockingbird," particularly the Boo Radley parts.
Considering Boo Radley is one of my favorite literary characters and hospital work is my passion, this book really is literary gold. Cohen uses large metaphors about faith and the afterlife throughout and there is really nothing bad that I can say about this, except it's a little sappy in parts. Overlooking this, "The Man in the Window" could be the perfect book for me.
I have always been drawn to stories of recluses, hermits, those with a shameful past or a disfigurement. The half that is not authentic hospital action is about a man, Louis, who hasn't left the house for sixteen years. He wears a scarf over his face so that no one can see him, and he watches the world pass by his window. He is the neighborhood curiosity, and the whole scenario reminds me of "To Kill a Mockingbird," particularly the Boo Radley parts.
Considering Boo Radley is one of my favorite literary characters and hospital work is my passion, this book really is literary gold. Cohen uses large metaphors about faith and the afterlife throughout and there is really nothing bad that I can say about this, except it's a little sappy in parts. Overlooking this, "The Man in the Window" could be the perfect book for me.
January 18, 2014
Mismatched? Only Chance? Fate? Desperation? Love? These are some of the questions you will ask yourself after reading this story.
Louis Malone has not left his home in sixteen years since a terrible accident occurred, scaring his face during a horrible fire. When his father, Atlas passes away he finally leaves the house to attend the funeral and then returns to his prison on Waverly Place. The monster, now 32 goes back to looking out the window as life is passing him by.
In a strange accident he meets Iris Shula who at thirty-seven years of age is also a similar type prisoner, but she works at Barnum Memorial Hospital, as a nurse mainly in the intensive care unit.
When a freak accident brings the two of them together they realize in a strange way that they both are similar and wonder if they are in love, happy to have a friend or desperate to change each of their lives for once and for all.
In a strange way it is a love story but not with any of the normal ways that people use fall in love. I found it rather slow at the beginning but it got better with some humor added and then turned out to be an interesting read. Making the impossible actually possible.
Louis Malone has not left his home in sixteen years since a terrible accident occurred, scaring his face during a horrible fire. When his father, Atlas passes away he finally leaves the house to attend the funeral and then returns to his prison on Waverly Place. The monster, now 32 goes back to looking out the window as life is passing him by.
In a strange accident he meets Iris Shula who at thirty-seven years of age is also a similar type prisoner, but she works at Barnum Memorial Hospital, as a nurse mainly in the intensive care unit.
When a freak accident brings the two of them together they realize in a strange way that they both are similar and wonder if they are in love, happy to have a friend or desperate to change each of their lives for once and for all.
In a strange way it is a love story but not with any of the normal ways that people use fall in love. I found it rather slow at the beginning but it got better with some humor added and then turned out to be an interesting read. Making the impossible actually possible.
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