The Boy He Left Behind: A Man's Search for His Lost Father

by Mark Matousek

Book Overview

"Mark Matousek has produced a] riveting account of his search-at age 38, with the help of a private detective-for the father who abandoned him at age four. A searing meditation on the psychic harm... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1573221546
• ISBN13: 9781573221542
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Riverhead Books
• Length: 259 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.9" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

I couldn't put it down!

I came upon this book in the library with no prior knowledge of the book or the author. From page one I was captivated by Mark's life story and finished the book in 2 days. I'm surprised that it never received more recognition, as it has become one of my all-time favorites. It covers so many topics...religion, homosexuality, family relationships, love and loss...that anyone can relate to and identify with. Written with honesty and humor, I highly recommend this book to everyone!

Personal & Profound

I loved Mark's honesty. It wasn't just about being gay, or fatherless. It was about searching for identity, friendship and meaning. His superb writing and sense of humor made a serious story delightful to read.

Terrific Memoir

Matousek's book crosses a lot of genres:gay/Jewish/writer's life/memoir and ends up being universal. He is also an excellent writer and some of the quotes from other writers (Pessoa,Kazin) are really thought-provoking. The book rises above the usual litany of abuse and self-pity endemic to many memoirs. This is the best memoir I've read since Paul Monette's Borrowed Time.

Well worth your time

I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I bought it through my book club without knowing anything about it, and once I started it I couldn't put it down.

Wonderful story, a very open and vulnerable story-teller

I picked this book up purely on a hunch, having gone through my "father-work" a few years back. What a wonderful story. I read this book in 48 hours. I gave it to my wife, who rarely shares my literary taste, and she read it in 24 hours. Matousek is a very courageous and honorable story teller. I was rivited until the last page. All so human are the people in his life. He is honest about his rage...honest about his loss..and honest about his compassion. Highly recommended.