A Fraction of the Whole: A Novel
Feb 2008 · Sold by Random House
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21 reviews
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544
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About this ebook
Meet the Deans
“The fact is, the whole of Australia despises my father more than any other man, just as they adore my uncle more than any other man. I might as well set the story straight about both of them . . .”
Heroes or Criminals?
Crackpots or Visionaries?
Families or Enemies?
“. . . Anyway, you know how it is. Every family has a story like this one.”
Most of his life, Jasper Dean couldn’t decide whether to pity, hate, love, or murder his certifiably paranoid father, Martin, a man who overanalyzed anything and everything and imparted his self-garnered wisdom to his only son. But now that Martin is dead, Jasper can fully reflect on the crackpot who raised him in intellectual captivity, and what he realizes is that, for all its lunacy, theirs was a grand adventure.
As he recollects the events that led to his father’s demise, Jasper recounts a boyhood of outrageous schemes and shocking discoveries—about his infamous outlaw uncle Terry, his mysteriously absent European mother, and Martin’s constant losing battle to make a lasting mark on the world he so disdains. It’s a story that takes them from the Australian bush to the cafes of bohemian Paris, from the Thai jungle to strip clubs, asylums, labyrinths, and criminal lairs, and from the highs of first love to the lows of failed ambition. The result is a rollicking rollercoaster ride from obscurity to infamy, and the moving, memorable story of a father and son whose spiritual symmetry transcends all their many shortcomings.
A Fraction of the Whole is an uproarious indictment of the modern world and its mores and the epic debut of the blisteringly funny and talented Steve Toltz.
“The fact is, the whole of Australia despises my father more than any other man, just as they adore my uncle more than any other man. I might as well set the story straight about both of them . . .”
Heroes or Criminals?
Crackpots or Visionaries?
Families or Enemies?
“. . . Anyway, you know how it is. Every family has a story like this one.”
Most of his life, Jasper Dean couldn’t decide whether to pity, hate, love, or murder his certifiably paranoid father, Martin, a man who overanalyzed anything and everything and imparted his self-garnered wisdom to his only son. But now that Martin is dead, Jasper can fully reflect on the crackpot who raised him in intellectual captivity, and what he realizes is that, for all its lunacy, theirs was a grand adventure.
As he recollects the events that led to his father’s demise, Jasper recounts a boyhood of outrageous schemes and shocking discoveries—about his infamous outlaw uncle Terry, his mysteriously absent European mother, and Martin’s constant losing battle to make a lasting mark on the world he so disdains. It’s a story that takes them from the Australian bush to the cafes of bohemian Paris, from the Thai jungle to strip clubs, asylums, labyrinths, and criminal lairs, and from the highs of first love to the lows of failed ambition. The result is a rollicking rollercoaster ride from obscurity to infamy, and the moving, memorable story of a father and son whose spiritual symmetry transcends all their many shortcomings.
A Fraction of the Whole is an uproarious indictment of the modern world and its mores and the epic debut of the blisteringly funny and talented Steve Toltz.
Meet the Deans
“The fact is, the whole of Australia despises my father more than any other man, just as they adore my uncle more than any other man. I might as well set the story straight about both of them . . .”
Heroes or Criminals?
Crackpots or Visionaries?
Families or Enemies?
“. . . Anywa...
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Ratings and reviews
21 reviews
A Google user
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May 23, 2011
Thank you Mr. Toltz for this unconventional story. An extreme circumstance of an only child being raised by a rebelious, open-minded, fiercely independent loving father. As an only child myself- I empathized with Jasper -alone in adolescence, adjusting to his fathers strange lifestyle and strong teachings of survival and independence. As well as his journey of self- discovery, to eventual understanding, and familial acceptance/pride.
This is not a sad story (although that could be easily inferred in the first few chapters.) just because Jasper doesn't have a two-parent home or that his immediate family are all rebels and felons. A less than normal childhood - a weaker individual would undoubtedly be a juvenile delinquent. But his fathers life-lessons of being and doing whats right is exemplified in Jaspers character.
No doubt Mr. Toltz shines a light on single-parent/child households worldwide. Progressive unconventional parent(ing) and the children who don't like or understand their parent or home-life.
Last but not least,...I love how this author writes. The use of words and the feelings he invokes - had me/ kept me interested and entertained to the last page.
I look forward to the next novel by Steve Toltz.
Tim Bull
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November 6, 2015
I had a friend recommend this. I had a few minor laughs, but was kind of disappointed, overall. It was a bit too melancholy. Also, I found myself skipping the parts where his father was ranting. It felt like being in a mental ward. I'm sure it was good writing, but I don't want to feel like I'm on LSD.
A Google user
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June 18, 2010
My favorite book of all time. Adventure, Action, Drama, Romance, Philosophy, etc, etc. Hilariously written, and truly insightful. I would recommend this book to anyone in need of a good read. Masterpiece.
About the author
resides in Sydney, Australia. A Fraction of the Whole is his first novel.
resides in Sydney, Australia. A Fraction of the Whole is his first novel.
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