Not only is Pastime one of Robert B. Parker's best novels about the private detective Spenser, but it is also one that clearly demonstrates Parker's skill as a crime writer.Spenser's semi-adopted son, Paul Giacomin, visits Spenser in Boston asking for his help. He can't locate his mother, who has apparently left on an extended trip without telling him. While Paul's mother is somewhat lacking in motherly skills, he doesn't believe she would voluntarily leave her home for such an extended period without contacting him. Though Paul can't pay Spenser, he takes the case anyway as a favor to Paul. (Wikipedia)The central plot of finding Giacomin's mother plays out through Spenser's first person narrative, suspense arising from the disappearance of the mother, the arrival of heavy-hitting bad guys, and the usual stumbling around searching for clues that Spenser labels as his professional technique.Typical to Parker's plot construction, though, Paul Giacomin is seeking answers not just about his mother but also about marriage and relationships. His mother and father's relationship is dysfunctional. Even though Spenser and his partner, Susan Silverman, have a life-long relationship, they are not married, nor do they live together--and Susan is wondering about marriage.Not just marriage but also the idea of families is explored. One of the bad guys, Joe Broz, is dealing with a son who is an incompetent bad guy who cannot survive in the unforgiving world his father lives in. This dynamic intersects with Spenser's search for Giacomin's mother. Spenser's concept of family, Paul's exploration of family (including his current girlfriend), and Broz's family issues all become intertwined. Adding to this rich stew is Spenser's friend Hawk, a very tough hitman and enforcer--who possibly cannot love yet is involved in events.What is the ideal relationship? How is loving defined and expressed? These questions become as powerful to the novel as the central quest to locate Giacomin's mother.In typical Spenser style, it is not enough just to find Giacomin's mother. He wants and needs everything to turn out well--or at least as best it possibly can.I've just finished reading all of Parker's Spenser novels. The movement of increasing involvement with the characters as the series progresses is truly an achievement for Parker, who passed away (while writing) in 2010. Literature shouldn't just tell a story; it should also inform the reader about life in some way--or at least be accessible to such ruminations. Parker's novel Pastime accomplishes that, providing the reader with the joy of considering significances.
This may be my favorite of the Spenser novels, which is saying a lot. Young Paul Giacomin is grown to manhood, and he needs a favor. Paul's mother is missing; will Spenser help? You only get one guess.The book has all the usual Spenser ingredients: wisecracking humor, deadly danger, and an ethical hero making his way in a depraved world. This we know to expect from Parker any time he and his first detective hero get together. What sets this book apart from the other Spenser novels is its themes of motherless sons and fathers who aren't actually fathers. The search for identity through family runs throughout the book, indeed through all the characters to one degree or another. It is artfully done, so that about three-quarters of the way through we realize that everyone in the book is searching for the same things and asking the same questions. And all along we have Spenser for our guide, showing us what love and loyalty look like, and what it means to be a man. If you love Spenser, and even if you don't, this is well worth reading. And rereading, again and again.
What do You think about Pastime (1992)?
These are always entertaining to read. Spenser's ability to be himself in the presence of criminals and family, accepting people and situations with an open heart and an iron fist is refreshing even with the cliche and idealism that fills each book.I read this book one week after Robert Parker died. I am reading the Spenser series in order and always wondered how long the series would run. In "Pastime", published 1990, Susan Silverman banters with Spenser about her age. It was just a little sad for Parker's ageless alter-ego to succumb to mortality.RIP.
—Joe
I absolutely loved this book. The description of the woods as Spenser fights for his life, the unerring loyalty he feels for Paul, and the way Spenser lets Paul be himself as he grows into his adulthood were absolutely all they needed to be. In this story, Spenser is totally himself and self-reliant but still he needs Susan and what their relationship has to offer - not to be himself but to complete himself.I never tire of this series or any of Mr. Parker's stories. He was a wonderful writer, and he will be sorely missed.
—Yeva
Another adventure of Spencer. This book was much more pychological. A young man who was more or less abandoned by his parents ( while still living at home ) was trying to come to grips with his thoughts of marriage. He was confused about relationships after seeing his parents. He was taken from his mother by Spencer who helped him along the was. Spencer saw to it that the father paid his son's wau to school and that he no longer lived with his mother. His mother was toxic and always made the boy feel alone even when he was with her.The story always includes some type of bad guy that gets it in the end. This story however, leaves us wondering which way the boy will go after realizing his mother and father left him nothing in the way of emotional closeness and he fears marrying the woman he loves out of fear that he will not be able to make a go of it.
—Marylu Sanok
