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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) through NetGalley. It was originally published I UK in 2015, 12/17/19 is US release
This is a story about a dysfunctional family. It takes place in London area.
The characters are Alice her husband of 50 years Ken, they are in their late 60’s almost 70’s. Their son Tim and his wife Natalya, and their other son Matt.
This book did a bit of timeline jumping, it was broken up into parts, Part 1 was about Alice and her marriage to Ken and her view on her relationship with her children. Part 2 was from Natalya and Tim’s view on their life and their relationship with Alice and Ken. Part 3 is a bridging section between what happens to Alice after Part 2 that leads to Part 4. The first part of Part 4 is from Tim’s point of view of his life, and the final part is from Alice’s view of Tim’s life and making some revelations about her own.
There is some touchy topic, abuse, drinking, prostitution, human trafficking.
I really enjoyed this book, I know that it has lots of triggers and may not be appropriate for everyone. I found the characters to be very realistic, even if they were not all likable. As a domestic abuse survivor myself I was really able to relate to Alice, Tim and Matt and understand their motivations for the choices they made. But I realize it is a heavy topic. It was a really well written book and compelling characters to me.
#TheOtherSon #NetGalley
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
This is a story about a dysfunctional family. It takes place in London area.
The characters are Alice her husband of 50 years Ken, they are in their late 60’s almost 70’s. Their son Tim and his wife Natalya, and their other son Matt.
This book did a bit of timeline jumping, it was broken up into parts, Part 1 was about Alice and her marriage to Ken and her view on her relationship with her children. Part 2 was from Natalya and Tim’s view on their life and their relationship with Alice and Ken. Part 3 is a bridging section between what happens to Alice after Part 2 that leads to Part 4. The first part of Part 4 is from Tim’s point of view of his life, and the final part is from Alice’s view of Tim’s life and making some revelations about her own.
There is some touchy topic, abuse, drinking, prostitution, human trafficking.
I really enjoyed this book, I know that it has lots of triggers and may not be appropriate for everyone. I found the characters to be very realistic, even if they were not all likable. As a domestic abuse survivor myself I was really able to relate to Alice, Tim and Matt and understand their motivations for the choices they made. But I realize it is a heavy topic. It was a really well written book and compelling characters to me.
#TheOtherSon #NetGalley
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Found it a bit tedious at first. No likeable characters. Main character just moaning about everything too much. Second half was better and more interesting.
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Lifetime of Reading (60s) challenge book.
This was not what I was expecting from the synopsis I read, but it was an interesting read. The structure and the plot felt a little random but there were some good insights.
This was not what I was expecting from the synopsis I read, but it was an interesting read. The structure and the plot felt a little random but there were some good insights.
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Violence
Minor: Suicide
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Child abuse
I gave up because of the unrealistic dialogue and mannerisms of the characters - not all the time but way more than I thought reasonable.
I really like Nick Alexanders work but this is the second book I've just wondered wtf...especially since I love his book Perfectly Ordinary People. I don't think I should go back and read his older work any longer.
I really like Nick Alexanders work but this is the second book I've just wondered wtf...especially since I love his book Perfectly Ordinary People. I don't think I should go back and read his older work any longer.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book warmed my heart. The family dynamics were interesting and is very true to life for some people, it wasnt afraid to explore feelings and life. I liked how regardless of how his parents didnt approve the other son was happy with his simple life. Just goes to show, it doesnt matter what you do in life, as long as you are truly happy and content and be damned what others think, especially family if they are toxic.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Alice is a wife and mother of two grown sons in London, in her late sixties, and she is deeply unhappy. She has spent her life sacrificing her happiness and sense of self to her abusive husband and societal expectations, convincing herself that everything is fine, but is increasingly unable to speak or think positively about anyone or anything. When her close friend has the courage to leave her abusive husband and start a life alone, things come to a head with her own husband who turns violent (again) and prompts her to finally leave him too. Her successful banker son refuses to take her in and deal with her constant negativity, so her younger wayward son invites her to come and live in France, where she discovers unique, genuine people and a completely different way of living that eventually gives her courage to rethink her options and outlook on life. An interesting story with well-told characters.