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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Good start
It sounded good in beginning but turned out to be a Bollywood movie. Nothing heard of before. Not bad with the flow of conversations and character picturisation.
It sounded good in beginning but turned out to be a Bollywood movie. Nothing heard of before. Not bad with the flow of conversations and character picturisation.
Light hearted and easy to get a long with. a good summer read that doesn't need much thinking or second guessing. If you like Jodi Picoult and that kind of book this is a must read.
Thank you NetGalley for my copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to start out my review of this book with a simple oh my god. This book is seriously fantastic. Now, let's break it down:
First things first, the characters. The Other Son is very much a character-driven novel. That isn't to say that it is lacking a plot, because that is very much not the case. But the characters are the real focus here. The story centres around Alice, her husband Ken, and her two sons Tim and Matt. The story starts out from Alice's perspective, in the third person, and then it shifts so that we get to see what others think of Alice. We are given insight into Alice's thought process as she does or says something, and then later get to see what other characters make of Alice's behaviour. Perhaps this sounds a bit complex, but the way that the author does this is seamless. It comes across as natural; it is really well done. As I was reading this book I started to ask myself if I have seen this done before, and I don't think I have. Or if I have, it wasn't memorable.
The characters in this novel feel so real. I feel that I could sit in a room with each and every one of them (although I certainly wouldn't like all of them) and have a conversation. They each have their own unique voice; I never had to re-read a line to try to figure out who was talking (a pet peeve). This is all so essential in a character-focused work, because it is what keeps the reader interested.
That being said, the storyline is intense and emotional. It isn't fast-paced, but I was riveted all the same. Expect to laugh, then cry, then laugh, then perhaps cry some more. You may even cheer at points (I know I did). However, please don't read this review and then expect an action-packed thriller. The reason that the plot is so intense is because of the characters. The well-developed, phenomenally realistic characters. I apologise if I'm repeating myself, but I am honestly so excited by how much I loved this book.
I would like to start out my review of this book with a simple oh my god. This book is seriously fantastic. Now, let's break it down:
First things first, the characters. The Other Son is very much a character-driven novel. That isn't to say that it is lacking a plot, because that is very much not the case. But the characters are the real focus here. The story centres around Alice, her husband Ken, and her two sons Tim and Matt. The story starts out from Alice's perspective, in the third person, and then it shifts so that we get to see what others think of Alice. We are given insight into Alice's thought process as she does or says something, and then later get to see what other characters make of Alice's behaviour. Perhaps this sounds a bit complex, but the way that the author does this is seamless. It comes across as natural; it is really well done. As I was reading this book I started to ask myself if I have seen this done before, and I don't think I have. Or if I have, it wasn't memorable.
The characters in this novel feel so real. I feel that I could sit in a room with each and every one of them (although I certainly wouldn't like all of them) and have a conversation. They each have their own unique voice; I never had to re-read a line to try to figure out who was talking (a pet peeve). This is all so essential in a character-focused work, because it is what keeps the reader interested.
That being said, the storyline is intense and emotional. It isn't fast-paced, but I was riveted all the same. Expect to laugh, then cry, then laugh, then perhaps cry some more. You may even cheer at points (I know I did). However, please don't read this review and then expect an action-packed thriller. The reason that the plot is so intense is because of the characters. The well-developed, phenomenally realistic characters. I apologise if I'm repeating myself, but I am honestly so excited by how much I loved this book.
The Other Son was a recommendation from @devlin.jo and I understand why! The Other Son is a character based read that follows the story of Alice, and woman who feels trapped in her qbusive and unloving relationship, and estranged from her two sons, who avoid spending time with her.
Told over three parts, it follows her journey as she leaves her husband and looks to find acceptance both from within and from those she loves. This story covers sensitive issues, such as family violence, child abuse, human trafficking and prostitution, but does so in a thoughtful way.
The characters are not always likeable, but they are complex and real. A novel about the complexities within families and the long lasting impact of family violence. For fans of character reads, like me! I'm giving it ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Told over three parts, it follows her journey as she leaves her husband and looks to find acceptance both from within and from those she loves. This story covers sensitive issues, such as family violence, child abuse, human trafficking and prostitution, but does so in a thoughtful way.
The characters are not always likeable, but they are complex and real. A novel about the complexities within families and the long lasting impact of family violence. For fans of character reads, like me! I'm giving it ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book was hard to read, describing in detail physical abuse and the affects that this has on a family as a whole even after they escape that situation. We see from the mother, the two sons and one of their wife's perspectives as the novel develops and I have to say Nick Alexander is an incredibly talented writer. The characters were all so real and different and the book felt more like excerpts form a journal due to the insightful and honest portrayal of their thoughts and feelings.
I would recommend reading this book, however I would add a trigger warning for domestic abuse as this is the main topic discussed throughout. Whilst reading, I was anxious and stressed yet I could not put the book down and the ending was left open in a way that I like to imagine that all the characters continue to heal from their past traumas for a brighter future.
I would recommend reading this book, however I would add a trigger warning for domestic abuse as this is the main topic discussed throughout. Whilst reading, I was anxious and stressed yet I could not put the book down and the ending was left open in a way that I like to imagine that all the characters continue to heal from their past traumas for a brighter future.
Loved it
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, my only wish is that it was longer! What became of Tim and Natalya? Where does Alice end up settling? Where can I find this fabulous French cabin to stay in?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, my only wish is that it was longer! What became of Tim and Natalya? Where does Alice end up settling? Where can I find this fabulous French cabin to stay in?
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
I loved this book. It put me through a multitude of emotions. Great storyline and well written. This is the 2nd book I've read by this author and I've just bought anothe. love his writing style.