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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
I've always enjoyed the unreliable narrator trope in mystery/thriller fiction. The Good Son uses an interesting diversion from the unreliable narrator by veiling the true mystery with gaps in memory due to the main character's epileptic seizures. I didn't think this was a novel breakaway from the trope, but it did read very fresh.
It reminded me somewhat of The Hole by Pyun Hye-young, which also uses gaps in memory to slowly reveal the true story. But while The Hole progresses slowly, The Good Son is filled with consistent suspense and action. After the intial shock of a murder in the home of the main character, violence and violent thoughts persist with more regularity. And even when there is no obvious action, the reader still experiences a sense of discomfort over the suspense and uncertainty.
I personally found the unraveling of the convoluted family relationship to be the true highlight of this book. It may present as 'normal' at first, but as more and more is revealed from the narrator, the sheer absurdity of his family becomes more apparent. Their dynamic is tense and ugly, tragic and burdensome in many ways. It is unwoven bit by bit at an appropriate pace, and laid bare before the reader just in time for the climax, when it finally becomes clear where the story is headed.
For fans of The Hole, The Good Son is an apt companion, I think. Family, distrust, and violent delight make this book an exciting read-- a great way to spend an evening or two at home in the comfort of your own safe space.
It reminded me somewhat of The Hole by Pyun Hye-young, which also uses gaps in memory to slowly reveal the true story. But while The Hole progresses slowly, The Good Son is filled with consistent suspense and action. After the intial shock of a murder in the home of the main character, violence and violent thoughts persist with more regularity. And even when there is no obvious action, the reader still experiences a sense of discomfort over the suspense and uncertainty.
I personally found the unraveling of the convoluted family relationship to be the true highlight of this book. It may present as 'normal' at first, but as more and more is revealed from the narrator, the sheer absurdity of his family becomes more apparent. Their dynamic is tense and ugly, tragic and burdensome in many ways. It is unwoven bit by bit at an appropriate pace, and laid bare before the reader just in time for the climax, when it finally becomes clear where the story is headed.
For fans of The Hole, The Good Son is an apt companion, I think. Family, distrust, and violent delight make this book an exciting read-- a great way to spend an evening or two at home in the comfort of your own safe space.
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
il mio pensiero costante questi giorni è stato quello di continuare a leggere andando avanti il prima possibile, nonostante mi portasse sempre più sensazioni spiacevoli (e mal di pancia per il finale)
ps theo non dire che ho messo un voto alto solo pk mi dispiace metterli bassi non è questo il motivo .
ps theo non dire che ho messo un voto alto solo pk mi dispiace metterli bassi non è questo il motivo .
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The premise truly gives a clear idea of where the story is headed... This novel is deeply focused on the main character and is told from a first-person point of view. So we really get to dive into the protagonist's mind, and several truths begin to unfold as the story progresses.
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
A disturbing mystery that starts with a son covered in blood, with no memory of what he has done.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was the kind that pulls you in and you stay up reading so you can find out what happens. It's a disturbing tale be warned. But it had me in its grip and kept me guessing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Murder
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes