Review by neumanzoo - The Son

neumanzoo 's review for:

The Son by Jo Nesbø

4.5

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

My first venture into the world of Jo Nesbø was definitely an adventure. Much darker than my usual cop drama reading, and much slower to build than my impatient brain prefers, but it worked and it worked well. I did have to put effort into this one. I had to listen then go back a few times at the start, finally downloading the book to read (along with listening to the audiobook when I couldn't). Once my brain was focused on the main trajectory, I was hooked. The premise was fascinating, the set-up was heartbreaking, and the (multiple) reveal was infuriating (if not satisfying). All points that lead me to say this book was absolutely excellent. It made me think. It made me question why we, as a society at large, are good with violence when wielded righteously. And it made me consider (as I often do) the moral rescinding of who is, and is, not considered "worthy" of love and respect in this world. Why do we demonize and villainize those among us who battle addiction, and why are they always considered "what's wrong in society," rather than the ones actually orchestrating these addictions? (Addiction is absolutely orchestrated, if you didn't know. Created and continued by the government, corporations, and those who prefer money and power over ethical principles.) But I digress... I loved the book, cheered Sonny on in more than one way, and fell in love with sweet little Marcus, one of my favorite supporting characters, albeit a much smaller role. I would recommend reading the book in physical or digital format, as the narrator of the audiobook was flat and robotic (leading me to double check it wasn't AI on more than one occasion, and it isn't). 4.5-stars for a much enjoyed storyline.

Content Warnings