A review by sciencing_ellie
The Son of Man by Jean-Baptiste Del Amo

dark emotional tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A novel about intergenerational trauma and toxic masculinity, written in beautiful prose (English translation), and well paced as a slow burn with a lot of intrigue to keep those pages turning. I cared about the protagonist, a young boy, from the outset and enjoyed seeing the parents' flaws through his eyes. The characters are characterised in a very believable way through little scenes that are ofter cryptic to the protagonist but meaningful to the reader. 
Towards the end it becomes quite dark and disturbing, and I enjoyed many of the details of earlier plot lines coming together in the ending making it feel like a well rounded story.

Thank you to Fitzcarraldo and Netgalley for the ARC. 
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