A Probable Son is a thought-provoking book that explores family, motherhood, and relationships. The story follows Elsa, a middle school teacher and mother of two, who has long carried the unsettling belief that the baby she gave birth to 14 years ago was switched in the hospital nursery. Her husband and sister dismissed her concerns as confusion, but Elsa never quite shook the feeling. When a student in her class who happens to share her son’s birthday begins to resemble her youngest, her suspicions resurface and intensify.
At times I found Elsa frustrating, as she handled situations differently than I might have, but that also made her feel more real and complex. I could understand her struggle even when I disagreed with her choices. The book kept me engaged, raising fascinating questions about truth, perception, and maternal instinct. A strong and compelling debut.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review.