What do you think?
Rate this book
The Good Son
What do you do when the person you love best becomes unrecognizable to you? For Thea Demetriou, the answer is both simple and agonizing: you keep loving him somehow.
Stefan was just seventeen when he went to prison for the drug-fueled murder of his girlfriend, Belinda. Three years later, he’s released to a world that refuses to let him move on. Belinda’s mother, once Thea’s good friend, galvanizes the community to rally against him to protest in her daughter’s memory. The media paints Stefan as a symbol of white privilege and indifferent justice. Neighbors, employers, even some members of Thea's own family turn away.
Meanwhile Thea struggles to understand her son. At times, he is still the sweet boy he has always been; at others, he is a young man tormented by guilt and almost broken by his time in prison. But as his efforts to make amends meet escalating resistance and threats, Thea suspects more forces are at play than just community outrage. And if there is so much she never knew about her own son, what other secrets has she yet to uncover—especially about the night Belinda died?
Stefan was just seventeen when he went to prison for the drug-fueled murder of his girlfriend, Belinda. Three years later, he’s released to a world that refuses to let him move on. Belinda’s mother, once Thea’s good friend, galvanizes the community to rally against him to protest in her daughter’s memory. The media paints Stefan as a symbol of white privilege and indifferent justice. Neighbors, employers, even some members of Thea's own family turn away.
Meanwhile Thea struggles to understand her son. At times, he is still the sweet boy he has always been; at others, he is a young man tormented by guilt and almost broken by his time in prison. But as his efforts to make amends meet escalating resistance and threats, Thea suspects more forces are at play than just community outrage. And if there is so much she never knew about her own son, what other secrets has she yet to uncover—especially about the night Belinda died?
344 pages, Hardcover
First published January 18, 2022
851 people are currently reading
17608 people want to read
About the author
Jacquelyn Mitchard
80 books1,227 followersJacquelyn Mitchard’s first novel, The Deep End of the Ocean, was named by USA Today as one of the ten most influential books of the past 25 years – second only to the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling (but second by a long shot, it must be said.)
The Deep End of the Ocean was chosen as the first novel in the book club made famous by the TV host Oprah Winfrey, and transformed into a feature film produced by and starring Michelle Pfeiffer.
Most of Mitchard’s novels have been greater or lesser bestsellers – and include The Most Wanted, A Theory of Relativity, Twelve Times Blessed, The Breakdown Lane, The Good Son, and Cage of Stars. Critics have praised them for their authentic humanity and command of story. Readers identify because they see reflected, in her characters – however extreme their circumstances – emotions they already understand.
Mitchard also has written four novels for young adults.
The first, Now You See Her, from HarperTeen, is the story of a pampered, driven young actress who fakes her own abduction.
All We Know of Heaven told the story of lifetime best friends Bridget and Maureen, who are just sixteen when a fatal crash on an icy road and a poignant case of mistaken identity divide their small Minnesota town forever.
The Midnight Twins was the first in a trilogy of teen mysteries about identical twin sisters born on New Year’s Eve – one a minute before and a minute after midnight – Meredith and Mallory Brynn learn on the night they turn thirteen that their psychic abilities will force them to intervene in dire events, although one twin can see only the future and one can see only the past. The Midnight Twins is in development as a TV series by Kaleidoscope Entertainment.
Mitchard's newest novel for adult, A Very Inconvenient Scandal, out in November 2023 from Mira/HarperCollins, is the story of an acclaimed young underwater photographer whose famed marine biologist father shatters their family by marrying her best friend., a woman 35 years his junior.
At the local coffee shop, Mitchard is best-known as the mother of Rob, Dan, Marty, Francie, Mia, Will and Atticus , as the grandma of Hank and Diana and the wife of handsome Chris Brent.
Her favorite color is periwinkle blue; her favorite holiday is Halloween; her favorite flower is freesia; her favorite word is "smite," and her second favorite is "Massachusetts"; her lucky number is 119 (anyone who can guess where that comes from wins free first editions of her novels for life). She lives in her favorite place on earth, Cape Cod, summering in a villa on the Amalfi Coast. (Guess which part of that sentence is fiction.)
Her essays have appeared in publications including the New York Times, Chicago Tribune Magazine and Reader's Digest, and are widely anthologized and used in school curricula. She has taught in MFA programs in Vermont, Ohio, and Massachusetts, and is part of the faculty at the Summer Writers Institute at Yale University. She is a member of the Tall Poppies Writers and has been a fellow at the MacDowell Colony, Yaddo, and the Ragdale Foundation.
Her pet peeves are known authors and editors who cannot and will not learn the difference between “lie” and “lay” and family signs pluralized with apostrophes.
She would love to appear on just ONE episode of any incarnation of ‘Law and Order,’ as has everyone else in America. She still is willing to play the role of a murder victim – except one found by earth-moving equipment in a landfill – though she would do that in a pinch.
Mitchard would like to have a swimming pool, because, although she lives near the ocean, she is afraid of the dark water and hates sand. She would love to have a clawfoot tub, or any tub.
She believes that stories are the ways that human beings make sense of life and that our stories will save us.
The Deep End of the Ocean was chosen as the first novel in the book club made famous by the TV host Oprah Winfrey, and transformed into a feature film produced by and starring Michelle Pfeiffer.
Most of Mitchard’s novels have been greater or lesser bestsellers – and include The Most Wanted, A Theory of Relativity, Twelve Times Blessed, The Breakdown Lane, The Good Son, and Cage of Stars. Critics have praised them for their authentic humanity and command of story. Readers identify because they see reflected, in her characters – however extreme their circumstances – emotions they already understand.
Mitchard also has written four novels for young adults.
The first, Now You See Her, from HarperTeen, is the story of a pampered, driven young actress who fakes her own abduction.
All We Know of Heaven told the story of lifetime best friends Bridget and Maureen, who are just sixteen when a fatal crash on an icy road and a poignant case of mistaken identity divide their small Minnesota town forever.
The Midnight Twins was the first in a trilogy of teen mysteries about identical twin sisters born on New Year’s Eve – one a minute before and a minute after midnight – Meredith and Mallory Brynn learn on the night they turn thirteen that their psychic abilities will force them to intervene in dire events, although one twin can see only the future and one can see only the past. The Midnight Twins is in development as a TV series by Kaleidoscope Entertainment.
Mitchard's newest novel for adult, A Very Inconvenient Scandal, out in November 2023 from Mira/HarperCollins, is the story of an acclaimed young underwater photographer whose famed marine biologist father shatters their family by marrying her best friend., a woman 35 years his junior.
At the local coffee shop, Mitchard is best-known as the mother of Rob, Dan, Marty, Francie, Mia, Will and Atticus , as the grandma of Hank and Diana and the wife of handsome Chris Brent.
Her favorite color is periwinkle blue; her favorite holiday is Halloween; her favorite flower is freesia; her favorite word is "smite," and her second favorite is "Massachusetts"; her lucky number is 119 (anyone who can guess where that comes from wins free first editions of her novels for life). She lives in her favorite place on earth, Cape Cod, summering in a villa on the Amalfi Coast. (Guess which part of that sentence is fiction.)
Her essays have appeared in publications including the New York Times, Chicago Tribune Magazine and Reader's Digest, and are widely anthologized and used in school curricula. She has taught in MFA programs in Vermont, Ohio, and Massachusetts, and is part of the faculty at the Summer Writers Institute at Yale University. She is a member of the Tall Poppies Writers and has been a fellow at the MacDowell Colony, Yaddo, and the Ragdale Foundation.
Her pet peeves are known authors and editors who cannot and will not learn the difference between “lie” and “lay” and family signs pluralized with apostrophes.
She would love to appear on just ONE episode of any incarnation of ‘Law and Order,’ as has everyone else in America. She still is willing to play the role of a murder victim – except one found by earth-moving equipment in a landfill – though she would do that in a pinch.
Mitchard would like to have a swimming pool, because, although she lives near the ocean, she is afraid of the dark water and hates sand. She would love to have a clawfoot tub, or any tub.
She believes that stories are the ways that human beings make sense of life and that our stories will save us.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 1,009 reviews
December 8, 2021
2.5 stars, rounded up
Not what I was expecting. Way too long and drawn out. I've read quite a few books by this author and while this book is incredibly well written, it doesn't quite reach the emotion of those previous books.
I really felt for the main characters, but the "mystery" portion of the plot (What really happened to Belinda) was just so very tedious. I think this would have been a much stronger book had it just been a straightforward book about Stephan committing this crime and then the effects of him coming home after prison. I felt like the ending was overdramatic and cringe-worthy and it is why I graded this book down. Completely unnecessary to go for the "twist" instead of just a really good drama. The endless phone calls and texts from the mystery girl got SO OLD. The plot just stagnated for quite a while until it finally moves forward with that part at the end.
That's not to say this book isn't worth reading, because it does have some intriguing portions and I was interested in all of the family and life rebuilding, just not in the mystery.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Not what I was expecting. Way too long and drawn out. I've read quite a few books by this author and while this book is incredibly well written, it doesn't quite reach the emotion of those previous books.
I really felt for the main characters, but the "mystery" portion of the plot (What really happened to Belinda) was just so very tedious. I think this would have been a much stronger book had it just been a straightforward book about Stephan committing this crime and then the effects of him coming home after prison. I felt like the ending was overdramatic and cringe-worthy and it is why I graded this book down. Completely unnecessary to go for the "twist" instead of just a really good drama. The endless phone calls and texts from the mystery girl got SO OLD. The plot just stagnated for quite a while until it finally moves forward with that part at the end.
That's not to say this book isn't worth reading, because it does have some intriguing portions and I was interested in all of the family and life rebuilding, just not in the mystery.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
September 8, 2021
“I was picking my son up at the prison gates when I spotted the mother of the girl he murdered.”
Jacquelyn Mitchard writes an unforgettable thriller about the integration into society for a young man after serving time in prison. As a young 17 year old, Stefan is charged with the murder of his girlfriend. Although, he doesn't remember it due to his drug induced state of mind, he is the only one found at the scene and his prints are on the murder weapon. Belinda was not only his girlfriend, but his childhood friend and this is about his journey after he serves only 3 years in prison and how he must learn to live without her.
The story is told through his mother’s eyes, Thea. A very touching fight for her son and her journey to prove he is innocent after receiving several anonymous calls from a girl stating she was there and knows the real story. As the strain on their family grows, so does the threats and stalking by a mysterious person. Their house is broken into and protestors rally outside their home with the victim's mother, Jill, who used to be their closest friend. My heart strings tugged for this mom's unselfish love and putting herself into danger in the scariest predicaments to clear his name.
One of Jacquelyn's highly esteemed books is The Deep End of the Ocean, an Oprah's book club recommendation, and movie starring Michelle Pfieffer. ❤️ This author uses amazing writing skills and technique with some of the most enticing vocabulary words keeping me on the edge of my seat. There were times I felt like it slowed down, but the ending is well worth the wait! Very well-written!!
Thanks NetGalley for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Jacquelyn Mitchard writes an unforgettable thriller about the integration into society for a young man after serving time in prison. As a young 17 year old, Stefan is charged with the murder of his girlfriend. Although, he doesn't remember it due to his drug induced state of mind, he is the only one found at the scene and his prints are on the murder weapon. Belinda was not only his girlfriend, but his childhood friend and this is about his journey after he serves only 3 years in prison and how he must learn to live without her.
The story is told through his mother’s eyes, Thea. A very touching fight for her son and her journey to prove he is innocent after receiving several anonymous calls from a girl stating she was there and knows the real story. As the strain on their family grows, so does the threats and stalking by a mysterious person. Their house is broken into and protestors rally outside their home with the victim's mother, Jill, who used to be their closest friend. My heart strings tugged for this mom's unselfish love and putting herself into danger in the scariest predicaments to clear his name.
One of Jacquelyn's highly esteemed books is The Deep End of the Ocean, an Oprah's book club recommendation, and movie starring Michelle Pfieffer. ❤️ This author uses amazing writing skills and technique with some of the most enticing vocabulary words keeping me on the edge of my seat. There were times I felt like it slowed down, but the ending is well worth the wait! Very well-written!!
Thanks NetGalley for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review!
January 4, 2022
The Good Son by Jacqueline Mitchard is a 2022 Mira publication.
Edgy Domestic Drama…
A night of tragedy sends Stephan to prison for murdering, Belinda, the love of his life, in a drug fueled haze. He’s released after only a few years, though, and his parents, Jep and Thea are ready for life to begin moving forward again.
But if they thought life would simply resume where it left off, they were sorely mistaken. For starters, Thea is told to take a year-long sabbatical from her job, and Stephan finds that most people are not ready to accept him back in society or help him get work, making it even more difficult for him to put his life back together.
Thea’s adjustment is more jarring due to her constant communication with a young woman who claims to have information about Belinda’s death that nobody else knows. Not only that, but she also begs Thea not to ever tell anyone, if Stephan ever starts to remember details from the night Belinda died.
This prompts Thea to consider the possibility that Stephan might not be solely responsible for Belinda’s death. Is there some truth to these sinister messages or is Thea being conned- or worse- could she and Stephan be in danger?
I thought the premise of this book sounded compelling. What if your only son was sent to prison for a horrible crime? What would life be like once his sentence was served? Naturally, Thea was horrified by what Stephan did. She lost her best friend, a girl she loved like a daughter, and her only son, in one felled swoop. But her loyalties lie with her son, though she must grapple with the guilt that he’s still alive, and Belinda is not- a fact Belinda’s mother, Jill, makes sure to drive home at every opportunity.
On the other hand, the stigma of his crime is one that will follow Stephan for the rest of his life, but the wounds he caused are torn open anew when he is released and instead of easing himself back into society, he finds himself a prisoner in his parent’s home, dogged by reporters and harassed by an unforgiving township. No one will hire him, or he’s forced off the job, leaving him aimless. But Stephan is resilient- and finds a way to productively use his time.
Would you be able to sympathize with Thea or Stephan or do you think Stephan got off easy, comparatively speaking, due to the nature of his crime?
The book examines these thoughts and emotions as Stephan grapples with the court of public opinion, who have handed down a life sentence with no chance of parole, making it increasingly difficult to become a productive citizen after his release.
All these issues and the character’s response to the challenges they are facing, makes for some very heavy drama. Yet, while the drama is unfolding, a mystery develops in the background that slowly builds to a stunning, shocking, crescendo.
This book is thought-provoking on several levels. The mystery angle is most definitely a slow, slow burn with the drama taking up much of the book.
The various angles explored are compelling, and once I realized the direction the story was headed, a strong feeling of foreboding took over. I had no idea how it would all play out, but it got pretty intense there for a minute. The characterizations, unfortunately, were flat, especially Jep, in my opinion, and the dialogue is often stilted, which kept the emotional intensity from having the desired impact.
Overall, though, I did find the story absorbing and it made me consider some issues from a different perspective. Though the pacing is quite lopsided, I think one’s patience will be rewarded with one incredibly taut conclusion.
3.5 stars
Edgy Domestic Drama…
A night of tragedy sends Stephan to prison for murdering, Belinda, the love of his life, in a drug fueled haze. He’s released after only a few years, though, and his parents, Jep and Thea are ready for life to begin moving forward again.
But if they thought life would simply resume where it left off, they were sorely mistaken. For starters, Thea is told to take a year-long sabbatical from her job, and Stephan finds that most people are not ready to accept him back in society or help him get work, making it even more difficult for him to put his life back together.
Thea’s adjustment is more jarring due to her constant communication with a young woman who claims to have information about Belinda’s death that nobody else knows. Not only that, but she also begs Thea not to ever tell anyone, if Stephan ever starts to remember details from the night Belinda died.
This prompts Thea to consider the possibility that Stephan might not be solely responsible for Belinda’s death. Is there some truth to these sinister messages or is Thea being conned- or worse- could she and Stephan be in danger?
I thought the premise of this book sounded compelling. What if your only son was sent to prison for a horrible crime? What would life be like once his sentence was served? Naturally, Thea was horrified by what Stephan did. She lost her best friend, a girl she loved like a daughter, and her only son, in one felled swoop. But her loyalties lie with her son, though she must grapple with the guilt that he’s still alive, and Belinda is not- a fact Belinda’s mother, Jill, makes sure to drive home at every opportunity.
On the other hand, the stigma of his crime is one that will follow Stephan for the rest of his life, but the wounds he caused are torn open anew when he is released and instead of easing himself back into society, he finds himself a prisoner in his parent’s home, dogged by reporters and harassed by an unforgiving township. No one will hire him, or he’s forced off the job, leaving him aimless. But Stephan is resilient- and finds a way to productively use his time.
Would you be able to sympathize with Thea or Stephan or do you think Stephan got off easy, comparatively speaking, due to the nature of his crime?
The book examines these thoughts and emotions as Stephan grapples with the court of public opinion, who have handed down a life sentence with no chance of parole, making it increasingly difficult to become a productive citizen after his release.
All these issues and the character’s response to the challenges they are facing, makes for some very heavy drama. Yet, while the drama is unfolding, a mystery develops in the background that slowly builds to a stunning, shocking, crescendo.
This book is thought-provoking on several levels. The mystery angle is most definitely a slow, slow burn with the drama taking up much of the book.
The various angles explored are compelling, and once I realized the direction the story was headed, a strong feeling of foreboding took over. I had no idea how it would all play out, but it got pretty intense there for a minute. The characterizations, unfortunately, were flat, especially Jep, in my opinion, and the dialogue is often stilted, which kept the emotional intensity from having the desired impact.
Overall, though, I did find the story absorbing and it made me consider some issues from a different perspective. Though the pacing is quite lopsided, I think one’s patience will be rewarded with one incredibly taut conclusion.
3.5 stars
May 7, 2022
“The Good Son” by Jacquelyn Mitchard is a mesmerizing domestic fiction read. Narrator Thea Demetriou is a college professor whose seventeen-year-old son is convicted of brutally murdering his longtime girlfriend in a drug-fueled haze. For everyone it is shocking that her son, Stefan who is a sweet and good boy, could do such a thing.
Mitchard digs deep into the readers soul, making the reader identify with Thea. Thea has difficulty reconning her son’s actions to the son she knows. Yet, he is convicted and sent to prison. Thea loves her son yet is horrified by what he’s done. She feels shame. The reader is with Thea as she navigates her life with her new reality as a mother of a son who could do such a thing.
As the novel opens, Stefan is being released from jail. He is greeted with protesters picketing outside his home. His girlfriend’s mother has created an activist group to combat dating violence. She claims that Stefan was abusive during their dating life. Stefan never hurt his girlfriend and has no memory of the night her brutally killed her. He is just as shocked as everyone else. But the forensics points to him.
The novel takes us on Thea’s journey, watching the community berate her son. She is at once shamed and caring in equal measure. Her inner battles of trying to reconcile her love and shame are incredibly realistic.
An anonymous caller/texter tells her there’s more to the story. Meanwhile, Stefan tries to find meaning in his incarceration.
The domestic fiction becomes a mystery/thriller as this mystery texter continues to tell Thea the story isn’t so black and white. What are those secrets?
My only niggle is that I figured out what occurred on that fateful night was far faster than Thea. Nevertheless, I did not figure the ending of the story.
I give it a solid 4 stars in domestic fiction. The ache that Thea felt is very real. The thriller/pacing part was uneven, so I took off a star. Regardless, this is a solid read.
Mitchard digs deep into the readers soul, making the reader identify with Thea. Thea has difficulty reconning her son’s actions to the son she knows. Yet, he is convicted and sent to prison. Thea loves her son yet is horrified by what he’s done. She feels shame. The reader is with Thea as she navigates her life with her new reality as a mother of a son who could do such a thing.
As the novel opens, Stefan is being released from jail. He is greeted with protesters picketing outside his home. His girlfriend’s mother has created an activist group to combat dating violence. She claims that Stefan was abusive during their dating life. Stefan never hurt his girlfriend and has no memory of the night her brutally killed her. He is just as shocked as everyone else. But the forensics points to him.
The novel takes us on Thea’s journey, watching the community berate her son. She is at once shamed and caring in equal measure. Her inner battles of trying to reconcile her love and shame are incredibly realistic.
An anonymous caller/texter tells her there’s more to the story. Meanwhile, Stefan tries to find meaning in his incarceration.
The domestic fiction becomes a mystery/thriller as this mystery texter continues to tell Thea the story isn’t so black and white. What are those secrets?
My only niggle is that I figured out what occurred on that fateful night was far faster than Thea. Nevertheless, I did not figure the ending of the story.
I give it a solid 4 stars in domestic fiction. The ache that Thea felt is very real. The thriller/pacing part was uneven, so I took off a star. Regardless, this is a solid read.
November 3, 2021
I really, really wanted to love this book, as it is a subject matter that is near and dear to my heart - prisoner reintegration and restorative justice - but unfortunately, the middle of the book was so slow and tedious that it was nearly a DNF for me.
The opening chapter hooked me immediately. It begins with Thea at prison gates in the early morning hours awaiting her son's release. Her son, Stefan, was seventeen years old when he went to prison for the murder of his girlfriend, Belinda. A murder that he doesn't remember as he was high on multiple drugs. Three years later, he's being released, but not everyone is happy to welcome Stefan back into society. Belinda's mother, once Thea's good friend, has never stopped protesting outside of Thea's house and now that Stefan is being released, she has galvanized the community to rally against him in protest. Thea finds her little family is an island of their own with very few supporters, as she is even asked to take a sabbatical from her beloved teaching job. To top it off, Thea is struggling to understand her son, post-prison. At times, he is still the son he has always been; but at other times, he is an unrecognizable man tormented by guilt and almost broken by his time spent in prison. He is determined to make amends and starts many endeavors in that regard, but his efforts are met with resistance at every turn and even physical violence. Sprinkle in lingering suspicions surrounding the night Belinda died, in the form of random, mysterious text and phone messages, and there you have the plot.
It all sounds great, and the beginning and end were strong; but the flat spots were so difficult to get through, it ended up falling flat. I liked Stefan's character in the beginning because it seemed true to circumstance, but the more the book went on and the more Mitchard went into his endeavors to give back to the community, while commendable, it brought him to damn near sainthood, and he just became less and less authentic. I also didn't think that the "what really happened to Belinda" storyline worked at all. It was easy to figure out where Mitchard was going with it, and I think the overall message of the book would have been stronger if it had just been left out altogether. I will say that it helped to give it a more exciting ending, but it still didn't wow me.
Overall, a book with so much promise but the flow and execution moved at a snail's pace, making it only a mediocre read for me. 3 stars.
The opening chapter hooked me immediately. It begins with Thea at prison gates in the early morning hours awaiting her son's release. Her son, Stefan, was seventeen years old when he went to prison for the murder of his girlfriend, Belinda. A murder that he doesn't remember as he was high on multiple drugs. Three years later, he's being released, but not everyone is happy to welcome Stefan back into society. Belinda's mother, once Thea's good friend, has never stopped protesting outside of Thea's house and now that Stefan is being released, she has galvanized the community to rally against him in protest. Thea finds her little family is an island of their own with very few supporters, as she is even asked to take a sabbatical from her beloved teaching job. To top it off, Thea is struggling to understand her son, post-prison. At times, he is still the son he has always been; but at other times, he is an unrecognizable man tormented by guilt and almost broken by his time spent in prison. He is determined to make amends and starts many endeavors in that regard, but his efforts are met with resistance at every turn and even physical violence. Sprinkle in lingering suspicions surrounding the night Belinda died, in the form of random, mysterious text and phone messages, and there you have the plot.
It all sounds great, and the beginning and end were strong; but the flat spots were so difficult to get through, it ended up falling flat. I liked Stefan's character in the beginning because it seemed true to circumstance, but the more the book went on and the more Mitchard went into his endeavors to give back to the community, while commendable, it brought him to damn near sainthood, and he just became less and less authentic. I also didn't think that the "what really happened to Belinda" storyline worked at all. It was easy to figure out where Mitchard was going with it, and I think the overall message of the book would have been stronger if it had just been left out altogether. I will say that it helped to give it a more exciting ending, but it still didn't wow me.
Overall, a book with so much promise but the flow and execution moved at a snail's pace, making it only a mediocre read for me. 3 stars.
February 21, 2022
3.5 Stars
An intense and thought-provoking read!
I first read one of Jacquelyn Mitchard's novels back in 1999. It was "The Deep End of the Ocean". The story about the Cappadora Family stayed with me all these years.
I loved the cover of "The Good Son" and after reading the description I couldn't wait to get started.
Stefan is being released after serving time for the murder of his girlfriend, Belinda. Stefan's parents, Thea and Jep are hoping they will be able to help their son move forward with his life. But there are many people who don't believe Stefan should have been released. Belinda's mother Jill is at the top of that list. Why should he get a second chance at life when her daughter never will? And who is the woman who keeps phoning Stefan's mother with strange warnings?
I thought this was an emotional, intriguing, and entertaining story. At times it was a bit over the top and drawn out. However, I was glad I stuck with it. I thought the ending was exciting and I liked how everything came together.
I hope to read more from this author soon!
January 22, 2022
As Thea waited in the pre-dawn light in the carpark of the prison, she spotted Jill across the carpark, also waiting. Jill was the mother of Belinda, the girl Stefan killed, and Stefan was being released today. Why was Jill there? But then she was gone. Stefan and Thea began their journey home as a storm hit. There was time for thoughts, for memories, for discussion. Stefan was only seventeen when he went to prison; now twenty, he had conflicting thoughts, as did his mother. Would people forgive him? Would he be able to move forward from the soul-destroying loss of the young woman he loved?
Stefan struggled, as did Thea and Jep, her husband and Stefan’s father. But gradually, as Stefan moved forward, so did his parents. Thea’s best friend Julie was an amazing support and Stefan could finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. But there were forces determined to stop Stefan and combined with his guilt and lack of memory of the event, they all wondered what their future would be. And who was that voice at the end of the phone?
The Good Son is my first read by Jacquelyn Mitchard and I found it to be overlong and drawn out, with even the ending like pulling teeth. The story of love and loss, of retribution and forgiveness, and of taking a second chance at life and making the most of it, The Good Son had some well-drawn characters. A poignant look at life after release from prison, and the paths that lead away from the prison gates. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Stefan struggled, as did Thea and Jep, her husband and Stefan’s father. But gradually, as Stefan moved forward, so did his parents. Thea’s best friend Julie was an amazing support and Stefan could finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. But there were forces determined to stop Stefan and combined with his guilt and lack of memory of the event, they all wondered what their future would be. And who was that voice at the end of the phone?
The Good Son is my first read by Jacquelyn Mitchard and I found it to be overlong and drawn out, with even the ending like pulling teeth. The story of love and loss, of retribution and forgiveness, and of taking a second chance at life and making the most of it, The Good Son had some well-drawn characters. A poignant look at life after release from prison, and the paths that lead away from the prison gates. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2022
Disappointingly, I did not finish THE GOOD SON. I got about a third of the way through, before skimming the last couple of chapters and declaring this an official DNF.
The story starts off well, with the first sentence immediately drawing you in. How do you cope when your only child is released from prison? How do you live your own life, while supporting him in trying to rebuild his in a world where convicted criminals are shunned? How do you face your community when the mother of the victim – and a one-time great friend of yours – actively protests outside your house on a regular basis?
It just didn’t work for me. At times I found the writing clunky. The author occasionally adds dry, theoretical information about psychology and behaviour that took me out of the story.
I am also not a fan of sentences designed to cajole readers into continuing because the story has lost steam and the writer just wants readers to continue by dangling a carrot. For instance: ‘If I’d only know what would happen next . . . ‘ or ‘This would prove to be a great thing for our family’. The author doesn’t use these specific sentences, but I am trying to explain my point.
The biggest issue I had, is my lack of belief in the story. It felt like a fantasy. Stefan spent less than three years inside for killing his girlfriend. In that time he’s developed relationships with chefs and introduced cooking demonstrations. He’s reached out to public libraries asking for and receiving old books, as well as organising the prison library system. Once released, and after a few struggles, he became a landscape gardener, being awarded contracts for large spaces. Come on! There is just no credibility to this. The only thing I could believe is that he completed college courses and used the gym a lot.
And to top it all off, he seems incredibly blasé about what sent him to prison. He doesn’t remember what happened, and yet this does not bother him whatsoever. Oh well, they found me at the scene, so I must have done it. Huh ????
This was my first Jacquelyn Mitchard book. I can see she she’s had much success with her other books. I am not sure if this book is true to previous form, or a bump in the road. I am undecided if I will read her other books.
The story starts off well, with the first sentence immediately drawing you in. How do you cope when your only child is released from prison? How do you live your own life, while supporting him in trying to rebuild his in a world where convicted criminals are shunned? How do you face your community when the mother of the victim – and a one-time great friend of yours – actively protests outside your house on a regular basis?
It just didn’t work for me. At times I found the writing clunky. The author occasionally adds dry, theoretical information about psychology and behaviour that took me out of the story.
I am also not a fan of sentences designed to cajole readers into continuing because the story has lost steam and the writer just wants readers to continue by dangling a carrot. For instance: ‘If I’d only know what would happen next . . . ‘ or ‘This would prove to be a great thing for our family’. The author doesn’t use these specific sentences, but I am trying to explain my point.
The biggest issue I had, is my lack of belief in the story. It felt like a fantasy. Stefan spent less than three years inside for killing his girlfriend. In that time he’s developed relationships with chefs and introduced cooking demonstrations. He’s reached out to public libraries asking for and receiving old books, as well as organising the prison library system. Once released, and after a few struggles, he became a landscape gardener, being awarded contracts for large spaces. Come on! There is just no credibility to this. The only thing I could believe is that he completed college courses and used the gym a lot.
And to top it all off, he seems incredibly blasé about what sent him to prison. He doesn’t remember what happened, and yet this does not bother him whatsoever. Oh well, they found me at the scene, so I must have done it. Huh ????
This was my first Jacquelyn Mitchard book. I can see she she’s had much success with her other books. I am not sure if this book is true to previous form, or a bump in the road. I am undecided if I will read her other books.
January 30, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and HARLEQUIN Trade Publishing for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
As the book opens, Thea is at prison to pick up her son on the day of his release from prison. Once a talented student, Stefan was convicted and served time for killing his girlfriend. Thea hopes that her son can begin the rehabilitation process but there are many obstacles along the way. Things become even more complicated when a hooded figure and mysterious phone calls both begin to haunt Thea.
I felt my attention wavering quite often while reading this book. Maybe it was that the characters didn’t win me over. Or perhaps it was the ridiculous final confrontation. It might just be a case that I am not a Jacquelyn Mitchard fan.
Expected publication Date 18/01/22
Goodreads review 03/01/22
As the book opens, Thea is at prison to pick up her son on the day of his release from prison. Once a talented student, Stefan was convicted and served time for killing his girlfriend. Thea hopes that her son can begin the rehabilitation process but there are many obstacles along the way. Things become even more complicated when a hooded figure and mysterious phone calls both begin to haunt Thea.
I felt my attention wavering quite often while reading this book. Maybe it was that the characters didn’t win me over. Or perhaps it was the ridiculous final confrontation. It might just be a case that I am not a Jacquelyn Mitchard fan.
Expected publication Date 18/01/22
Goodreads review 03/01/22
December 27, 2021
The Good Son is the fourteenth stand-alone novel by best-selling American author, Jacquelyn Mitchard. On a charge of Involuntary Manslaughter, Stefan Christiansen has served almost three years for beating to death his girlfriend, Belinda McCormack, an act of which he, under the influence of a cocktail of drugs, has no memory. If his mother, Thea Demetriou is under the impression that the worst is now over, she is seriously mistaken.
Belinda’s heartbroken mother, Jill, once a friend of Thea’s, now heads SAY, Stop Abuse Young, a campaign that targets dating violence amongst teens. Members come from all walks of life, but especially young women of high school and college age; they maintain a picket in front of Thea’s home, and their harassment of the Stefan’s family has been, and continues to be, relentless.
All along, Stefan has denied any violence to Belinda, but accepts he must have killed her, is filled with remorse and sorely misses her. But even as Stefan, still suffering his own grief, tries to ease himself back into life outside, they are subject to vandalism and theft, Stefan is assaulted at work, a hooded figure in aviator sunglasses occasionally stalks them, Thea’s phone sporadically receives text messages that threaten and warn, and tearful calls expressing guilt and fear.
Intelligent, but obsessed with Belinda at seventeen, Stefan’s time in prison has made him insightful and surprisingly mature: the project he starts up to show his contrition is born of the observation that victims are given the opportunity to forgive, but offenders have no established avenue to express their remorse in a meaningful way.
Mitchard deftly demonstrates the far-reaching effects of a single violent act, even after justice is said to have been served. Offenders and their families may endure harassment, anger, and vigilantism. The stigma of their situation results in a reluctance to seek justice for trespass.
The repercussions on family members’ careers, the loss of all but the most genuine friends (whose loyal advocacy is essential for acceptance), the careful consideration of the effect of public and media appearances, and the dilemma of dating (do I really want to date someone who wants to date a person with my reputation?) are all aspects that are unlikely to have been hitherto thought about.
Mitchard gives her characters wise words and insightful observations: Stefan’s father, Jep tells Thea “You know, whatever doubts we have, we’re the counterweight. Against what anyone else says. We have to be the one thing he can count on” and Thea tells a TV journalist “A person has to be seen as more than the worst thing he has ever done.”
From the first intriguing sentence to the very last line, this is a novel that keeps readers totally captivated considering the aftermath of violent crime from a perspective not previously contemplated. Part human drama, part crime thriller, Jacquelyn Mitchard’s latest is a powerful and thought-provoking read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley, Better Reading Preview and Harlequin Australia.
Belinda’s heartbroken mother, Jill, once a friend of Thea’s, now heads SAY, Stop Abuse Young, a campaign that targets dating violence amongst teens. Members come from all walks of life, but especially young women of high school and college age; they maintain a picket in front of Thea’s home, and their harassment of the Stefan’s family has been, and continues to be, relentless.
All along, Stefan has denied any violence to Belinda, but accepts he must have killed her, is filled with remorse and sorely misses her. But even as Stefan, still suffering his own grief, tries to ease himself back into life outside, they are subject to vandalism and theft, Stefan is assaulted at work, a hooded figure in aviator sunglasses occasionally stalks them, Thea’s phone sporadically receives text messages that threaten and warn, and tearful calls expressing guilt and fear.
Intelligent, but obsessed with Belinda at seventeen, Stefan’s time in prison has made him insightful and surprisingly mature: the project he starts up to show his contrition is born of the observation that victims are given the opportunity to forgive, but offenders have no established avenue to express their remorse in a meaningful way.
Mitchard deftly demonstrates the far-reaching effects of a single violent act, even after justice is said to have been served. Offenders and their families may endure harassment, anger, and vigilantism. The stigma of their situation results in a reluctance to seek justice for trespass.
The repercussions on family members’ careers, the loss of all but the most genuine friends (whose loyal advocacy is essential for acceptance), the careful consideration of the effect of public and media appearances, and the dilemma of dating (do I really want to date someone who wants to date a person with my reputation?) are all aspects that are unlikely to have been hitherto thought about.
Mitchard gives her characters wise words and insightful observations: Stefan’s father, Jep tells Thea “You know, whatever doubts we have, we’re the counterweight. Against what anyone else says. We have to be the one thing he can count on” and Thea tells a TV journalist “A person has to be seen as more than the worst thing he has ever done.”
From the first intriguing sentence to the very last line, this is a novel that keeps readers totally captivated considering the aftermath of violent crime from a perspective not previously contemplated. Part human drama, part crime thriller, Jacquelyn Mitchard’s latest is a powerful and thought-provoking read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley, Better Reading Preview and Harlequin Australia.
Read
February 26, 2022No star rating as did not finish - stopped after about 60 pages. Synopsis sounded really interesting but I just found it really tedious to the point where I just didn't care about any of the characters. It just didn't gel with me unfortunately.
December 17, 2021
It would be impossible for me to despise this book more than I do. Oh, the melodrama! Oh, the overwroughtness! What a massive waste of precious reading time.
February 20, 2022
If only the author would get to the point! She could have summarized the first third of the book into a short chapter! I had to put this one down (for good) as I kept wondering if the author was really paid per word
Rather than paid to create a work of art.
Rather than paid to create a work of art.
January 24, 2022
This is the first book I have read from this author and I did enjoy it, I fell into it from the start and it had me turning the pages, but there were times when I lost that pull to keep reading but I knew that I always needed to get to the end to find out what happened all those years ago when a young girl lost her life to her best friend and boyfriend. This is a compelling and intriguing story with strong characters and some twists.
Thea is waiting outside the prison to pick her young son Stefan up after he has served his time for the drug fueled murder of his girlfriend Belinda, she has never lost faith in Stefan who had always been a good son, never in trouble and that day all those years ago will never go away for Thea. Thea knows that life will not be the same but what happens is also not what she was thinking would.
Belinda’s mother Jill who was one of Thea’s very good friends has started a group to fight abuse against young people and there is a never ending group of protestors outside their home, this does not make life easy for Stefan to move on but he does the best he can and Thea is there by his side to help as is Stefan’s father Jep. But there are phone calls and a stalker that push Thea to think that there is more to what happened that night than has ever come out and she is not going to give up trying to find out the truth.
I picked this book up because I thought the blurb was so good and I really was not sorry I did, it did captivate me as it dug deep into the emotions of a mother and her son who had always been so good until he wasn’t but there was a lot that went on in Stefan’s young life there were things that Thea found out that changed her thinking and the ending was a real twist. There are a lot of characters that added a lot to this story family, friends and other people. This is a book that I would recommend even if at times it seems to be drawn out but it was a book that I needed to get to end.
My thanks to Harlequin AU for my copy to read and review.
Thea is waiting outside the prison to pick her young son Stefan up after he has served his time for the drug fueled murder of his girlfriend Belinda, she has never lost faith in Stefan who had always been a good son, never in trouble and that day all those years ago will never go away for Thea. Thea knows that life will not be the same but what happens is also not what she was thinking would.
Belinda’s mother Jill who was one of Thea’s very good friends has started a group to fight abuse against young people and there is a never ending group of protestors outside their home, this does not make life easy for Stefan to move on but he does the best he can and Thea is there by his side to help as is Stefan’s father Jep. But there are phone calls and a stalker that push Thea to think that there is more to what happened that night than has ever come out and she is not going to give up trying to find out the truth.
I picked this book up because I thought the blurb was so good and I really was not sorry I did, it did captivate me as it dug deep into the emotions of a mother and her son who had always been so good until he wasn’t but there was a lot that went on in Stefan’s young life there were things that Thea found out that changed her thinking and the ending was a real twist. There are a lot of characters that added a lot to this story family, friends and other people. This is a book that I would recommend even if at times it seems to be drawn out but it was a book that I needed to get to end.
My thanks to Harlequin AU for my copy to read and review.
January 12, 2022
DNF at 32%.
Stefan is convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Belinda, and is sent to prison for three years. Upon his release he returns to his parents' house, and his mom, Thea, struggles to understand her son and what really happened the night Belinda died.
I thought the beginning was ok - thinking about how you'd feel and react if someone you loved was convicted of doing something horrible was interesting. However, when Stefan started listing his accomplishments during his *three years* in prison, I lost it. He starts a football team that "within a few months... was the envy of the Great Lakes region" AND gets local chefs to come to prison and do cooking demonstrations AND sets up a prison library from scratch. Sure.
I just can't make myself finish this book.
* thanks to Harlequin / MIRA for the NetGalley review copy. This comes out January 18, 2022.
Stefan is convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Belinda, and is sent to prison for three years. Upon his release he returns to his parents' house, and his mom, Thea, struggles to understand her son and what really happened the night Belinda died.
I thought the beginning was ok - thinking about how you'd feel and react if someone you loved was convicted of doing something horrible was interesting. However, when Stefan started listing his accomplishments during his *three years* in prison, I lost it. He starts a football team that "within a few months... was the envy of the Great Lakes region" AND gets local chefs to come to prison and do cooking demonstrations AND sets up a prison library from scratch. Sure.
I just can't make myself finish this book.
* thanks to Harlequin / MIRA for the NetGalley review copy. This comes out January 18, 2022.
December 22, 2021
This was an ARC I received from the publisher and I'm so glad I did. It is a wonderful book. I loved this story. I could not put this book down. The characters are all wonderful and you will love them, except for Jill who is the unknown enemy in the story but it is revealed at the end. SPOILER HERE. This author is always good although I haven't read her in a long time. I will continue to read whatever she writes. Her book "The Deep End of the Ocean" was the first Oprah book club pick and I will never forget this wonderful story. I definitely recommend this book if you want to feel uplifted and believe in humanity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2022
Too tedious and too much detail. Very disappointed because the premise of the book should of been right up my alley.
I did not have any interest in the characters, and I can tell when a book is not for me when I dread picking it up.
The ending was unbelievable in a bad way and it just felt like the whole book was trying too hard.
However, do not take my review as gospel because sometimes a good book lands in your hands at the wrong time.
To be fair there were a couple of lovely quotes. ⭐️ ⭐️
“”….human arrangements are nothing but loose ends, and time, like the sea, unties them all. “
Iris Murdoch
I did not have any interest in the characters, and I can tell when a book is not for me when I dread picking it up.
The ending was unbelievable in a bad way and it just felt like the whole book was trying too hard.
However, do not take my review as gospel because sometimes a good book lands in your hands at the wrong time.
To be fair there were a couple of lovely quotes. ⭐️ ⭐️
“”….human arrangements are nothing but loose ends, and time, like the sea, unties them all. “
Iris Murdoch
February 19, 2022
Who’s the fool? The characters? Or me, for finishing it.
January 16, 2024
2.5
The Good Son begins with a powerful sentence and a unique premise. Thea and Jep's son is being released from prison after serving 3 years for the murder of his long-time special friend, Belinda. We often feel great sympathy for the victims' families, but not much support for those who loved the perpetrators; in fact, there is often guilt by association as seen in this book and real life.
Stephan was 17 when Belinda was killed in a drug-filled evening and has few memories of the event despite confessing initially. His first weeks at home after being released are challenging. At the same time, Thea begins to receive numerous (endless) calls and texts from a mystery girl claiming to know what really happened. The mystery seems to stagnate at this point. Somewhere along the way, Jep is lost in the interactions with his son. Stephan reported that he had introduced several innovative activities for the inmates that included a chef with cooking demonstrations, a librarian providing books and a renowned football team. Really? At some point after his homecoming, Stephan began a successful horticultural design business with no previous experience.
The progression of this book was very, very slow. I read it because I like Mitchard's writing, but this one was a disappointment.
The Good Son begins with a powerful sentence and a unique premise. Thea and Jep's son is being released from prison after serving 3 years for the murder of his long-time special friend, Belinda. We often feel great sympathy for the victims' families, but not much support for those who loved the perpetrators; in fact, there is often guilt by association as seen in this book and real life.
Stephan was 17 when Belinda was killed in a drug-filled evening and has few memories of the event despite confessing initially. His first weeks at home after being released are challenging. At the same time, Thea begins to receive numerous (endless) calls and texts from a mystery girl claiming to know what really happened. The mystery seems to stagnate at this point. Somewhere along the way, Jep is lost in the interactions with his son. Stephan reported that he had introduced several innovative activities for the inmates that included a chef with cooking demonstrations, a librarian providing books and a renowned football team. Really? At some point after his homecoming, Stephan began a successful horticultural design business with no previous experience.
The progression of this book was very, very slow. I read it because I like Mitchard's writing, but this one was a disappointment.
August 2, 2021
This poignant novel follows Thea’s journey as a mother of a convicted felon who was just released from prison. Her son, Stefan, was jailed for 3 years for the murder of his longtime girlfriend (and childhood friend/neighbor) Belinda during a drug induced haze. Though Stefan remembered nothing of the night, he was found with Belinda’s body and the murder weapon.
The Good Son puts the reader in the shoes of the family of a convict (as well as the convict themselves) and shows them how their reintegration into the world can be extremely difficult; that most convicts end up back in the system because of lack of support.
The novel is a two-fold - it covers the reintegration and how Stefan tries to work his way back Into a normal life. But also still focuses on Thea - who keeps receiving messages from an unknown source, bringing up Belinda’s murder and urging her to keep Stefan quiet. This part of the novel moves a bit more slowly (at times, it seems unimportant and almost at a snails pace) but picks up towards the end.
Overall, The Good Son was a interested look into our prison systems reintegration practices as well as a view into the lives of a family on the other side.
The Good Son puts the reader in the shoes of the family of a convict (as well as the convict themselves) and shows them how their reintegration into the world can be extremely difficult; that most convicts end up back in the system because of lack of support.
The novel is a two-fold - it covers the reintegration and how Stefan tries to work his way back Into a normal life. But also still focuses on Thea - who keeps receiving messages from an unknown source, bringing up Belinda’s murder and urging her to keep Stefan quiet. This part of the novel moves a bit more slowly (at times, it seems unimportant and almost at a snails pace) but picks up towards the end.
Overall, The Good Son was a interested look into our prison systems reintegration practices as well as a view into the lives of a family on the other side.
December 26, 2021
For the most part I enjoyed this book. There were parts that I thought were too drawn out and overly boring. I’m surprised that Stefan’s father seemed so disinterested in what was going on around him. I was a little surprised by the ending but in hind site I shouldn’t have been.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
March 5, 2022
DNF - my New Years resolution was to stop finishing books I was not enjoying and this is one of them.
The writing feels so clunky and unrealistic and just bizarre. It seems to be the book that will take until the very end to reveal something completely unworthy of having trudged through the book. I feel cringey for saying negative things after having not finished it but there you have it.
The writing feels so clunky and unrealistic and just bizarre. It seems to be the book that will take until the very end to reveal something completely unworthy of having trudged through the book. I feel cringey for saying negative things after having not finished it but there you have it.
January 14, 2023
As a mother of two small boys I found this story gave me a lot to think about. I kind of figured out where the story was headed- but it was still compelling and a good read.
January 27, 2022
“I was picking my son up at the prison gates when I spotted the mother of the girl he had murdered.”
Nearly three years after being convicted for beating his girlfriend, Belinda McCormack, to death while high on a cocktail of drugs, 20 year old Stefan Christiansen is released from prison. Despite everything, his mother, university professor Thea, is determined to support Stefan and encourage him to rebuild his life. She knows it won’t be easy, though Stefan remembers nothing of the crime he confessed to he is tormented by remorse and self-loathing, and the family is subject to sustained harassment, not only from supporters of a campaign spearheaded by Belinda’s devastated mother, Jill, but also a hooded figure and an anonymous caller.
Unfolding from Thea’s perspective, Jacqueline Mitchard presents a provocative narrative that explores the themes of guilt, redemption and unconditional love in The Good Son.
Thea is an sympathetic character, contemplating myself and my ‘good son’ in such a situation is unnerving. I thought Thea’s inner conflict was well articulated as she struggled to reconcile her love for her son with the crime he committed. While I didn’t always agree with her actions, I felt her character behaved consistently. I liked that Mitchard explored the stigma Thea faced as the mother of a murderer, though I wondered if she went quite far enough.
In the main I felt Mitchard’s portrayal of Stefan’s character was believable, his mercurial attitude in the weeks after his release seemed genuine and appropriate to his age. His struggles to rejoin society were thoughtfully represented, raising issues I’d given little thought to. I found myself torn between sympathy for, and a kind of impatience with, Stefan, a dynamic which I think was skilfully exploited by the author to illustrate the maxim that each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.
While I think the premise of the story is powerful, the execution was quite uneven. The pacing was an issue for me, the middle third dragged, and it definitely affected the suspense related to the identity and motivations of the family’s stalker. I’m conflicted with regards to the ending too. I think the novel would have been stronger had Mitchard chosen another, less melodramatic and arguably more authentic, path.
Though not without its flaws, I did find The Good Son to be a thought-provoking read, and I do believe it would be a rewarding choice for a book club, as it explores issues sure to stimulate a lively discussion.
Nearly three years after being convicted for beating his girlfriend, Belinda McCormack, to death while high on a cocktail of drugs, 20 year old Stefan Christiansen is released from prison. Despite everything, his mother, university professor Thea, is determined to support Stefan and encourage him to rebuild his life. She knows it won’t be easy, though Stefan remembers nothing of the crime he confessed to he is tormented by remorse and self-loathing, and the family is subject to sustained harassment, not only from supporters of a campaign spearheaded by Belinda’s devastated mother, Jill, but also a hooded figure and an anonymous caller.
Unfolding from Thea’s perspective, Jacqueline Mitchard presents a provocative narrative that explores the themes of guilt, redemption and unconditional love in The Good Son.
Thea is an sympathetic character, contemplating myself and my ‘good son’ in such a situation is unnerving. I thought Thea’s inner conflict was well articulated as she struggled to reconcile her love for her son with the crime he committed. While I didn’t always agree with her actions, I felt her character behaved consistently. I liked that Mitchard explored the stigma Thea faced as the mother of a murderer, though I wondered if she went quite far enough.
In the main I felt Mitchard’s portrayal of Stefan’s character was believable, his mercurial attitude in the weeks after his release seemed genuine and appropriate to his age. His struggles to rejoin society were thoughtfully represented, raising issues I’d given little thought to. I found myself torn between sympathy for, and a kind of impatience with, Stefan, a dynamic which I think was skilfully exploited by the author to illustrate the maxim that each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.
While I think the premise of the story is powerful, the execution was quite uneven. The pacing was an issue for me, the middle third dragged, and it definitely affected the suspense related to the identity and motivations of the family’s stalker. I’m conflicted with regards to the ending too. I think the novel would have been stronger had Mitchard chosen another, less melodramatic and arguably more authentic, path.
Though not without its flaws, I did find The Good Son to be a thought-provoking read, and I do believe it would be a rewarding choice for a book club, as it explores issues sure to stimulate a lively discussion.
December 27, 2021
Stefan's future completely fell off track when he was sent to prison for the murder of his girlfriend, Belinda. Stefan was high on more than one drug and cannot even remember her devastating death. He has now been released, and at the age of 20, must decide on how to start over again. As if he doesn't have enough on his plate, especially since his heart breaks everyday for Belinda, he is never allowed to forget his crime.
His mother is his truest champion, his father a close second. But, things are definitely strained between the three of them. Then, everyone in town won't let him forget, not even for a moment. Will Thea, Stefan's mother, be able to wash away the past by the love she has for him? Will it be enough?
Meanwhile, Thea begins to receive strange calls and notes. Someone has something meant to be kept secret. Will this secret further impact Stefan. In fact, what happened on the night Belinda died?
From the very beginning, it was impossible not to feel for both Thea and Stefan. As a mother, just trying to place myself in her shoes was heartbreaking. For Stefan, it was clear to see that he was a remarkable young man who got caught up in a haze of drugs at the time when Belinda died. His actions after his release prove his character, even if no one seems to be able to forget what happened.
With a lot of drama, a lot of emotion, Stefan and Thea's journey was played out in this book. It was more than clear that Stefan wanted to do right even if his challenges seemed insurmountable. Then for Thea, she was forced to learn that a mother's love was not as powerful as she would have imagined it to be. Considering also the intrigue with the happenings involving secrets increased the drama and tension in this riveting story. Lastly, as things came to a close shocking twists were truly stunning.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
His mother is his truest champion, his father a close second. But, things are definitely strained between the three of them. Then, everyone in town won't let him forget, not even for a moment. Will Thea, Stefan's mother, be able to wash away the past by the love she has for him? Will it be enough?
Meanwhile, Thea begins to receive strange calls and notes. Someone has something meant to be kept secret. Will this secret further impact Stefan. In fact, what happened on the night Belinda died?
From the very beginning, it was impossible not to feel for both Thea and Stefan. As a mother, just trying to place myself in her shoes was heartbreaking. For Stefan, it was clear to see that he was a remarkable young man who got caught up in a haze of drugs at the time when Belinda died. His actions after his release prove his character, even if no one seems to be able to forget what happened.
With a lot of drama, a lot of emotion, Stefan and Thea's journey was played out in this book. It was more than clear that Stefan wanted to do right even if his challenges seemed insurmountable. Then for Thea, she was forced to learn that a mother's love was not as powerful as she would have imagined it to be. Considering also the intrigue with the happenings involving secrets increased the drama and tension in this riveting story. Lastly, as things came to a close shocking twists were truly stunning.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
December 31, 2021
Stefan, only 20 years old, has just completed a three-year prison sentence for the murder his girlfriend. To redeem himself and find meaning in his life, Stefan starts a project based on doing good works for others. I really felt bad for Stefan. The book shines a light on the difficulties that convicted felons encounter when they try to transition back into mainstream life and why they often end up back in prison.
A powerful quote from the book: “Even if he never did anything wrong before this, and he never does another wrong thing after this, would Stefan’s life always be defined by his one brutal act? Would it always be the only thing people thought about him?”
This was a tedious read for me. Well written, but too drawn out. Even the mystery subplot that hints of something happening during the murder that Stefan is not aware of did not work for me. In my opinion, there was quite a bit in the book that could have been left out and it would not have impacted the story, except to perhaps move the story along at a faster pace.
A story of guilt, forgiveness, redemption, a mother’s love, and prisoner reformation. Best for readers who like a slow-paced family drama with a bit of mystery on the side.
I received an advance galley of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed here are my own.
A powerful quote from the book: “Even if he never did anything wrong before this, and he never does another wrong thing after this, would Stefan’s life always be defined by his one brutal act? Would it always be the only thing people thought about him?”
This was a tedious read for me. Well written, but too drawn out. Even the mystery subplot that hints of something happening during the murder that Stefan is not aware of did not work for me. In my opinion, there was quite a bit in the book that could have been left out and it would not have impacted the story, except to perhaps move the story along at a faster pace.
A story of guilt, forgiveness, redemption, a mother’s love, and prisoner reformation. Best for readers who like a slow-paced family drama with a bit of mystery on the side.
I received an advance galley of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed here are my own.
August 23, 2021
The Good Son by Jacqueline Mitchard is a thought-provoking story! How would you live and function if your only child went to prison for killing his girlfriend? Stefan loved Bindy, and can’t imagine how it happened, but he takes responsibility. After all, all the evidence points to Stefan. Unfortunately, he experimented with some nasty drugs and can’t remember a thing. But in a drug-induced psychosis, many lives are forever changed.
When Stefan is released, life for his family is very difficult. He needs to find a way to show his remorse and find a purpose for living again. Jep and Thea, his parents, must also figure out how to deal with their shame, love, and sorrow. But someone is stalking them, and isn’t ready to forgive Stefan quite yet.
This book really made me think. Drugs are such a dark part of many lives, and often cause people to do things they would never imagine doing. Could I let my daughter date a boy released from prison for murdering his girlfriend while he was high? How would I treat his family? I highly recommend The Good Son.
When Stefan is released, life for his family is very difficult. He needs to find a way to show his remorse and find a purpose for living again. Jep and Thea, his parents, must also figure out how to deal with their shame, love, and sorrow. But someone is stalking them, and isn’t ready to forgive Stefan quite yet.
This book really made me think. Drugs are such a dark part of many lives, and often cause people to do things they would never imagine doing. Could I let my daughter date a boy released from prison for murdering his girlfriend while he was high? How would I treat his family? I highly recommend The Good Son.
November 17, 2023
This is a classic 3-star novel. It's well-written, the characters are nuanced and sympathetic, the sense of place is real and intriguing. But the story? The book itself? Meh. One of the worst sins a bo0k can have, to me as a reader, is to be boring. This one is a slog. If you're expecting a thriller, set aside those expectations. 80% of the book is pretty much the opposite of thrilling, with much repetition and unnecessary detail. The premise of the book, too, rests on a very shaky foundation, which I often found I couldn't suspend my disbelief enough for. For example, the main character, who's been sent to prison for the novel's central crime? I don't see how he'd even be arrested, let alone tried. And if his case did go to a jury trial, there was so much reasonable doubt that I reasonably doubt he'd be sentenced. He'd be acquitted. Not one of her best and not one I can recommend.
March 15, 2022
So long and drawn out. Couldn’t get to the end. I���ve loved and hated novels by this author. Thought I’d give it a try but I’m not going to hang in there. When I realized I was dreading picking it back up tonight, I thought it was time to move on. I’m slightly interested in finding out the mystery part of the novel but not worth trudging through.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 1,009 reviews