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The Gifted Son
A Sydney family's picture-perfect life is upended in an unputdownable new novel from the bestselling author of The Mothers.
What if the worst day of your life is the making of you?
With two bright children, a beautiful home and a husband she's always depended on, Lillian Hogarth considers herself blessed. Until, on her son Jamie's final day of high school, he fails to come home. Hospitalised by a coward's punch, Jamie has been the victim of a muck-up day celebration that went too far.
Lillian's support is unflinching, even as her world begins to crumble. A son whose fate hangs in the balance, a teenage witness who refuses to name the one who threw the punch, and a husband who's hiding a secret that could destroy their marriage . . .
Is this the end of the Hogarth family's good luck? Or will Jamie's determination-and Lillian's love-be the making of them?
What if the worst day of your life is the making of you?
With two bright children, a beautiful home and a husband she's always depended on, Lillian Hogarth considers herself blessed. Until, on her son Jamie's final day of high school, he fails to come home. Hospitalised by a coward's punch, Jamie has been the victim of a muck-up day celebration that went too far.
Lillian's support is unflinching, even as her world begins to crumble. A son whose fate hangs in the balance, a teenage witness who refuses to name the one who threw the punch, and a husband who's hiding a secret that could destroy their marriage . . .
Is this the end of the Hogarth family's good luck? Or will Jamie's determination-and Lillian's love-be the making of them?
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2023
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401 people want to read
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February 6, 2023
This was an easy-to-read contemporary story, centred on a group of mates attending a privileged school. Muck up day gone badly wrong, we see the best of humanity, and the worst. One act of violence was to have everlasting effects.
A close group of friends, Jamie, Jez and Mark are on the track to big things, all bright, hard working and on the cusp of adulthood.
Jamie is the Vice Captain, revered by the principal and the golden boy. Mark, a scholarship boy seems to have a chip on is shoulder; bitter and angry, something is happening there.
Jamie’s family is very close, wealthy parents in the affluent Sydney suburbs, everything seems to be perfect. About to study law, with an internship set up by the school, life seems to have abundant opportunities. This all comes to a halt when Jamie is hospitalised in a very serious condition. The boys become evasive. The family is devastated as Jamie had childhood cancer and this brings back memories of his earlier struggle.
Lillian’s husband, John, has some business-related secrets of his own, and this finds him being somewhat removed from his family when they need him the most, and I found myself wanting him to be honest with his wife, this was not information to be hidden.
I found this book to be an easy read, but I had some reservations. Two of my children had scholarships; these days this is not a big deal. Jamie’s mother, Lillian seemed to be quite relaxed about the police presence of what should be an active case. The boys were avoiding questioning and she let this hang, even after having coffee with one of the mothers. The principal seemingly enamoured with Jamie did not once approach the family asking for Jamie’s. I also found the cover of this book to be a little disconnected.
Lots of themes were explored here, the ways wealth plays out and the ways this affects families, acceptance, the ability to look beyond tragedy, perseverance and the strength of family and friendship.
3.5★
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for my uncorrected proof copy in exchange for my review.
A close group of friends, Jamie, Jez and Mark are on the track to big things, all bright, hard working and on the cusp of adulthood.
Jamie is the Vice Captain, revered by the principal and the golden boy. Mark, a scholarship boy seems to have a chip on is shoulder; bitter and angry, something is happening there.
Jamie’s family is very close, wealthy parents in the affluent Sydney suburbs, everything seems to be perfect. About to study law, with an internship set up by the school, life seems to have abundant opportunities. This all comes to a halt when Jamie is hospitalised in a very serious condition. The boys become evasive. The family is devastated as Jamie had childhood cancer and this brings back memories of his earlier struggle.
Lillian’s husband, John, has some business-related secrets of his own, and this finds him being somewhat removed from his family when they need him the most, and I found myself wanting him to be honest with his wife, this was not information to be hidden.
I found this book to be an easy read, but I had some reservations. Two of my children had scholarships; these days this is not a big deal. Jamie’s mother, Lillian seemed to be quite relaxed about the police presence of what should be an active case. The boys were avoiding questioning and she let this hang, even after having coffee with one of the mothers. The principal seemingly enamoured with Jamie did not once approach the family asking for Jamie’s. I also found the cover of this book to be a little disconnected.
Lots of themes were explored here, the ways wealth plays out and the ways this affects families, acceptance, the ability to look beyond tragedy, perseverance and the strength of family and friendship.
3.5★
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for my uncorrected proof copy in exchange for my review.
March 27, 2023
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The Gifted Son by Genevieve Gannon. (2023).
With two bright children, a beautiful home and a husband she's always depended on, Lillian considers herself blessed. Until on her son Jamie's final day of high school, he fails to come home. Hospitalised by a coward's punch, Jamie is a victim of a muck-up day gone too far. Lillian's support is unflinching, even as her world begins to crumble. A son whose fate hangs in the balance, a teenage witness refusing to name the perpetrator, and a husband who's hiding a secret that could destroy their marriage...
With a timely and confronting topic, this is an interesting read that drives home how spur of the moment decisions can have life-shattering consequences. When Jamie is punched on his muck-up day at school, it has potentially devastating effects on all involved. With alternating perspectives, readers experience how this shocking event impacts on many, and the life changes both physical and mental that occur. I thought it was a well-written story that flowed at a good pace; it was an easy read.
Overall: if you are a fan of contemporary fiction that addresses real-life issues, I would recommend this one.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Gifted Son by Genevieve Gannon. (2023).
With two bright children, a beautiful home and a husband she's always depended on, Lillian considers herself blessed. Until on her son Jamie's final day of high school, he fails to come home. Hospitalised by a coward's punch, Jamie is a victim of a muck-up day gone too far. Lillian's support is unflinching, even as her world begins to crumble. A son whose fate hangs in the balance, a teenage witness refusing to name the perpetrator, and a husband who's hiding a secret that could destroy their marriage...
With a timely and confronting topic, this is an interesting read that drives home how spur of the moment decisions can have life-shattering consequences. When Jamie is punched on his muck-up day at school, it has potentially devastating effects on all involved. With alternating perspectives, readers experience how this shocking event impacts on many, and the life changes both physical and mental that occur. I thought it was a well-written story that flowed at a good pace; it was an easy read.
Overall: if you are a fan of contemporary fiction that addresses real-life issues, I would recommend this one.
January 16, 2023
Lillian Hogarth seems to live a charmed life in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. Her husband John works long hours but has made an extremely wealthy lifestyle for his wife and two children. Their eldest, Kate, is now a lawyer and Jamie is in his final year at high school. It appears everything is going well until the private school's muck up day when Jamie’s life goes horribly wrong after a coward’s punch. Lillian’s secure world begins to change in an instant. John is also dealing with issues he has been trying to protect his family from, a secret that threatens to destroy his marriage.
The reader sees these events through several points of view that of Lillian, John, Jamie and Jamie’s friend Jez. It was interesting to see things from the several points of view.
Having read this author’s earlier book I admit I went into this one with certain expectations. In the end it worked out differently to what I expected it might. That’s not necessarily a bad thing though. The story certainly kept my interest as I became involved with the Hogarth family.
Have to say I shook my head with a smile at the attitude of the Eastern Suburbs point of view that sees Newtown as so far away that Lillian would never see Henson if he moved there, even though I understand the Sydney city traffic snarl issues. Appalling the treatment that is revealed in the school situation. Felt every emotion with those who loved Jamie.
My thanks go to Allen&Unwin for my ARC which I won to read and review. A quietly compelling read that touches the emotions in a lot of ways. A great book that will have readers thinking .
The reader sees these events through several points of view that of Lillian, John, Jamie and Jamie’s friend Jez. It was interesting to see things from the several points of view.
Having read this author’s earlier book I admit I went into this one with certain expectations. In the end it worked out differently to what I expected it might. That’s not necessarily a bad thing though. The story certainly kept my interest as I became involved with the Hogarth family.
Have to say I shook my head with a smile at the attitude of the Eastern Suburbs point of view that sees Newtown as so far away that Lillian would never see Henson if he moved there, even though I understand the Sydney city traffic snarl issues. Appalling the treatment that is revealed in the school situation. Felt every emotion with those who loved Jamie.
My thanks go to Allen&Unwin for my ARC which I won to read and review. A quietly compelling read that touches the emotions in a lot of ways. A great book that will have readers thinking .
February 5, 2023
4.5★s
The Gifted Son is the fifth novel by Australian author, Genevieve Gannon. It may be nearly eighteen years ago, but Lillian Hogarth hasn’t forgotten how she nearly lost her son, Jamie to leukaemia. And now, thanks to a school muck-up day mishap, he’s in hospital again, and she’s just as determined not to lose him. Her boy has shown so much promise, and she’s not ready to abandon the life ahead, whatever it takes.
A fractured arm and concussion are the least of his injuries: it’s the spinal fracture that’s the real worry. John Hogarth is just as determined to do what he can for his boy, but he can see that there are going to be huge costs attached to Jamie’s recovery, both psychological and practical, and that might be a problem. He needs to tell Lillian, but the opportunity doesn’t present… or is it John’s pride that stops him?
Jamie can remember heading off to school for his last day, but little after that. He hasn’t a clue what happened to put him into hospital with broken bones. And worse, if what he has overheard is true, but no one will tell him. It’s looking like he won’t be sitting exams, or attending the after party, or doing an internship at the local law firm, or surfing on his days off.
Jamie’s older sister Kate feels guilty that her focus has been on her career, and that she has ignored her family, the kid brother with whom she always clicked, and now she’s going to make up for that. It’s clear to her that Jamie’s best friend, Jez knows more about what happened than he’s saying. Katie is going to find out the truth: like her father, she wants to see the person who did this held responsible.
The police want to talk to Jez, one of the few witnesses to what happened to Jamie, but he has, so far, avoided them. He’s not sure he can lie convincingly under the steely gaze of Sergeant Hawke.
That sets the scene for a story carried by multiple narratives. Jamie’s recovery journey and the progress towards learning the truth of what actually happened is presented from several perspectives. The story does drag a bit and, by the two thirds mark, John’s failure to tell Lillian about that problem they have is starting to stretch the bounds of credibility.
Jez’s idea of loyalty to his best friend is also difficult to accept, and the police investigation seems to be staggeringly inefficient. Jamie’s epiphany about his recovery is a clutching-at-straws that is perhaps believable in the face of his desperation to regain his charmed life. His eventual reality check is realistically handled.
Gannon’s setting is flawlessly depicted; her characters are much more than one-dimensional and their development as they face their challenges is convincing. Her story explores the idea of wealth, privilege, and the levelling effect of tragedy. The bullying culture at exclusive schools also features. A thought-provoking and compelling read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Allen & Unwin.
The Gifted Son is the fifth novel by Australian author, Genevieve Gannon. It may be nearly eighteen years ago, but Lillian Hogarth hasn’t forgotten how she nearly lost her son, Jamie to leukaemia. And now, thanks to a school muck-up day mishap, he’s in hospital again, and she’s just as determined not to lose him. Her boy has shown so much promise, and she’s not ready to abandon the life ahead, whatever it takes.
A fractured arm and concussion are the least of his injuries: it’s the spinal fracture that’s the real worry. John Hogarth is just as determined to do what he can for his boy, but he can see that there are going to be huge costs attached to Jamie’s recovery, both psychological and practical, and that might be a problem. He needs to tell Lillian, but the opportunity doesn’t present… or is it John’s pride that stops him?
Jamie can remember heading off to school for his last day, but little after that. He hasn’t a clue what happened to put him into hospital with broken bones. And worse, if what he has overheard is true, but no one will tell him. It’s looking like he won’t be sitting exams, or attending the after party, or doing an internship at the local law firm, or surfing on his days off.
Jamie’s older sister Kate feels guilty that her focus has been on her career, and that she has ignored her family, the kid brother with whom she always clicked, and now she’s going to make up for that. It’s clear to her that Jamie’s best friend, Jez knows more about what happened than he’s saying. Katie is going to find out the truth: like her father, she wants to see the person who did this held responsible.
The police want to talk to Jez, one of the few witnesses to what happened to Jamie, but he has, so far, avoided them. He’s not sure he can lie convincingly under the steely gaze of Sergeant Hawke.
That sets the scene for a story carried by multiple narratives. Jamie’s recovery journey and the progress towards learning the truth of what actually happened is presented from several perspectives. The story does drag a bit and, by the two thirds mark, John’s failure to tell Lillian about that problem they have is starting to stretch the bounds of credibility.
Jez’s idea of loyalty to his best friend is also difficult to accept, and the police investigation seems to be staggeringly inefficient. Jamie’s epiphany about his recovery is a clutching-at-straws that is perhaps believable in the face of his desperation to regain his charmed life. His eventual reality check is realistically handled.
Gannon’s setting is flawlessly depicted; her characters are much more than one-dimensional and their development as they face their challenges is convincing. Her story explores the idea of wealth, privilege, and the levelling effect of tragedy. The bullying culture at exclusive schools also features. A thought-provoking and compelling read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Allen & Unwin.
January 12, 2023
Thank you Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
When The Mothers was released back in 2020, I was so impressed that I gave it five stars and ever since then I’ve been eagerly awaiting a new book.
That day has arrived and The Gifted Son is just as fantastic.
I loved it so much.
Lillian Hogarth has a stunning home, a devoted husband and two smart children.
You could say she has the perfect life.
Until one day it all comes crashing down.
On his last day of high school, her son Jamie is the casualty of a coward’s punch.
His life is forever changed as he spends his days in the hospital.
Lillian wants answers……
Who threw the punch?
What is her husband hiding?
As they lives fall apart, will the truth come out?
A thought provoking, heartfelt and topical story that will keep you turning the pages so fast you will not want to put it down.
It will definitely get you thinking and create discussion.
Extremely well written, enticing, unforgettable and an inevitable bestseller.
Each chapter is told through the eyes of a different character, as the plot progresses on an emotional journey.
Compelling, intriguing, fascinating and entertaining.
I hope we get more books from Genevieve, she is a superstar rising up the ladder fast.
A story that you will not forget anytime soon.
When The Mothers was released back in 2020, I was so impressed that I gave it five stars and ever since then I’ve been eagerly awaiting a new book.
That day has arrived and The Gifted Son is just as fantastic.
I loved it so much.
Lillian Hogarth has a stunning home, a devoted husband and two smart children.
You could say she has the perfect life.
Until one day it all comes crashing down.
On his last day of high school, her son Jamie is the casualty of a coward’s punch.
His life is forever changed as he spends his days in the hospital.
Lillian wants answers……
Who threw the punch?
What is her husband hiding?
As they lives fall apart, will the truth come out?
A thought provoking, heartfelt and topical story that will keep you turning the pages so fast you will not want to put it down.
It will definitely get you thinking and create discussion.
Extremely well written, enticing, unforgettable and an inevitable bestseller.
Each chapter is told through the eyes of a different character, as the plot progresses on an emotional journey.
Compelling, intriguing, fascinating and entertaining.
I hope we get more books from Genevieve, she is a superstar rising up the ladder fast.
A story that you will not forget anytime soon.
February 6, 2023
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
I was first introduced to the work of Australian author Genevieve Gannon in 2020 thanks to her gold star novel, The Mothers. I have been twiddling my thumbs ever since in anticipation for her next novel. The Gifted Son is Gannon’s latest triumph. A tale that rocks the reader with highly topical themes such as assault, injury, illness, rehabilitation, lies, the afterlife, privilege, family estrangement and bullying in the private school system, The Gifted Son is a stimulating read.
Lillian Hogarth leads a charmed life, or so it seems. Lillian is the mother of two high achieving children and a dependable husband. The Hogarth family have everything they want and need, but all this comes crashing down one fateful day. The last day of Jamie’s high school career ends in tragedy when he is severely injured by a one-punch attack. Jamie is hospitalised and faces a very long road to recovery. Lillian rallies behind her son as best she can, but her perfect household begins to suffer from the impact of Jamie’s accident. Justice for Jamie proves to be difficult to attain, especially when the key witness to his attack refuses to reveal who is responsible for the fateful punch. Jamie’s father John also appears to be hiding something from his family in their hour of need. What is John withholding from his family? The Hogarth family must summon all the strength and courage they can as Jamie faces the fight of his life.
The Australian psychological fiction field is blessed to have the powerful voice of Genevieve Gannon leading the charge. Thanks to Gannon’s previous moral dilemma style novel The Mothers, along with this latest release from the Sydney based author, we have a fantastic leader in the field of conflict-based fiction. I admit to forming quite high expectations of The Gifted Son which was based on my love of Gannon’s last novel. The Gifted Son proved to be yet another winning read from Genevieve Gannon.
In a nod to the great Jodi Picoult, Genevieve Gannon’s latest presentation offers readers a fantastic fusion of genres such as psychological fiction, domestic drama, the paranormal and legal matters. I was really taken in by this one, The Gifted Son held me completely captive for a recent five-hour plane journey. With the story relayed from various shifting points of view, which are all carefully marked, Gannon delivers plenty of character introspection. We hear from Lillian, the matriarch of this tale, a woman who displays a relentless amount of support for her son in his time of need. We hear from Jamie, the victim of the attack, as he grapples with the memories of his tragic assault. John Hogarth is a secretive figure, who appears to be hiding something very important from his family. Jamie’s older sister Kate weighs in on the ordeal from a different angle. While the final voice comes from Jez, one of Jamie’s fellow classmates, who might just hold the key to unlocking the mystery surrounding who injured Jamie. The combination of these contrasted voices is consuming and engaging. I couldn’t put this one down, no matter how hard I tried. The plot is well constructed and Gannon inhabits each character perfectly, so we feel like an essential part of this emotional trying situation. I know I was intrigued to see how it would all eventuate.
Gannon’s setting is well rendered, particularly in reference to her privileged and exclusive private high school stage. When the action moves to the hospital wings, I felt a sense of high authenticity. We observe Jamie’s recovery process, which has its ups and downs. Gannon ties in Jamie’s childhood illness of leukaemia and stem cell donation into the novel, which adds another spin to his long recovery journey. Health care, rehabilitation, exercise, determination and occupational therapy is carefully integrated into this emotive story. I found these areas of The Gifted Son really interesting. We also gain an insight into family estrangement, the afterlife and metaphysical experiences, which formed some of my favourite aspects of the story. Gannon examines issues of bullying, high school friendships, loyalty, youth mental health and charitable work. In Jamie’s parents, we see how quickly a life of privilege can be shattered. The strain on Jamie’s parents soon becomes apparent as the fallout from the attack impacts them in ways they never thought imaginable. A look at the police investigation and legal processes involved in an attack like Jamie’s forms another key element of this novel. There is no denying that Gannon has issued her readers with a great deal to reflect on and discuss as she moves her latest story to a poignant close.
The Gifted Son is striking novel that reminds us of the importance of hope, triumph over tragedy, family support, acceptance, fatal mistakes, forgiveness and unconditional love. I highly recommend The Gifted Son to all booklovers.
I was first introduced to the work of Australian author Genevieve Gannon in 2020 thanks to her gold star novel, The Mothers. I have been twiddling my thumbs ever since in anticipation for her next novel. The Gifted Son is Gannon’s latest triumph. A tale that rocks the reader with highly topical themes such as assault, injury, illness, rehabilitation, lies, the afterlife, privilege, family estrangement and bullying in the private school system, The Gifted Son is a stimulating read.
Lillian Hogarth leads a charmed life, or so it seems. Lillian is the mother of two high achieving children and a dependable husband. The Hogarth family have everything they want and need, but all this comes crashing down one fateful day. The last day of Jamie’s high school career ends in tragedy when he is severely injured by a one-punch attack. Jamie is hospitalised and faces a very long road to recovery. Lillian rallies behind her son as best she can, but her perfect household begins to suffer from the impact of Jamie’s accident. Justice for Jamie proves to be difficult to attain, especially when the key witness to his attack refuses to reveal who is responsible for the fateful punch. Jamie’s father John also appears to be hiding something from his family in their hour of need. What is John withholding from his family? The Hogarth family must summon all the strength and courage they can as Jamie faces the fight of his life.
The Australian psychological fiction field is blessed to have the powerful voice of Genevieve Gannon leading the charge. Thanks to Gannon’s previous moral dilemma style novel The Mothers, along with this latest release from the Sydney based author, we have a fantastic leader in the field of conflict-based fiction. I admit to forming quite high expectations of The Gifted Son which was based on my love of Gannon’s last novel. The Gifted Son proved to be yet another winning read from Genevieve Gannon.
In a nod to the great Jodi Picoult, Genevieve Gannon’s latest presentation offers readers a fantastic fusion of genres such as psychological fiction, domestic drama, the paranormal and legal matters. I was really taken in by this one, The Gifted Son held me completely captive for a recent five-hour plane journey. With the story relayed from various shifting points of view, which are all carefully marked, Gannon delivers plenty of character introspection. We hear from Lillian, the matriarch of this tale, a woman who displays a relentless amount of support for her son in his time of need. We hear from Jamie, the victim of the attack, as he grapples with the memories of his tragic assault. John Hogarth is a secretive figure, who appears to be hiding something very important from his family. Jamie’s older sister Kate weighs in on the ordeal from a different angle. While the final voice comes from Jez, one of Jamie’s fellow classmates, who might just hold the key to unlocking the mystery surrounding who injured Jamie. The combination of these contrasted voices is consuming and engaging. I couldn’t put this one down, no matter how hard I tried. The plot is well constructed and Gannon inhabits each character perfectly, so we feel like an essential part of this emotional trying situation. I know I was intrigued to see how it would all eventuate.
Gannon’s setting is well rendered, particularly in reference to her privileged and exclusive private high school stage. When the action moves to the hospital wings, I felt a sense of high authenticity. We observe Jamie’s recovery process, which has its ups and downs. Gannon ties in Jamie’s childhood illness of leukaemia and stem cell donation into the novel, which adds another spin to his long recovery journey. Health care, rehabilitation, exercise, determination and occupational therapy is carefully integrated into this emotive story. I found these areas of The Gifted Son really interesting. We also gain an insight into family estrangement, the afterlife and metaphysical experiences, which formed some of my favourite aspects of the story. Gannon examines issues of bullying, high school friendships, loyalty, youth mental health and charitable work. In Jamie’s parents, we see how quickly a life of privilege can be shattered. The strain on Jamie’s parents soon becomes apparent as the fallout from the attack impacts them in ways they never thought imaginable. A look at the police investigation and legal processes involved in an attack like Jamie’s forms another key element of this novel. There is no denying that Gannon has issued her readers with a great deal to reflect on and discuss as she moves her latest story to a poignant close.
The Gifted Son is striking novel that reminds us of the importance of hope, triumph over tragedy, family support, acceptance, fatal mistakes, forgiveness and unconditional love. I highly recommend The Gifted Son to all booklovers.
January 22, 2023
This is a story from multiple points of view: about the ways we communicate, what gets lost in translation, and the importance of openness and honesty.The Gifted Son is the story of Jamie who is injured on his last day of school, a few weeks out from his final high school exams. We view the aftermath of such a violent act through the eyes of his parents, his sister Kate and school friends.
Jamie was capable and competent kid. He was smart and seemed to channel his thoughts and recovery towards a mostly positive perspective at the very end. The recurring theme of Jamie being a “miracle baby” having survived a major childhood illness was a little grating, and I really felt for his sister, Kate being admonished to the corner. Lilian, their mother, seemed to give nothing toward Kate but hostility but I was never sure what it stemmed from (it didn’t seem like a typical mother-daughter antagonism). This is the tip of the tension: Jamie’s friends are grappling with the truth that landed Jamie in hospital, and the pain this causes between them is quite raw and evocative.
This did seem like a reflection on the ordinary lives of a while middle class Australian family, and too much of a focus on Lilian, who seemed to be trying to maintain the picture of a perfect housewife after sacrificing her career so many years ago. John is not a great communicator at the best of times and almost leads Lilian astray under false accusations. Her frustration from this when confronted with the lies and tribulations was a passion I had hoped to see more of in other moments of the story.
Jamie was capable and competent kid. He was smart and seemed to channel his thoughts and recovery towards a mostly positive perspective at the very end. The recurring theme of Jamie being a “miracle baby” having survived a major childhood illness was a little grating, and I really felt for his sister, Kate being admonished to the corner. Lilian, their mother, seemed to give nothing toward Kate but hostility but I was never sure what it stemmed from (it didn’t seem like a typical mother-daughter antagonism). This is the tip of the tension: Jamie’s friends are grappling with the truth that landed Jamie in hospital, and the pain this causes between them is quite raw and evocative.
This did seem like a reflection on the ordinary lives of a while middle class Australian family, and too much of a focus on Lilian, who seemed to be trying to maintain the picture of a perfect housewife after sacrificing her career so many years ago. John is not a great communicator at the best of times and almost leads Lilian astray under false accusations. Her frustration from this when confronted with the lies and tribulations was a passion I had hoped to see more of in other moments of the story.
January 23, 2023
In my reviews I won’t write a blurb about the storyline just how I felt after reading! I found this book pretty simplistic in its language and quite slow to get to where it was headed. There were needless paragraphs written about the execution of domestic duties or what was eaten or drunk in a hospital waiting room. The torture and horror of what this family must have gone through didn’t come across to me at all. I never felt a true connection or compassion for the characters. For me it was a light simple read that I almost didn’t bother to finish as I was pretty sure I knew where it was headed.
February 3, 2023
While I did all round enjoy this book I found myself loosing interest as the story went on. There was a lot of writing and I felt it went on forever. Some of the characters made stupid decisions that I wondered why the author went that way. Still it wasn’t too bad
March 13, 2023
This one was more miss than hit for me. I didn't mind it, but I also didn't love it. The issues that it focused on differed to my expectations and crowded out the very real trauma of this family dealing with its youngest member suffering an irreparable spinal cord injury.
The issues of systematic bullying and retaliation got lost in the very unrealistic 'and they all lived happily ever after' vibe. The spiritual/supernatural aspect distracted from what I wanted to know about Jamie's recovery and I found his do-good fervour linked to his recovery more a call for concern as to how he was processing his trauma than inspirational.
The most engrossing part of this story was following John's disintegration over his finances and the toll that was taking on his health and his marriage.
This was my March bookclub pick and I look forward to a lively discussion on it with the other members. It was an easy read, I rarely read a book in a day, but this one posed no challenge, despite the page count. The moralistic debates within this one fall short of comparisons made by other reviewers to Jodi Picoult, in my opinion. Overall, it was not bad, but I didn't love it and would hesitate to recommend it widely.
The Gifted Son by Genevieve Gannon is my March #bookclub pick. Thanks to @allenandunwin for the #bookreviewer copy.
The issues of systematic bullying and retaliation got lost in the very unrealistic 'and they all lived happily ever after' vibe. The spiritual/supernatural aspect distracted from what I wanted to know about Jamie's recovery and I found his do-good fervour linked to his recovery more a call for concern as to how he was processing his trauma than inspirational.
The most engrossing part of this story was following John's disintegration over his finances and the toll that was taking on his health and his marriage.
This was my March bookclub pick and I look forward to a lively discussion on it with the other members. It was an easy read, I rarely read a book in a day, but this one posed no challenge, despite the page count. The moralistic debates within this one fall short of comparisons made by other reviewers to Jodi Picoult, in my opinion. Overall, it was not bad, but I didn't love it and would hesitate to recommend it widely.
The Gifted Son by Genevieve Gannon is my March #bookclub pick. Thanks to @allenandunwin for the #bookreviewer copy.
May 6, 2023
This book doesn't have the gripping moral thrill that The Mothers has. It's still a great read. A medium paced domestic drama is probably the best description I can think of. It follows the aftermath of an assault against a teenage boy, from the perspectives of multiple friends and family.
January 23, 2023
Another exceptional novel by this talented Australian author. Genevieve Gannon first appeared on my radar after reading her book The Mothers which I just couldn't put down, this new novel is no exception to that. She tackles a very topical subject being the 'king hit'. Jamie has always been the golden child of the family, after suffering from illness as a child he has become an exceptional young man, topping his classes at high school and popular with all his friends, until muck up day when things get out of hand and he ends up in hospital unconscious and with life threatening injuries and complications. A very moral dilemma occurs - what actually happened, who did it? His parents are devastated and are determined to find out the truth but there are things going on in their own lives that have been swept under the carpet as well.
This book definitely kept me interested and had a very satisfying conclusion. Genevieve Gannon knows how to write and I believe is Australia's answer to Jodi Picoult. I urge you to read her books!
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes.
This book definitely kept me interested and had a very satisfying conclusion. Genevieve Gannon knows how to write and I believe is Australia's answer to Jodi Picoult. I urge you to read her books!
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes.
February 17, 2023
I would’ve given this three stars, but the drama in this book dragged a lot, helped along by some odd decisions by some of the characters. Not a bad read, and it was nice seeing the familiar names, but it was otherwise relatively lacklustre.
March 8, 2023
Tedious
Overly detailed in irrelevant areas. Uninspired storyline, which was lost in the many side-stories that never went anywhere. Had potential, but just never got there.
Overly detailed in irrelevant areas. Uninspired storyline, which was lost in the many side-stories that never went anywhere. Had potential, but just never got there.
February 2, 2023
Some spoilers ...
I slowly started to loose interest more and more as this book went on.
Whilst the writing was really easy to get through, as the book progressed I found the characters pretty one dimensional and the growth that they did have in the book was so repetitive that it took away from it's authenticity e.g. Kate's sudden mission to become a good sister felt a bit over the top. Similarly, reading Lillian's blatant lack of understanding when it came to their families financial situation to me felt really unrealistic.
I couldn't get around John's reasoning behind not telling Lillian to cut down on spending, if they really didn't have cash they how could he possibly let Lillian keep spending so extravagantly.
Initially I did find the storyline of the muck up day disaster interesting, the twist was sort of revealed really early on and then it just didn't really go anywhere interesting. Like the dynamic of the school boys not confessing and the police's inability to find the culprit seemed too repetitive.
Obviously the storyline of Jez and his now new life was quite sad and some chapters were gripping and sad overall, the book as a whole kinda misses the mark and I thought the ending takes away from the reality in these situations where you really wouldn't forgive the person who did this to you. And the whole parallel ghosts/miracles tangent was sort of just page fillers.
The storyline of Ryan's bullying causing him to do this just didn't feel right, yes obviously bullying is bad but two wrongs don't make a right.
I did enjoy reading all the little references to places in Sydney, that was cool !
I slowly started to loose interest more and more as this book went on.
Whilst the writing was really easy to get through, as the book progressed I found the characters pretty one dimensional and the growth that they did have in the book was so repetitive that it took away from it's authenticity e.g. Kate's sudden mission to become a good sister felt a bit over the top. Similarly, reading Lillian's blatant lack of understanding when it came to their families financial situation to me felt really unrealistic.
I couldn't get around John's reasoning behind not telling Lillian to cut down on spending, if they really didn't have cash they how could he possibly let Lillian keep spending so extravagantly.
Initially I did find the storyline of the muck up day disaster interesting, the twist was sort of revealed really early on and then it just didn't really go anywhere interesting. Like the dynamic of the school boys not confessing and the police's inability to find the culprit seemed too repetitive.
Obviously the storyline of Jez and his now new life was quite sad and some chapters were gripping and sad overall, the book as a whole kinda misses the mark and I thought the ending takes away from the reality in these situations where you really wouldn't forgive the person who did this to you. And the whole parallel ghosts/miracles tangent was sort of just page fillers.
The storyline of Ryan's bullying causing him to do this just didn't feel right, yes obviously bullying is bad but two wrongs don't make a right.
I did enjoy reading all the little references to places in Sydney, that was cool !
March 22, 2023
I did not know Gannon had another book coming out! I was surprised to see this in the new releases in store and then had to grab it when I saw it in the library!
Naturally, didn’t read the blurb so wasn’t sure what to expect. Jamie is the perfect kid essentially and then on muck up day he gets seriously injured and we see how his family and friends deal with the fall out.
I quite enjoyed the read however it was a quiet one, there weren’t big dramatic moments (at least I didn’t experience it that way) but more character studies on how different people deal with personal challenges. Unfortunately given the title I kept waiting for Jamie to discover a new talent or something and that never happened which left me high and dry! Potentially I misunderstood the relevance of the title, but I wonder if others would too?
I do feel the book helped me with some deeper empathy in a personal situation which unfolded soon after, which has got to be one of the best things about reading!
The Mothers is still my favourite of hers but I’ll still read whatever she comes out with next!
Naturally, didn’t read the blurb so wasn’t sure what to expect. Jamie is the perfect kid essentially and then on muck up day he gets seriously injured and we see how his family and friends deal with the fall out.
I quite enjoyed the read however it was a quiet one, there weren’t big dramatic moments (at least I didn’t experience it that way) but more character studies on how different people deal with personal challenges. Unfortunately given the title I kept waiting for Jamie to discover a new talent or something and that never happened which left me high and dry! Potentially I misunderstood the relevance of the title, but I wonder if others would too?
I do feel the book helped me with some deeper empathy in a personal situation which unfolded soon after, which has got to be one of the best things about reading!
The Mothers is still my favourite of hers but I’ll still read whatever she comes out with next!
February 18, 2023
This is the first book by Genevieve Gannon that I have read and it was quite engaging in that it presented the impact of a one punch assault on a variety of characters not just the victim, Jamie Hogarth. For that reason, there was a complexity to the narrative that added to its impact on the reader and enriched the account.
The challenges for the victim of such an assault are clearly outlined but when mixed with the pressures of everyday living on other members of the family and extended friendships that co-exist with such an assault, the writing becomes even more compelling.
Glad I purchased this book after reading about it in The Saturday Age
The challenges for the victim of such an assault are clearly outlined but when mixed with the pressures of everyday living on other members of the family and extended friendships that co-exist with such an assault, the writing becomes even more compelling.
Glad I purchased this book after reading about it in The Saturday Age
February 22, 2023
I liked this book, but not as much as The Mothers. The characters were written well and I liked the moral dilemma; However, I feel like it was too much of a ‘perfect’ ending. All stories don’t have to end positively and I think a stronger message could have been made if it ended differently. Otherwise, it was a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
January 20, 2024Picked up at op shop - returning to op shop. An easy read, but it felt over written and I wasn’t gripped by the story. It felt like it could have been cut in at least half. Very predictable and not much happened? A lot of tell not show…
I felt like there could have been a lot more character development, but this was missed with surface level stuff
I felt like there could have been a lot more character development, but this was missed with surface level stuff
April 24, 2023
What a great read, such a fabulous storyline.
A page-turning , gripping family drama which has you hoping everything will work out for the best.
Highly recommend.
A page-turning , gripping family drama which has you hoping everything will work out for the best.
Highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2023
This had potential but it didn’t eventuate 2.5 stars
March 4, 2024
A beautifully written story of how one family navigated the life changing impact of a tragic accident. Written is such a way that the reader glimpses into the heart of each character
April 11, 2023
I was hooked from the beginning & invested right to the very last page. I’m grateful for the epilogue to tie up the loose ends.
August 9, 2023
I wanted to love it, but some of the characters’ dialogue felt too unrealistic and it was jarring as a reader.
June 5, 2023
It was ok.
August 27, 2023
- thanks to @alleandunwin for a #gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I read Gannon's previous novel, The Mothers, back in 2020 when it was first published, and I still remember how thought-provoking it was. The Mothers explores super complex themes, forcing me to think about the intricacies of surrogacy and IVF in a completely different way. It suffices to say I expected nothing less of Gannon's new novel, The Giften Son. Sadly, my expectations were detrimental to my experience with this book.
Admittedly, my disappointment has to do with the fact that I was unable to avoid comparing my experiences with both novels.
The Gifted Son had a very promising beginning: Jamie, a 17-year-old boy, gets punched on the last day of school and faces being paraplegic. His and his family's storyline is interesting and very human: happy families can crumble in a second, anytime, anywhere. From this perspective, empathising with the characters did not suppose an effort.
Yet the narrative lacked the soul and nuance I observed and admired in Gannon's previous novel. The storytelling is passive, mundane and over-descriptive. There is a palpable intention to tackle significant social issues like bullying, privilege, and the very human obsession with status and social class, yet, even though the commentary is there, it is explicit and without any trust in the reader. This is, of course, a personal preference.
In addition, there was also a strong intention to create an atmosphere of mystery for the first half of the book when nobody knows who punched Jamie, but the mystery element was anything but subtle. When the 'culprit' identifies themselves, it goes along with an extremely long confession that makes a huge, instant contrast with the steady and monotonous first half of the book. And it does not work well.
Overall, The Gifted Son was not my cup of tea. I am fully aware that if I had not read The Mothers before it, I would have enjoyed it more: the comparison made it disappointing. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy Australian contemporary drama.
I read Gannon's previous novel, The Mothers, back in 2020 when it was first published, and I still remember how thought-provoking it was. The Mothers explores super complex themes, forcing me to think about the intricacies of surrogacy and IVF in a completely different way. It suffices to say I expected nothing less of Gannon's new novel, The Giften Son. Sadly, my expectations were detrimental to my experience with this book.
Admittedly, my disappointment has to do with the fact that I was unable to avoid comparing my experiences with both novels.
The Gifted Son had a very promising beginning: Jamie, a 17-year-old boy, gets punched on the last day of school and faces being paraplegic. His and his family's storyline is interesting and very human: happy families can crumble in a second, anytime, anywhere. From this perspective, empathising with the characters did not suppose an effort.
Yet the narrative lacked the soul and nuance I observed and admired in Gannon's previous novel. The storytelling is passive, mundane and over-descriptive. There is a palpable intention to tackle significant social issues like bullying, privilege, and the very human obsession with status and social class, yet, even though the commentary is there, it is explicit and without any trust in the reader. This is, of course, a personal preference.
In addition, there was also a strong intention to create an atmosphere of mystery for the first half of the book when nobody knows who punched Jamie, but the mystery element was anything but subtle. When the 'culprit' identifies themselves, it goes along with an extremely long confession that makes a huge, instant contrast with the steady and monotonous first half of the book. And it does not work well.
Overall, The Gifted Son was not my cup of tea. I am fully aware that if I had not read The Mothers before it, I would have enjoyed it more: the comparison made it disappointing. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy Australian contemporary drama.
January 1, 2025
A book that has all the build-up but none of the pay-off, The Gifted Son can be best summed with one word: disappointing.
The book started off strong as I experienced similarly with Inheritance, which was my Book of the Year in '24 and my first book from Gannon. However as it continued with the sub-plots being formed, character philosophies and logic being established and the 'paths' of the book being explored, the book increasingly lost me until the ending which I felt betrayed most if not all of what the book was trying to preach with an ending that makes as much sense as it was satisfying. I also noticed that the final acts of both Gifted Son and Inheritance was very similar and hope it's not a trend of how all of the final acts of Gannon's books transpire.
For those who want specifics, I'll rant with a quick overview of the plot - obviously huge spoilers:
The book started off strong as I experienced similarly with Inheritance, which was my Book of the Year in '24 and my first book from Gannon. However as it continued with the sub-plots being formed, character philosophies and logic being established and the 'paths' of the book being explored, the book increasingly lost me until the ending which I felt betrayed most if not all of what the book was trying to preach with an ending that makes as much sense as it was satisfying. I also noticed that the final acts of both Gifted Son and Inheritance was very similar and hope it's not a trend of how all of the final acts of Gannon's books transpire.
For those who want specifics, I'll rant with a quick overview of the plot - obviously huge spoilers:
Read
January 22, 2023Lillian's son Jamie is punched and knocked out on Muck-Up Day and is paralysed. From there the story unfolds that follows his friends, family and the Police.
This one seems to focus on a whole lot of other themes - rich vs poor, loss, revenge, bullying and family.
It's actually interesting where this one goes - I didn't expect it to unfold as it did.
Thank -you Allen and Unwin for sending me this copy to read and review.
This one seems to focus on a whole lot of other themes - rich vs poor, loss, revenge, bullying and family.
It's actually interesting where this one goes - I didn't expect it to unfold as it did.
Thank -you Allen and Unwin for sending me this copy to read and review.
March 9, 2023
Easy to read. Too easy to read - I was waiting for the punch at the end but it never came. Or, at least, it came to softly.
February 5, 2023
4.5★s
The Gifted Son is the fifth novel by Australian author, Genevieve Gannon. The audio version is narrated by Anna Hruby. It may be nearly eighteen years ago, but Lillian Hogarth hasn’t forgotten how she nearly lost her son, Jamie to leukaemia. And now, thanks to a school muck-up day mishap, he’s in hospital again, and she’s just as determined not to lose him. Her boy has shown so much promise, and she’s not ready to abandon the life ahead, whatever it takes.
A fractured arm and concussion are the least of his injuries: it’s the spinal fracture that’s the real worry. John Hogarth is just as determined to do what he can for his boy, but he can see that there are going to be huge costs attached to Jamie’s recovery, both psychological and practical, and that might be a problem. He needs to tell Lillian, but the opportunity doesn’t present… or is it John’s pride that stops him?
Jamie can remember heading off to school for his last day, but little after that. He hasn’t a clue what happened to put him into hospital with broken bones. And worse, if what he has overheard is true, but no one will tell him. It’s looking like he won’t be sitting exams, or attending the after party, or doing an internship at the local law firm, or surfing on his days off.
Jamie’s older sister Kate feels guilty that her focus has been on her career, and that she has ignored her family, the kid brother with whom she always clicked, and now she’s going to make up for that. It’s clear to her that Jamie’s best friend, Jez knows more about what happened than he’s saying. Katie is going to find out the truth: like her father, she wants to see the person who did this held responsible.
The police want to talk to Jez, one of the few witnesses to what happened to Jamie, but he has, so far, avoided them. He’s not sure he can lie convincingly under the steely gaze of Sergeant Hawke.
That sets the scene for a story carried by multiple narratives. Jamie’s recovery journey and the progress towards learning the truth of what actually happened is presented from several perspectives. The story does drag a bit and, by the two thirds mark, John’s failure to tell Lillian about that problem they have is starting to stretch the bounds of credibility.
Jez’s idea of loyalty to his best friend is also difficult to accept, and the police investigation seems to be staggeringly inefficient. Jamie’s epiphany about his recovery is a clutching-at-straws that is perhaps believable in the face of his desperation to regain his charmed life. His eventual reality check is realistically handled.
Gannon’s setting is flawlessly depicted; her characters are much more than one-dimensional and their development as they face their challenges is convincing. Her story explores the idea of wealth, privilege, and the levelling effect of tragedy. The bullying culture at exclusive schools also features. A thought-provoking and compelling read.
The Gifted Son is the fifth novel by Australian author, Genevieve Gannon. The audio version is narrated by Anna Hruby. It may be nearly eighteen years ago, but Lillian Hogarth hasn’t forgotten how she nearly lost her son, Jamie to leukaemia. And now, thanks to a school muck-up day mishap, he’s in hospital again, and she’s just as determined not to lose him. Her boy has shown so much promise, and she’s not ready to abandon the life ahead, whatever it takes.
A fractured arm and concussion are the least of his injuries: it’s the spinal fracture that’s the real worry. John Hogarth is just as determined to do what he can for his boy, but he can see that there are going to be huge costs attached to Jamie’s recovery, both psychological and practical, and that might be a problem. He needs to tell Lillian, but the opportunity doesn’t present… or is it John’s pride that stops him?
Jamie can remember heading off to school for his last day, but little after that. He hasn’t a clue what happened to put him into hospital with broken bones. And worse, if what he has overheard is true, but no one will tell him. It’s looking like he won’t be sitting exams, or attending the after party, or doing an internship at the local law firm, or surfing on his days off.
Jamie’s older sister Kate feels guilty that her focus has been on her career, and that she has ignored her family, the kid brother with whom she always clicked, and now she’s going to make up for that. It’s clear to her that Jamie’s best friend, Jez knows more about what happened than he’s saying. Katie is going to find out the truth: like her father, she wants to see the person who did this held responsible.
The police want to talk to Jez, one of the few witnesses to what happened to Jamie, but he has, so far, avoided them. He’s not sure he can lie convincingly under the steely gaze of Sergeant Hawke.
That sets the scene for a story carried by multiple narratives. Jamie’s recovery journey and the progress towards learning the truth of what actually happened is presented from several perspectives. The story does drag a bit and, by the two thirds mark, John’s failure to tell Lillian about that problem they have is starting to stretch the bounds of credibility.
Jez’s idea of loyalty to his best friend is also difficult to accept, and the police investigation seems to be staggeringly inefficient. Jamie’s epiphany about his recovery is a clutching-at-straws that is perhaps believable in the face of his desperation to regain his charmed life. His eventual reality check is realistically handled.
Gannon’s setting is flawlessly depicted; her characters are much more than one-dimensional and their development as they face their challenges is convincing. Her story explores the idea of wealth, privilege, and the levelling effect of tragedy. The bullying culture at exclusive schools also features. A thought-provoking and compelling read.
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