The Son

The Son cover
Good Books rating 3.92
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Technical
  • ID: 4168
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781448161102
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2014-04-10
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Sonny, a model prisoner, spends his time listening to and absolving the sins of fellow inmates. However, one confession shatters his world, revealing a life built on lies. Determined to uncover the truth about his disgraced father, Sonny breaks out of prison, setting off a chain of violent events. His quest for revenge leads him to confront those responsible for his family's downfall, painting a disturbing picture of corruption and deceit in Oslo. /n/n Jo Nesbo, a bestselling author with over 50 million books sold worldwide, delivers a tense and gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The Son is a thrilling exploration of betrayal, vengeance, and the murky side of justice.

Reviews
Andes Gazette · 2023-06-30
intriguing 3.75

The novel is complex and violent, with a demanding plot that is difficult to follow at times. The psychological and philosophical depth adds to its intrigue.

The reviewer from Andes Gazette notes that 'The Son' is a complex and violent novel that delves deep into psychological and philosophical themes. The plot is demanding and, at times, difficult to follow, but this complexity adds to the novel's intrigue. The reviewer appreciates the author's skill in creating a multi-layered narrative that keeps readers engaged. However, they also acknowledge that the novel's complexity may not be suitable for all readers, particularly those who prefer a more straightforward plot. The reviewer highlights the novel's exploration of themes such as revenge, corruption, and the impact of a corrupt system on an individual's life, praising the author's ability to create a compelling and thought-provoking tale.


Quick quotes

    The Son is a complex, violent, psychologically and philosophically acute novel, in which the plotting is so demanding and, frequently, difficult to follow.

    The novel's exploration of themes such as revenge, corruption, and the impact of a corrupt system on an individual's life is particularly noteworthy.

    Nesbø's ability to create a multi-layered narrative that keeps readers engaged is commendable.

Mike Finns Fiction · Mike Finn · 2020-09-30
highly recommended 4.50

The novel is a great example of a crime thriller, with a plot that emerges like a train out of night-time snow. The suspense is sustained throughout, making it a gripping read.

Mike Finn highly recommends 'The Son' as a prime example of a well-crafted crime thriller. He praises the novel's ability to build suspense and keep readers hooked until the very end. The plot, which emerges like a train out of night-time snow, is both compelling and unpredictable. Finn appreciates the author's skill in creating a fast-moving narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. He also notes that the novel's exploration of themes such as revenge, corruption, and the impact of a corrupt system on an individual's life adds depth to the story. However, he acknowledges that the novel's dark and violent portrayal of Norway's underbelly may not be suitable for all readers.


Quick quotes

    'The Son' is a great example of how to write a crime thriller. The plot emerges like a train out of night-time snow, growing bigger and more ...

    The book maintains sustained suspense throughout, with a fast-moving plot that keeps readers hooked until the final surprise.

    Nesbø's ability to create a compelling and thought-provoking tale is commendable.

The Guardian · Ursula K. Le Guin · 2014-05-15
dark 3.50

The novel explores themes of revenge and corruption through a complex narrative. The protagonist's journey is both compelling and unsettling.

Ursula K. Le Guin delves into the dark and twisted world of 'The Son', highlighting the author's skill in weaving a tale of revenge and corruption. The protagonist, Sonny Lofthus, is a model prisoner with a dark secret, and his journey is both compelling and unsettling. Le Guin praises the author's ability to create a complex narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The novel's exploration of themes such as revenge, corruption, and the impact of a corrupt system on an individual's life is particularly noteworthy. However, the reviewer also notes that the novel's bleak portrayal of Norway's underbelly may not be suitable for all readers.


Quick quotes

    Sonny Lofthus is a model prisoner in a model prison – except that he's a well-supplied heroin addict at the beck and call of a corrupt system.

    The Son is a gripping tale of revenge and corruption, with a protagonist who is both sympathetic and unsettling.

    Nesbø's exploration of the dark underbelly of Norway is both compelling and bleak.

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