My thanks to Guy and Alison at Newbooks magazine for an advanced reading copy of this book.
The Good Father
by
Noah Hawley
Doubleday Books (20 Mar 2012) |
My Review 5 stars *****
When Doctor Paul Allen sits down
to eat pizza and watch television with his family, he is shocked by the news
report that a political assassin has shot a promising US senator. He is
appalled to discover that the alleged perpetrator of this crime is Paul’s own
son, Danny. To have the crime and the person responsible for the crime,
displayed at the very beginning of the story, sets the pace for an unusual
psychological thriller, which is as much about the very nature of political
assassinations, as it is about the father and son relationship.
The story grips from the very
beginning, we sense the growing desperation as Paul frantically tries to
discover what could have turned his gentle son into a cold blooded killer, and
yet we also sympathise with Danny, as with increasing unease, the
dissatisfaction with his world is revealed.
Noah Hawley has created a very
believable set of characters and events, and whilst he undoubtedly has the
necessary skill as a story teller, it is his ability to dissect the minutiae of
psychological profiles that keep the reader engrossed from beginning to end. The
dialogue is crisp and precise, yet never seeks to sensationalise the growing
sense of disbelief, nor does it compromise on the ability to deliver a cracking
good read.
This story of fragmented lives,
combined with parental culpability makes The
Good Father a perfect book group read. There is much to ponder, as the
overwhelming question of whether Paul Allen was truly a Good Father remains
enigmatic through to the very end.
It's a great read for a sunny Saturday and I'm sure this is going to be one of my best reads of 2012.
It's a great read for a sunny Saturday and I'm sure this is going to be one of my best reads of 2012.
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