His Father's Son - Tony Black

Joey Driscol went to Australia to make a new life for himself and his wife Shauna, trying to leave behind their problems in their homeland of Ireland. They've got a lovely young son now, Marti. However, we soon discover that their life is far from joyful and they are both still weighed down in their own ways by the memories and events in the past, with little communication between them, the happiness all but gone from their relationship. This uneasy situation culminates in Shauna taking Marti away one day, leaving Joey without the best thing in his life, his son. When he discovers where they have gone - back to Ireland - it's an enormous challenge for him to return there and meet again the family he hasn't seen for years, but one he has to face if he is going to see Marti and Shauna again.

This was a compelling, at times very sad story that is full of raw emotion, difficult relationships, fierce love and the highs and lows of life. The author writes movingly about what matters in life, and about how people can carry hurt from the past with them for many years without really facing it, trying to protect themselves and paper over the cracks but becoming susceptible to pain and depression as the worries and ghosts persist inside. The depth of love Joey feels for his dear son Marti, and the strain of having to revisit the past, is strongly evoked, and I felt for them all as I read. The characters were very well drawn and came powerfully to life, most of all Joey and Marti, and also Shauna who is battling the Black Dog. I think I would have liked to have known even more about her; having said that I felt that the focus of the story was right, with Joey and Marti's experiences foremost, and Shauna's thoughts seen through extracts from her diary, read by Joey. We learn of how each of them feels about, and views, the situation, the contrast in their perceptions, and the experiences of all three of them are important to the story. I could feel the awful pain when Joey realised Marti had gone and what he must do, and I could feel the anxiety and confusion as Marti tried to get to grips with his new surroundings in Ireland. I felt I knew Joey most of all though, the things that brought him immense happiness and the things that were a source of great sadness. 

I became involved in the book and willed things to go well for them, for this little family of three. The sense of place in both settings of Australia and Ireland felt real to me, and the use of vernacular language at times added to the authenticity of the characters. There is an element of mystery to the tale too; what happened in the past and what will happen in the future?

His Father's Son is beautifully written; a thoughtful and poignant read with an immense honesty about the writing. I felt the author wrote with a deep understanding of individuals and of family relationships and the story held many truths about how dark times in the past can haunt us and threaten our present, and the strength it requires in order to face that past.  Despite the intense, emotional nature of the story overall, there are light touches too and there is humour and innocence. A powerful, moving book.

Source: proof copy, many thanks
Publisher: Black and White
Author links: twitter @tonyblackuk | website
Other reviews: Liz Loves Books | Random Things |

Bellman and Black - Diane Setterfield

William Bellman is just past his tenth birthday when he takes aims at a rook with his catapult; despite the seemingly impossible distance, the target is indeed met and the bird struck dead. Though he doesn’t dwell on it, this unsettling moment is set to ultimately shape and overshadow William’s whole future existence. 

He works hard and becomes a successful mill owner and happy family man with a lovely wife and children, seemingly very fortunate, but then his world is hit by terrible tragedy and loss. He notices a curious, inscrutable figure appearing in the graveyard, dressed all in black, and interprets that they have made an incredible agreement that will help him retain what still matters to him. As a result, William becomes creator of a shop devoted to everything relating to mourning on a grand scale. William pours himself utterly into his work, suppressing feelings and memories of what has gone before. But he is somehow haunted and can never be rid of his past.

The rook is a portent, a symbol throughout the story, always hovering, lurking, lingering, seemingly influencing Bellman’s path, and redressing the balance. More about the nature of the rook and its character is revealed in short asides interspersed throughout the novel.

I found this a dark, atmospheric and unusual Victorian tale depicting a man’s glorious rise and tragic fall; cleverly written and structured, it made me think about the joy and sadness of life. William is hardworking, caring and likeable, yet he is transformed into a shadow of his former self. The gradual unfolding of events, the shadowy, ghostlike figure of Black and the discovery of Bellman’s destiny all rendered this an intriguing, mysterious and compulsive read. 

Published by Orion

Originally reviewed for lovereading.co.uk, thanks to them and the publisher for an advance proof copy of this book to read and give an honest review. 

See the thoughts of other lovereading reviewers here.