The Good Son

By: Michael Gruber

Narrated by: Neil Shah

Length: 17 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author Michael Gruber, a member of the elite ranks of those who can both “chill the blood and challenge the mind” (Denver Post), delivers a taut, multilayered, riveting novel of suspense.

Somewhere in Pakistan, Sonia Laghari and eight fellow members of a symposium on peace are being held captive by armed terrorists. Laghari, a deeply religious woman as well as a Jungian psychologist, has become the de facto leader of the kidnapped group. While her son, Theo, an ex-Delta soldier, uses his military connections to find and free the victims, Sonia Laghari tries to keep them all alive by working her way into the kidnappers’ psyches and interpreting their dreams. With her knowledge of their language, her familiarity with their religion, and her Jungian training, she confounds her captors with her insights and beliefs. When the kidnappers decide to kill their captives one by one, in retaliation for perceived crimes against their country, Theo races against the clock to try and save their lives.

©2010 Michael Gruber (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Superb….the brilliant character development and labyrinthine plot line, not to mention the absorbing history of modern jihadism and the U.S. war on terrorism, make this a provocative thriller that readers won't soon forget.” ( Publishers Weekly)

“Gruber leaves his own mark on the thriller scene.” ( New York Times)

“Gruber weaves the threads together masterfully while successfully exploring themes of family, duty, loyalty, cultural identity and more, without ever slowing the momentum. Smart, tense and vastly entertaining.” ( Kirkus Reviews)

And your mother did what???

after reading several books re arabic stories which try to explain cultural differences, I wasn't sure I wanted to read another one, however this story is very entertaning and keeps the reader interested in what happens next. the story seems to have insight into the ailenation sometimes experienced by children raised in two very different cultures. the mother character may be an offshoot of the ancient chinese curse paraphrased into "May you have an interesting mother." the ending is a bit of fantasy but who is say that fiction cannot do that , certainly not me. I recommend it a worth the time for the story and the charactersd.

HB's review of The Good Son

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Some of the characters were expendable and did not really serve any purpose. The plot was good but could have been crisper and faster moving if the redundant portions were edited.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Bit abrupt. It all happened too quickly. No build up. Absolute opposite of the whole book which was a huge build up leading to a specific event.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Neil Shah?

Yes I will give it another shot as his narration had nothing to do with the minus points of the story or the drag at some places.

Do you think The Good Son needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I think so because of the abrupt ending and two such volatile individuals coming together raises the question - what next?

Any additional comments?

This was my first audio book and the fact that it kept my interest alive was enough to give it a thumbs up.

its got it all

great story, you learn a ton about Pakistan & Afghanistan, and very good narration. One of -- if not the -- best of the now 42 Audible books I've done

More more more unabridged Gruber

Great job producing ‘The Good Son’... Hope you are working on unabridged audibles of ‘Tropic of Night, Valley of Bones, and ‘Night of The Jaguar’

Sensational Thriller

Theo, the son of Sona Laghari, learned that his mother and fellow passengers who were traveling by bus to a conference on peace, had been captured by several jihadists of Pakistan.

Theo did not remember his mother because other family members did not agree with her political or religious beliefs. She had been forced to flee and did so with the help of an old man. She dressed to emulate a boy and made it to freedom after a long and arduous journey. She became a pro and able to slip in and out of countries without problems. However, Sona knew that Pakistan was where she wanted to be.

Theo's father was living in the United States and it was while Theo lived with him that he found out the truth of why his mother had not been able to raise him. Therefore, when he became aware that his mother was now a Pakistani prisoner, Theo had to try and rescue her and the other's.

Theo was an ex-Delta soldier and was familiar with Afghanistan and Pakistan. Theo was able to learn where they were being held because of his familiarity and ties with Delta force.

The novel was quite a thriller. The narrator, Neil Shah, was excellent. His characterizations were very well done. He made you able to become a part of the story. The author, Michael Gruber, provided the reader with such descriptive language that you were able to visualize and encapsulate what you read.

You will not be disappointed if you decide to purchase this book. The Good Son was a great listen. The characters played their roles well. There was never a dull moment.

Intricate plot lines

Bruner must have done hours of research for this involved story told fro three characters points of view

Gets good at the end

3 good chapters at the end. Not a thriller more of a fictional insight into Muslim and middle eastern politics.

another world, another people and a great listen

if you are a fan of Michael Gruber he has a way of bringing a different land, culture and people into his books. the detail on the Koran and the practices of Islam is incredible. the characters have depth and you can relate to them even if you have nothing in common. A great book.

Ponderous would-be thriller

What I was expecting was fast paced action. What I got was a wordy, slow paced tale as the author diverged to philosophize and pontificate about politics, religion, psychology, and much more. My attention drifted in and out until (finally) it ended.

Worst book I have read in a long time.

Came across this book on a list of recommended summer reads, suggested it to my book club, and it was selected as this month's book. I finished the book only as penance for having recommended it to friends. The book has a ham-handed narrative that uses lame excuses for protracted narrative of one aspect of this convoluted story line or another. The extended telling of the protagonist's life story is only interrupted by occasional questions to his patience girl friend asking if she is bored yet. I wanted to shout that I was, indeed, very, very bored. My favorite moment in this endless life story is when the girl friends says she has to go pee...