The Son

By: Jo Nesbø

Narrated by: Sean Barrett

Length: 14 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Sonny's on the run. Sonny is a model prisoner. He listens to the confessions of other inmates, and absolves them of their sins. He's been lied to his whole life. But then one prisoner’s confession changes everything. He knows something about Sonny’s disgraced father. Sonny wants revenge. He needs to break out of prison and make those responsible pay for their crimes. Whatever the cost.

©2014 Jo Nesbo. English translation copyright © Charlotte Barslund 2014. (P)2014 Isis Publishing Ltd, Random House Audiobooks

A fine fine Nesbo!

Perhaps his best work yet, full of characters, wry humor, twisty plot. Makes the underworld of Oslo breathe it’s fetid corruption through the story; contrasted with the purity of the protagonist. A damn good book narrated masterfully!

LOL Funny

No, Jo Nesbø's book, The Son, is not a comedy. In fact, it is filled with the drama, suspense, mystery and surprise that make him such a great author. But I have always enjoyed his twist of phrase, metaphors and wonderful use of language. Listening to The Son while I was wandering through a book store I heard one of his great characters, Kalle, say "But ultimately it was about getting the work/life balance right". And I did, in fact, laugh out loud. Why? You'l have to listen to the book to find out.

The Son takes place in familiar settings (Oslo) with some familiar groups (Crime Squad, Kripos) but with new and complicated characters.

Although there were a few moments that tested my credulity, this was another Nesbø book that I just could't put down!

Everything melds together so well

The storyline leaves you guessing at each turn. Excellent work. I’m off to buy the next one.

This book is a Must! Exceptional

What made the experience of listening to The Son the most enjoyable?

This is my first Jo Nesbo book and I couldn't stop listening.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I constantly went back to listen to this book every break that I got.

Less talk, more action please!

Nesbo & Barrett combo guarantee pretty good entertainment and, if you're a fan of either of them, you won't regret this purchase. Having said that, I must warn you that "The Son" is far worse than any of the Harry Hole instalments.

Publisher's summary says "Sonny wants revenge. He needs to break out of prison and make those responsible pay for their crimes. Whatever the cost."

I'm halfway through the book and got no idea what is the main protagonist trying to do and who is he after. It feels like this "revenge" is a side dish to him strolling in the streets of Oslo and discovering the world again after 12 years of imprisonment. The plot is somewhat diluted with meaningless scenes and dialogs, good enough to make me want to listen it till the end, otherwise nothing special.

If they'll ever make a movie based on this novel, I recommend Jason Statham for the main role. It'll fit his acting skills.

Excellent

Where does The Son rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Definately one of my favourites from Jo Nesbo.

What other book might you compare The Son to and why?

Can't really compare but The Son is up there with anything written by Mo Hayder and Michael Robotham for me!

Have you listened to any of Sean Barrett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have listened to many books narrated by Sean Barrett, I love his deep, rich voice, he is one of my favourites. This is one of his best!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definately, I didn't want stop listening until it finished, really kept me on toes!

Any additional comments?

This is an excellent book, you really feel for Sonny - Jo Nesbo has really created an interesting and complex character in Sonny.

The story is completely unrealistic.

What did you love best about The Son?

Would you be willing to try another book from Jo Nesbo? Why or why not?

I was disappointed but maybe

What about Sean Barrett’s performance did you like?

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Any additional comments?

Fantastic as always

I really enjoyed this one. Jo Nesbo is a great, suspenseful writer. Of course it's a little unbelievable, but still great escapism. I do miss Harry Hole though, however it's nice to have a new character who isn't as troubled as Harry, well at least not quite!

at his best

Would you consider the audio edition of The Son to be better than the print version?

Sean Barret adds a great deal to the experience. He is excellent.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Son?

the achievement of the book is its flawless structure so that each event builds to the finale.

Which character – as performed by Sean Barrett – was your favorite?

I was convinced by all the major characters. They were written and narrated so expertly that I empathised with most of them, but Simon was probably the one I sympathised with most.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely. I wanted to prolong driving, cooking anything to get a bit further in the story.

Absolutely thrilling all the way. What a ride

Seldom have I been so captivated. The different voices used really added to the enjoyment. I will listen to his other books without a doubt.