Acton reviewed The son by Philipp Meyer
Review of 'The son' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
In this tome, Philipp Meyer has created an excellent historical novel and family saga. The overriding theme of this Texan history is that there were no innocent cultures; violence and theft were ways of surviving. Fortunately, this saga manages not to be weighed down with too many characters, despite the fact that it covers five generations of the McCullough clan. It would be hard for me to like most of these people, and yet they are complicated, all with their own experiences and perspectives. Meyer does give us one character who is very likable, though, in Peter McCullough. Peter's point of view contrasts with that of the family around him and adds even more tension and interest to this story. Also, I felt that the ending was perfect, with the added bonus of giving this tale wonderful symmetry.
In this tome, Philipp Meyer has created an excellent historical novel and family saga. The overriding theme of this Texan history is that there were no innocent cultures; violence and theft were ways of surviving. Fortunately, this saga manages not to be weighed down with too many characters, despite the fact that it covers five generations of the McCullough clan. It would be hard for me to like most of these people, and yet they are complicated, all with their own experiences and perspectives. Meyer does give us one character who is very likable, though, in Peter McCullough. Peter's point of view contrasts with that of the family around him and adds even more tension and interest to this story. Also, I felt that the ending was perfect, with the added bonus of giving this tale wonderful symmetry.
