Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
The Better Son
The Better Son | Katherine Johnson
4 posts | 4 read | 3 to read
1952. Tasmania. The green, rolling hills of the dairy town Mole Creek have a dark underside - a labyrinthine underworld of tunnels that stretch for countless miles, caverns the size of cathedrals and underground rivers that flood after heavy rain. The caves are dangerous places, forbidden to children. But this is Tasmania - an island at the end of the earth. Here, rules are made to be broken. For two young brothers, a hidden cave a short walk from the family farm seems the perfect escape from their abusive, shell-shocked father - until the older brother goes missing. Fearful of his father, nine-year-old Kip lies about what happened. It is a decision that will haunt him for the rest of his life. Fifty years later, Kip - now an award-winning scientist - has a young son of his own, but cannot look at him without seeing his lost brother, Tommy. On a mission of atonement, he returns to the cave they called Kubla to discover if it's ever too late to set things right. To have a second chance. To be the father he never had. The Better Son is a richly imaginative and universal story about the danger of secrets, the beauty in forgiveness and the enthralling power of Tasmania's unique natural landscapes.
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
review
AntoinetteBuchanan
The Better Son | Katherine Johnson
post image
Pickpick

Beyond the plot, this has a very recognisable depiction of living with a returned serviceman. While my father was nowhere near as brutal (or cowardly) as Harold, I recognise the rage and the violent impulses. I also recognise the fear of the child manifest in adulthood. 4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

15 likes1 stack add
blurb
AntoinetteBuchanan
The Better Son | Katherine Johnson
post image

On the car stereo today, The Better Son by Katherine Johnson. Half way through and I feel so much for Kip. And the description of the father‘s PTSD behaviour is so spot on I‘ve caught my breath many times with the recognition. My father was not brutal as Harold but I recognise his pain and his actions. #libraries #books #reading #aww2019 #bookstagram #audiobooks

review
Abailliekaras
The Better Son | Katherine Johnson
post image
Pickpick

A story of brothers growing up in Tasmania in the 1950s. When tragedy strikes, Kip the younger brother struggles with the truth and his father‘s wrath. Katherine Johnson is a good storyteller: this reads easily, with well-drawn characters & I was compelled to finish it in one sitting. It was depressing though & I found the scenes inside the cave tunnels claustrophobic! #booksinthewild #uncannyoctober

40 likes1 stack add
review
Teresereading
The Better Son | Katherine Johnson
Pickpick

I loved The Better Son. It's set in my home town and so evocative of the community and the karst landscape. I gave it yo a friend who also loved it to bits. One of my top reads of the year. Highly recommended.