I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Magnificent Sons by Justin Myers Published by Piatkus on May 28, 2020
Genres: Fiction
Pages: 320
Format: E-Arc
Source: Netgalley
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Two brothers. Two different journeys. The same hope of a magnificent future.
Jake D'Arcy has spent most of his twenty-nine years trying to get his life just right. He's nearly there: great girlfriend, great friends, stable job. A distant relationship with his boisterous family - which is exactly the way he wants it. So why does everything feel so wrong?
When his popular, irritatingly confident teenage brother Trick comes out as gay to a rapturous response, Jake realises he has questions about his own repressed bisexuality, and that he can't wait any longer to find his answers.
As Trick begins to struggle with navigating the murky waters of adult relationships, Jake begins a journey that will destroy his relationship with girlfriend Amelia, challenge his closest friendships, and force him to face up to the distance between him and his family - but offers new friends, fewer inhibitions, and a glimpse of the magnificent life he never thought could be his.
The Magnificent Sons tells the tale of two very different brothers, searching for the life they want - and for the person they want to be. Fans of The Last Romeo will delight in the same wicked sense of humour, for this timely coming-of-age story is as wise as it is witty and as sharply observed as it is deeply moving.
There was one line of The Magnificent Sons that stood out for me ‘Don’t get me wrong, labels can be destructive and restrictive, but they also help you define yourself.’ And even though I finished reading this a little while ago, that line is still with me.
Jake, is a character who you can click with easily. Someone who has been trying to fit in all his life and repress his true feeling. But now he’s nearly thirty he’s realised that this is not enough and needs to be honest with himself. This was a moving read that looks at sibling rivalry, sexuality. And the pain, confusion and family tensions that comes with it.
There was something magical and compelling in watching the story of these two brothers unfold. Both at the start of their journeys. Both unsure of what life holds for them. And both at different stages of their lives that impacts how they feel. Also it was interesting to see how one was more accepted than the other by the people who know and love them. And even with people they love accepting them having labels put on them.
Perhaps most importantly The Magnificent Sons shows that before others accept you, you need to accept yourself and what you want. Because without that other will put a label on you and it may be not the one you want. But more importantly no matter what age you can still come of age!
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