The Perfect Son

by Barbara Claypole White

From a distance, Felix Fitzwilliam, the son of an old English family, is a good husband and father. But, obsessed with order and routine, he’s a prisoner to perfection. Disengaged from the emotional life of his North Carolina family, Felix has let his wife, Ella, deal with their special-needs son by herself.

A talented jewelry designer turned full-time mother, Ella is the family rock…until her heart attack shatters their carefully structured existence. Now Harry, a gifted teen grappling with the chaos of Tourette’s, confronts a world outside his parents’ control, one that tests his desire for independence.

As Harry searches for his future, and Ella adapts to the limits of her failing health, Felix struggles with his past and present roles. To prevent the family from being ripped apart, they must each bend with the inevitability of change and reinforce the ties that bind.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Book Club, Family, Womens Fiction, Adult Fiction

386 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2015

About the author

Bestselling author Barbara Claypole White writes hopeful family drama with a healthy dose of mental illness. Originally from England, she lives in the forests of North Carolina with her beloved of thirty years, the Prof. She is passionate about her family, her garden, and chipping away at the stereotypes and stigma of OCD--a chronic illness her husband and son both battle. They are her real life heroes.

Barbara's novels include: THE UNFINISHED GARDEN (2013 Golden Quill Best First Book); THE IN-BETWEEN HOUR (Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Winter 2014 Okra Pick); THE PERFECT SON (Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee for Best Fiction 2015); ECHOES OF FAMILY (finalist for the Women's Fiction Writers Association 2017 Star Award); and THE PROMISE BETWEEN US, a 2018 Nautilus Book Awards Winner and 2019 American Fiction Awards Finalist.

She is currently hard at work on novel six, THE GIN CLUB.

To connect with Barbara, visit www.barbaraclaypolewhite.com.

Reviews

[Elyse Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felix is an investment banker - somewhat rigid with OCD perfectionists qualities.
He needs order, and rules in his life. He's a workaholic who functions best
his to-do lists He has left the domestic and parent duties to his wife Ella.

Ella, has been the loving caretaker to her son for the past 17 years ...she's been the 'Super-Mom'.
Their son, Harry is brilliant and handsome. He is a Junior in high school he also has
Tourette's and other neurological disorders Ella has been the type of mother who never
depressed his enthusiasm for life. She encouraged him in all areas of life socially and academically.

Ella has a heart attack....her condition is critical, and she needs to take time to rest and recuperate in the hospital. Felix must step in. He know so little of how to really connect and support his son.
It's not that Felix doesn't love his son and wife ... he is just so lost .... even somewhat of
a loner. Felix makes the biggest growth in this story. In a way...he has as many challenges
as his son ( just different ones).
Neighbors - and women offer to help Felix and Harry. Felix has to make adjustments with
work, and learn an entire new way of being.
We learn more about Felix's childhood... (some abuse),.. a brother he loved very much and died, and we begin to understand and have more compassion for his challenges.

Harry is a terrific young kid. He seems to accept his 'several' disorders and who he is
even though he is aware of his own disruptive outbursts.

This family is dealing with the possibility of a fatal situation with Ella, and mental, emotional
and neurological issues at home ...( with father and son learning how to understand and love
each other).
Sensitive themes- sad, sweet & tender , yet also a few good belly laughs.
Squirrels seem to be in my space lately...( not only in my yard...but showing up in stories I've read). A very funny 'squirrel' scene in this book too

This is a beautiful family story, with neighbors who can kick ass.
And ....for a surprise treat: A wonderful belly laugh with a scene about squirrels.

Thank You to Lake Union Publishing, Netgalley, and author Barbara Claypole White. (Wonderful storytelling and conversations among the characters)

[Esil · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars (it was a solid 4 stars until the last 3 or 4 chapters). I read The Perfect Son on a whim. I have a very long reading list, lots of books in the "must get to immediately" queue, but couldn't quite figure out what I wanted to read next. Then I read Elyse's review of The Perfect Son, got curious and downloaded it immediately. I started reading the first few pages to see if this was the right book to fit my restless reading mood, and the next thing I knew I was immersed and hooked. The Perfect Son focuses on three members of a family living in Durham, North Carolina -- Ella the stay at home mother, Felix the British expat father and investment banker, and Harry the 17 year old son with Tourette's and ADHD. At the beginning of the book, Ella has a massive heart attack and is incapacitated and hospitalized, and Felix and Harry have to rework their relationship -- which until then was fairly distant and mediated through Ella. The story is told from all three points of view, although Felix gets more air time and Ella very little. The concept is simple and the execution verges on sentimental-- especially at the end --but there's something about Harry and Felix and their developing relationship that works well and that I found moving. Harry despite his conditions is depicted as the insightful one, trying to cut through his father's seriousness and defences to forge a connection -- at times there was something a bit too good to be true about him although he was very endearing. But it was Felix who really made this book for me. His inner struggle to get beyond his quick anger and rigid impulses is very well depicted -- his abusive father, his lingering grief over his dead older brother, his love for Ella, his self loathing at the conflicted emotions Harry stirs up in him, his emotional tone deafness all make for an alternatingly funny, sad, exasperating and very readable inner monologue. I wanted to tell Felix to calm down, to strangle him and to hug him in no particular order. The message is a bit gimmicky but well done -- people like Felix who on the surface seem "normal" can carry a lot more emotional baggage than people who have conditions like Harry. The end is a bit weak, too tidy and full out sentimental, but overall this was just the right book for me right now -- satisfying and emotionally engaging. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read The Perfect Son.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 50% of this book was a solid 2.5 stars. Utterly "meh", completely forgettable, and I was only plugging along because it was part of a reading challenge. I couldn't believe this was a 2015 GoodReads nominee for Best Fiction (makes me think that more people need to expand their reading horizons!)

Thankfully the book picked up and actually got me thinking. Lots of good food for thought about accepting one's children for who they are, letting go, how easy it is for a marriage to become stale, etc. I still don't think it deserved to be a Best Fiction nominee, but it moved up a whole point from 2.5 to 3.5 for me.

[Paige P · Rating 1 out of 5]

By the description of The Perfect Son by Barbara Claypole White, I thought I would love it, but sadly I was disappointed and could not make myself finish the book. The story is about a family coping through the heart attack of an over controlling mother, a neurotic father and a brillant son diagnosed with ADHD and Tourette's. I found the characters complete exaggerations of people with these diagnoses and I felt that this book added to the stigmatism of real people living with these challenges. I am the parent of a son that was diagnosed with Tourette's that has overcome so much in his life. This book would certainly make any person with Tourette's feel more like a freak than a person with the challenge of not always having control of their movements. I felt that the author exploited these conditions and made the characters exaggerated and ridulous. I would not recommend this book to anyone.

[Nick Pageant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Another great BR with Alona. If you want to read a good book, read with Alona. I've become convinced she improves the quality of the books she reads.

So, this was really lovely. It's all about fathers and sons and what it means to be a parent. I really loved it. I had to take off one star because it does move quite slowly at times, but the payoff was worth it.

[Barbara Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a box of fine chocolates, Barbara Claypole White’s latest novel will leave you wanting to savor each and every page. The Perfect Son is a witty, poignant, and sometimes irreverent story about a family in crisis, peopled with characters we--sometimes surprisingly—find ourselves falling in love with as they struggle to reinvent themselves in the face of terrifying trials. This author pulls no punches when dealing with her character’s flaws, stripping away easy stereotypes and misconceptions to expose the real-world challenges of dealing with mental illness and psychological scars. As always, she has created a delightfully rich cast of characters I will miss as if I actually know them—because I do.

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gifted and talented writer, Barbara Claypole White delivers a poignant and complex story of a flawed yet remarkable family, THE PERFECT SON --unglued from life’s tragedies. A journey of finding their way back to some sense of normal; while facing their imperfections with the help of one another, love, family, friends, and a compassionate neighbor. Stepping outside your comfort zone!

A heart-warming story of love --Ella and Felix met while she fainted in his arms on the tube in London years before. Later she returns to the US and reunites with Felix, and years later marrying and settling in the states in Durham, NC with son Harry. Cultured rigid non-emotion England, meets laid-back, social Southern style NC (now this brings humor and entertainment, in itself).

Felix, the father has many issues, baggage and emotional damage from his abused childhood; Scarred, anxious, fearful, and a rigid perfectionist, and OCD to the max! He is a prisoner inside his own body. His life revolves around order, perfection, demands, rules, lists, and making sure he is financially responsible for the care of his family, providing nothing but the best.

As an investment banker, he is a workaholic and leaves the domestic issues to his wife. His gay brother Tom, whom he loved dearly which came to his side often as a boy, died of AIDS, and he misses his presence.

Ella, wife, and mother, a former successful jewelry designer, is loving, caring, and a perfect match for Felix. She is the rock, the anchor, supporting the family and Felix relies on her to care for their neurological son’s needs.

Harry has Tourette syndrome (TS), an inherited neuropsychiatric disorder with onset in childhood, characterized by multiple physical (motor) tics, with other emotional and disruptive behavior.

Harry is funny, witty, carefree and loves his mom. He is brilliant with almost perfect score on SAT, and his dad lives for him to attend Harvard to follow the path he has set forth. Harry also likes routine, but not so much in the order and perfectionist category like his dad. They butt heads quite often, and his mom is always in the middle to smooth the rough edges, between the two.

Harry is highly intelligent, now a junior in high school, with a fun trustworthy and loyal friend Max. He is not good in social settings, and his behavior grinds on his dad’s nerves. His dad has no patience, and he is unable to deal with more than a few moments alone with his son.

When a tragedy occurs, with Ella-a heart attack, the entire family falls apart, shattering piece by piece. While Ella is recovering, both fathers have to find a way to manage, cope and survive without Ella's help. They are beyond distraught. How will these two survive without killing one another? Who will take care of Harry’s needs?

The father and son go through some horrific, rough times on their journey to finding their way back. They may find strength in one another, with the help of witty, lesbian southern friend and neighbor, Kathrine, and best friend, Max.

With viewpoints and voices from each, we hear from Ella, Felix, and Harry for a riveting and emotional journey, of learning to let go. Embracing change, and learning to live —giving up control, old ways, and opening your heart, mind, and soul. While discovering the real meaning of life, and at the same time, find unexpected fulfillment, hope, and joy.

Wow, Barbara writes with compassion, and sensitivity mixed with humor, as these two tightly-wound males struggle with neurological and emotional issues, fighting their way to the top, gasping for air for an emotional roller-coaster ride.

Beautiful writing and prose, for a thought-provoking tale of family, struggles, and survival. The character development was stellar, and White skillfully crafts and weaves you through emotional highs and lows with intensity and suspense.

In addition to the ARC copy, I also purchased the audiobook, and the narrator, Justine Eyre delivers outstanding performance with very distinct voices of Felix, Harry, Ella, Kathrine, Max, wise neighbor, Eudora. Not very often do you find a narrator with this wide range of voices. From Southern to British, and hip and funny Max and Harry – "Splendid!"

Highly recommend, and looking forward to reading more from this talented author. Look for Echoes of Family Coming 9/27/2016! Another poignant and emotional story of an unconventional family. The darkness of mental illness, tragedy, guilt, regret, and secrets of the past- mixed with wit and compassion.

A special thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

JDCMustReadBooks

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was eagerly looking forward to my first Barbara Claypole White book and I was not disappointed. The way she handles a very tough subject, a son with neurological issues and Tourette Syndrome, is just perfect. I felt that this book was a tete-a-tete between characters. Felix and Ella, Ella and Harry, Harry and Felix, Felix and Eudora, Katherine and Felix, Max and Harry, having these private conversations and the tale is woven with all these conversational threads. I found it interesting how the point of view of the book kept changing. It starts out as a story of Ella and Harry, but it really is Felix's story. Felix is such a prickly character and as you read, you understand why he is the way he is and much of what he does, he does in a well meaning way, but it's still takes awhile until both Felix and the reader come to terms with the fact, it's all done out of love. Harry is the other very strong character and you will love the way the author has created the means for him to deal with his issues. Replace Tourette's with any other medical crises, Autism, any handicap that a child might face and you will see how wonderful Harry's outlook on life is. We can all learn a thing or two from him. Felix realizes that, too. The ending came a surprise, but a very happy surprise. Lest I forget, the characters of Eudora & Max are awesome beyond words. We should all have a neighbor like Eudora and a best friend like Max.

[ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had this book on my list forever. With me being laid up a bit I thought I’d snuggle down to read it. Seemed like a heartfelt book with warming overtures. I was right.

To be a strong women in your family who everyone relies on to be their rock is hard. It’s something you do, because you need to, you have to. You manage and you cope.
Not saying you don’t have your down days.

Being in that kind of position can put your health, your wellbeing in jeopardy, I’m talking from experience. Yes I know this is fiction but I felt joined to this bit.

Then health deteriorates.

In this story we find that to happen and then the son with his problems has to step up.

This is a heartwarming and very well written book.

I don’t know why this book went down the rabbit whole, I think I like this authors writing and definitely will be seeking out more from her.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars! Beautiful, bittersweet, emotional family drama.

I hated Felix throughout much of the book, but by the end he was my hero. Harry was amazing, a sweet loving boy, that despite his Tourette's syndrome, embraced life and tried to live as normal as possible. Ella, dear sweet Ella, desperately loved the 2 men in her life but it took her failing health to bring them together. Some wonderful secondary characters, especially Max, Harry's best friend. Everyone should have a Max in their life! The ending made me sad but at the same time left me smiling.

I'm anxious to read The In-Between Hour by this author.

About the audiobook...
Exquisitely narrated by Justine Eyre, she's a pro. I've listened to many books she's given voice too, but this was one of her finest reads!

*A Kindle Unlimted read and listen*

[Normandie Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world filled with cries for perfection, be it of body, performance, or mind, Barbara Claypole White brings us a story of the imperfect. And then she makes us fall in love with her messy crew.

I consider this nothing short of brilliant. BCW began this journey into the world of flawed characters in The Unfinished Garden, and I fell in love with James as he battled OCD. In The Perfect Son, she explores flawed people of differing ages dealing with other flawed people—and doing it badly—until a crisis forces them to grow or to fold. The title works on so many levels.

Some stories push you to accept characters in spite of their issues. The Perfect Son made me long to meet Felix, Harry, Max, Katherine, and Eudora—and, of course, Ella—because of their issues and their triumph of spirit. Managing that, my friends, takes a gifted author.

[Catherine McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Thoughtful, well researched, good characters. Check it out!

[Melodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this from the Amazon first read program some time ago and it had languished on my to read list for some time. Truthfully a lot of the titles from that program have been pretty forgettable. But this one was a game changer.
A disconnected father is forced into the role of active parent when his wife suffers a devastating heart attack. A teenager with Tourettes Syndrome and other complex neurological issues has to learn to cope differently with his new reality. And a mother struggles to find the energy necessary to live and stay relevant in her son's life.
On the surface this family seems doomed to failure. But the author patiently mines their secrets and fears, bringing them to the surface. Along with a secondary cast of rather quirky characters, the read watches as this family grows and finally thrives.
Thank you to the author and her determination to shed light and understanding on this subject in a sensitive highly readable manner. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perfect Son is an emotional and thoughtful character led story surrounding a family and how it deals with a son who has Tourette’s syndrome and a mother with heart problems.

At times this was quite emotionally challenging, but the story flowed well, although perhaps a little slowly at first. The characters were well developed and believable. Overall, I enjoyed this story.

I borrowed this in audiobook format through Kindle Unlimited.

[Barbara White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well…I had fun with this one, that's all I can say. :)

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Barbara Claypole White and I can't wait to read another. I really liked this story and the characters. Father and son who are on two completely opposites, one with Tourette syndrome and the other with Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, must learn to deal with each other when the wife/mother has a massive heart attack and is in the hospital.

I enjoyed the father and son relationship as it grew thanks to a couple of good friends and a quirky outgoing neighbor. One has to learn acceptance of themselves and others to become a better person.

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ella Fitzwilliam is hospitalised after a life threatening heart attack her workaholic husband, Felix, is forced to assume the daily care of his teenage son, Harry. Harry is a bright, handsome sixteen year old, with Tourette Syndrome, ADHD and anxiety, and father and son struggle to cope in Ella's absence.

Told from the perspectives of White's three main characters, Harry, Ella and Felix, The Perfect Son is a heart warming and poignant story about family, acceptance, trust and love. The changing dynamic of the Fitzwilliam family is beautifully crafted and White writes with insight and compassion for the complexities of a family in crisis.

Ella has always been her son's advocate and his strongest supporter. She doesn't regret devoting her life to ensure Harry's well being but hovering between life and death she is forced to let go and trust her husband and son will find their way.

As a perfectionist who is uncomfortable with both physical and emotional disorder, Felix struggles to negotiate both the everyday and extraordinary challenges involved in parenting Harry. Initially Felix is largely an unsympathetic character, while devoted to his wife, his attitude towards his son is cold and critical, however as White reveals his painful back story I began to understand his inability to relate to his son, and I really enjoyed the way in which the author developed him.

Harry is a wonderful character and I was impressed with White's well rounded portrayal of him. Harry's neurobiological issues are a part of who he is, but that isn't all he is. Like any other teen Harry is contemplating his options for college, falling in love, learning to drive and testing parental limits. He deals admirably with the extra pressure of his mother's illness and his father's cluelessness and is a special and genuine young man.

White's secondary characters are also a delight. Ella's closest friend, Katherine, the family's feisty elderly neighbour, Eudora, and in particular Harry's best friend, Max, add humour and sentiment to the plot.

Tender, funny, sad and sweet, The Perfect Son is a wonderful story that pulls at the heart strings and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

[Erin Clemence · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free E-version of this novel through NetGalley.
“The Perfect Son” by Barbara Claypole-White jumps into the action right away. A woman sitting on board a plane has a heart attack, causing an emergency landing. Once on land she is rushed to the hospital, where her English husband and son (suffering from Tourette’s syndrome as well as ADHD and anxiety) run to her side.
Once this part of the novel is over though, the excitement stops. I read the entire novel waiting for the rest of the action to start and was disappointed. Once Ella (our heart attack victim) reaches the hospital and she is diagnosed with the same genetic heart condition that killed her mother at a young age, the rest of the novel focuses on the dynamic between Felix (her husband) and their son Harry. A reader sees how the two males cope with Ella in the hospital, and how Felix prepares to go from being a workaholic husband to a stay-at-home Dad.
Although I really loved the character of Harry (I found him to be such a refreshing change from the usual weak-willed, insecure teenagers of modern literature), I did not really enjoy reading about every single detail of his seventeen year old life. Initially Felix was absolutely detestable, but he becomes likable as the reader understands more of his past and begins to understand him as a person. But good characters do not a great book make. Not on their own anyway.
The ending finds all the characters where we would expect them, in fact almost predictably. The romantic relationships that occur are not a surprise to the reader, but they are satisfying. Claypole-White really seems to understand the struggles of a child who has exceptional needs, and that is also a refreshing sight to see. Hopefully her writing will bring about some tolerance and acceptance, and that is never a bad thing.
I am not familiar with Claypole-White’s previous works so perhaps if I understood her as an author, I may have enjoyed her novel just a little more. More drama and exciting twists would have made this novel just perfect, but unfortunately the plot fell flat.

[Alona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great BR with Nick!

This is a story about family.
A somewhat complicated family at that.

Ella- a former jewelry designer that is a stay-at-home mom for the last 17 years to her only son Harry.

Harry- a 17 year old boy. Intelligent, sensitive and handsome (like his parents) who also suffers from Tourette syndrome (as well as ADHD and anxiety). He is amazing, and his mother's love and devotion to him shows in everything that he is.

And Felix- a proper Englishman. He is a workaholic investment banker who is absent from his family life.

The story begins with Ella having a heart attack while alone on a flight back home from visiting her dad (frightening!!). She survives but she is in a critical condition and at high risk of having another major heart attack.

The new situation forces Felix to make some big changes in his life and face the reality of looking after Harry, almost as if he is a single parent.

Felix, who I felt this story was mainly about, is a very complex man.
He seems cold and de-touched from his family, but slowly, we see how his actions (or lack of) are the "birth" of his childhood, growing up with a physically abusive father and an unaffectionate mother. His only ray of light as a child was his older brother who loved and protected him, who died young, leaving Felix feeling lost and alone.

Felix is a perfectionist who needs complete order in life, and when his son was diagnosed with Tourette, knowing he can't control the situation or "fix" it, he left every aspect of dealing with Harry to Ella.

When everything change Felix makes a decision to "make his life all about Harry" until Ella is recovered.
This is the main story-line- the father and son learning how to trust one another, how to communicate, how to compromise and how to love.

Harry is an amazing teenager with a wonderful set of friends that makes a lovely supporting characters Max... Wow!! What a friend!!)

This book is a "quiet" journey through life, dealing with crisis, and than transforming and growing from it.
It is a slow paced book, sometimes so slow it was a bit boring and hence the missing star. The mid section was too long IMO.

THE END?? Oh god...
The last 20% of the book was so good, but the epilogue?
I have no idea what to call it.
Nick called it a somewhat happy ending, and I agree to some extent.
It was so emotional and I cried like a baby from every emotion there is.
In my opinion it was too short and rush in order for me to feel happy and fulfilled with what happened.
But it was one of the most brilliant epilogues I ever read!

I did not stop thinking about it ever since I finished it. If a slow paced book is your thing, read it!!

Thank you my dear Nick, for bringing beauty into my life via your choice of books!
<3

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Claypole White had me at “hello.” Okay, not actually “hello,” but… Since White’s debut novel, The Unfinished Garden, I have been an ardent fan of her writing. Her books are filled with wonderfully drawn, but flawed, characters that you just can’t help falling in love with—sometimes in spite of yourself. White has a passion for creating characters dealing with neurological and psychological issues. And then, with great skill, she dismantles the stereotypes that surround those issues until we see the characters as they truly are—people coping with everyday challenges the best they can. I know that when I pick up a White novel, I am in for a heartbreaking, heartwarming, sometimes irreverent, and ultimately insightful ride.

The Perfect Son lived up to my expectations, and more. Ella, Felix, and their teenage son, Harry have long ago achieved a way of life that allowed them to, mostly successfully, navigate the difficulties of Tourette’s, anxiety, ADHD, and undiagnosed OCPD. But when Ella—the family’s anchor—has a severe heart attack, their perfectly ordered life is capsized into a sea of “what if” and “what now.” Felix and Harry—with the help of Max, Harry’s best friend, Katherine, Ella’s best friend, and Eudora, an elderly, next-door Yoda—must learn to rely on each other to weather the storm.

Interweaving the viewpoints of Ella, Felix, and Harry, three very distinct and engaging voices, White shows us how often our best intentions can miss the mark, and how in our attempts to protect those we love, we can fail to see who they are—and who they can become. And yet, no matter how entrenched our family dynamics may seem, there is always reason for hope.

The Perfect Son is one of those books that you will carry with you, both literally—to read at stoplights (you shouldn’t, but you’ll want to), while waiting in the checkout at the grocery store, or while on coffee break at the office—and figuratively. Long after the reading is over, The Perfect Son will live in your daydreams and resonate in your heart.

[Sharon Metcalf · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
The Perfect Son by Barbara Claypole White, my first title by this author, was a good read and on the whole I enjoyed the experience. Several years ago I went through a phase of only reading books where I was fairly confident there'd be a happily ever after (hea) ending in store. If I'm honest I still love my hea's so I am surprised to find myself commenting that some parts were overly sweet, perhaps a bit too perfect. Did this spoil the read for me? Not in the least, but if your threshold for the sweet is lower than mine you might want to reconsider.

In the first chapter of the book Ella suffers a massive heart attack whilst on a flight. She's Harrys mother and Felix's wife and for 17 years she's been the glue holding the Fitzwilliam family together. She and Harry are extraordinarily close whilst Harry and his father have never had any type of relationship. Nothing Harry does measures up to Felix's standards. So whilst she's hospitalised her boys have to find a way of surviving without her.

There was alot to like about this book. I enjoyed the writing, the characters were interesting and I learnt about a few medical conditions. I've had no previous encounter, in my real or literary life, with Tourette syndrome so the difficulties associated with this, especially for the parents, was a real eye opener for me. In Ella's words " The à la carte menu of Tourette syndrome could offer up anything except choice."

On the topic of choice, I'm glad to have chosen this novel and wouldn't mind giving this author another try at some stage.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the premise and mostly loved the execution. Characters were lovable and interesting for the most part, although Ella was mostly secondary as far as main plot was concerned. Everything was a bit too hunky dory for me, the conflict wasn't really hashed out enough (Katherine wanted Ella to leave Felix but once she sees him high, she immediately adores him and makes sure he's fed and taken care of, huh?). The ending seemed a bit rushed (why did Sammie and Harry break up and if so, why would she attend his college graduation and all of a sudden Max is in love with her too and who is Harry's new girlfriend, I could go on). Enjoyable summer read and loved the fact that it was free from Amazon.

[Agnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warm emotional story of a family fighting to keep it all together. The husband Felix trying to be perfect and in control. Their special needs son Harry who is fighting his own battle. And Ella the mother and backbone of the family who keeps it all together. Her massive heart attack brings them all closer together and gives them all exactly what they need. A bond they didnt know they had. Great book.

[Javi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful. It's all about the characters in this book- Ms White threads a wonderful web around their imperfections, which are many, and the result is one that will keep you reflecting on the importance of family and friends for a long time. I had a minor issue with part of the ending and that almost cost it half a star but in the end I rounded it up to 5 because it's not very often that one comes across such a beautiful depiction of the intricate elements that make up a family.

[Myrn&#x1fa76; · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different yet interesting story that includes Tourette's Syndrome, heart problems, OCPD, family, friends and relationships. The Pefect Son has fully rounded characters - ALL of them. The main characters are quirky and go through an incredible journey that makes one think. Loved, loved the secondary characters. I want a friend like Eudora! Not crazy about the ending but I really liked the book. I would recommend it! 4.5 stars!

[Magen - Inquiring Professional Dog Trainer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trigger warnings: child abuse, graphically depicted; domestic violence, implied; mental illness (OCPD), graphically shown and described; fight scene with physical confrontation; bullying, minimally depicted

Perfect Son by Barbara Claypole White is rated 3 stars because while most of this book was very engaging and well done, the last few chapters of the book were too unbelievable to warrant a 4 star rating. This is a book which shows flawed and authentic characters, making a unrealistic ending more damaging to the story.

This book ended up being different from what I expected and it was a book I enjoyed more because of that. It is told from three points of view, Ella (the mom), Felix (the dad), and Harry (the son), but it heavily focuses on Felix's point of view. I had expected to mostly read from Ella's perspective, but hers with the least frequently used. While I expected this to be a story about Ella's struggle to come to terms with her failing health and her inability to care for her son, this story is not really about her at all. In fact, she is much more of a side character used to further the story along. This is a story about a father struggling to accept who his son is while overcoming his own flaws. It is an incredibly powerful story and the depth of Felix's character greatly adds to the impact.

The story was interesting and there was a lot of character growth, but some of it falls flat and doesn't ring true. Felix is the most flushed out and most of his growth feels real, though at the very end, he makes a significant leap that feels a bit unrealistic. Ella grows the least and her growth is probably realistic, but there's so little of her perspective, it's hard to know. Harry is the least realistic character and his growth is a bit simplistic and not fully flushed out. The problem is that there's not much depth to his thoughts or much internal conflict. Overall, he was way too happy and way too accepting of everything and while there are people with such optimism, even they must have some internal struggle which is just not depicted in Harry. There was a lot of potential there, but it wasn't flushed out as well as it could be. Harry's character probably would have felt more real if it wasn't in such stark contrast to Felix's character. Felix felt incredibly real and it was obvious the author understood his perspective well. But that made it more obvious she didn't understand Harry's perspective very well.

This book was a refreshing divergence from the standard family drama. In The Perfect Son, the drama is driven by clear health conditions, making it feel less like rubbernecking at a serious car accident. This family faces real, concrete problems and they put in substantial work to navigate and adapt to these problems. I loved this about the book. There were sections that were definitely 4 stars because of the depth and authenticity of every aspect of the particular situation and characters. Unfortunately, that made it all the more obvious where the book failed to do this. It's particularly unforunate that this book was told from multiple perspectives since two out of three of those perspectives were of only partially developed characters.

That ending! That's the part of the book that dropped this solidly to 3 stars. I would love to go on a rant her about how ridiculous the ending was, but I don't want to spoil anything for you. What I will say is that the ending felt rushed and did not stay true to the characters or the style of the book. It's jarring to have most of the book struggle and work to overcome various problems and then at the very end have a major event which is perfectly resolved and presents no future problems. It is really unfortunate that the ending was so bad otherwise this could have been an incredible book which shows diverse perspectives of a child with Tourette's syndrome and a father with perfectionist issues.

Overall, the book was engaging and interesting and it was refreshing to see flawed characters. This probably would have been a 3.5 star read if not for the ending, which was too neatly wrapped in a bow, except for the one significant piece of the storyline which was not addressed or resolved. The neat bow in the last chapter set 5 years later would have been less annoying had the previous chapters (starting with a trip) not been so over the top perfectly played out. For a story which presented flawed and real characters, it was disappointing to have it all end in a not so realistic way. If the book sounds interesting to you, I recommend it, but do note that it is closer to a beach read than literary fiction since one has to suspend a bit of reality to enjoy the ending.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book and it was well done. I do recommend this narration if you are considering the audiobook. It's the narration more than anything else that has really stayed with me after finishing this book. If you enjoy audiobooks, that is definitely the way to go.

This review was also posted on my blog Not Quite a Literary Critique

[Dorine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review courtesy of The Zest Quest. Recommended Read!

Having loved THE UNFINISHED GARDEN by Barbara Claypole White, my expectations were high and they were easily met and surpassed by THE PERFECT SON.

Ella has spent the majority of her married life caring for their son Harry, while her husband Felix, an investment banker, earns the living necessary to pay for the numerous specialists required for a child with Tourette’s. When Ella becomes seriously ill, it’s up to Felix, a perfectionist who is not necessarily wired to cope with his son’s imperfections, to take charge of their seventeen-year-old’s future. What happens in the process is a fun-loving portrait of a family’s many faces of love.

THE PERFECT SON is Harry’s coming-of-age story at a time when his family is in crisis. Harry falls in love, he makes mistakes while trying to please his father and heal his mother, all while sharing the pure joy of living. I laughed so much while reading this book that I started bookmarking something in every chapter, sometimes every few pages. Harry dealing with his father is a treasure and their interactions are hilarious because they’re so relatable. Ella falls in love with her husband all over again, as fast as Felix realizes what a gift his wife has been to him and Harry.

There are secondary characters who also make this book very special. There’s the female neighbor who is a retired horticulturist and becomes a great spoke in the wheel of change in Harry and Felix’s relationship. Then there’s Katherine, Ella’s best friend, who puts her career on hold while helping this family. Harry’s friends are a very fun addition to the story and their youthful shenanigans are everything Harry needs to cope with his anxieties. Harry’s best friend Max is such an entertaining and creative teenager that I hope we read more about him in the future.

Barbara Claypole White’s brilliant characterization speaks to my heart. Her ability to create flawed characters and make them so humanly real, giving them imperfections that make them hard to love, then resurrecting them with acceptance and the willingness to change, creates a novel deep-set with compassion. Ms. White makes me laugh, she makes me rush to the next page while losing sleep, and she pulls me into her characters’ lives with heartfelt emotion when their journey becomes overwhelming. THE PERFECT SON is a family’s life in perpetual motion, sometimes spiraling out of control, until they become who they are meant to be. A storyteller with this style of talent, the kind that makes you feel as if you’re in the story rather than just reading about it, is a rare and treasured experience which has cemented Ms. White on my favorite authors list.

Reviewed by Dorine, courtesy of The Zest Quest, acquired for free from the Kindle First program for Prime members.

[Brina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obwohl ich sagen muss, dass mich das Cover zu "Der perfekte Sohn" zunächst gar nicht angesprochen hat, wollte ich dem Buch dennoch eine Chance geben, da die bisherigen Bewertungen allesamt durchweg positiv waren, von daher war ich trotz kleinerer Skepsis sehr auf das Buch gespannt und ich wurde zum Glück nicht enttäuscht.

Die Autorin besitzt einen sehr angenehmen Schreibstil, der sich leicht und locker lesen lässt. Dazu wird die Geschichte aus insgesamt drei Perspektiven erzählt, sodass man Ella, Harry und Felix hier bestens kennen lernt und ich mich auch das ein oder andere Mal in die Figuren hineinversetzen konnte.

Die Geschichte ist dabei schnell erzählt: Der siebzehnjährige Harry leidet unter dem Tourette Syndrom, sodass es dadurch bereits das ein oder andere Problem mit ihm gab. Seine Mutter Ella ist immer für ihn da und kümmert sich liebevoll um Harry, während sein Vater Felix sich eher von seinem Sohn abkapselt und sich in die Arbeit stürzt, damit die Familie gut versorgt ist. Problematisch wird es allerdings, als Ella einen Herzinfarkt erleidet und Felix sich fortan um seinen Sohn kümmern muss, was ihm allerdings nicht immer leicht fällt.

Obwohl Jugendliche mit Tourette Syndrom sicherlich eher zu bemitleiden sind, habe ich hier eine lebensbejahende und stellenweise sogar unterhaltsame Geschichte vorgefunden, sodass die Geschichte nicht zu schwer im Magen liegt und trotz vieler melancholischer und berührender Momente durchaus überzeugen konnte.

Das Cover ist für mich nicht der allergrößte Hingucker und ich muss gestehen, dass ich das Buch ohne einen Wink mit dem Zaunpfahl wohl nicht näher betrachtet hätte. Dennoch passt es gut zur Geschichte, auch wenn man hieraus deutlich mehr hätte machen können. Die Kurzbeschreibung hat mich dagegen umso mehr angesprochen.

Kurz gesagt: "Der perfekte Sohn" ist ein interessantes Familiendrama über einen Jugendlichen mit Tourette Syndrom, das mich oftmals sehr berühren, aber auch unterhalten konnte, von daher kann ich das Buch nur empfehlen.

[Barbara Nutting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to believe this was fiction, all those characters seemed real to me! This was an inside look at mental health issues and how society looks on those who aren’t “perfect.” I’ve always strived for perfection and thought it was because I am a Virgo - after reading this I’m wondering if I’m not just plain nuts!!

Well written, I liked the author so much that I’ve already checked out two more library books she has authored👍

I guess my only question is why Harry didn’t go to Duke instead of UNC???

[Marie-Jo Fortis · Rating 1 out of 5]

GNAGNAGNA—YADA-YADA-YADA—SNIFF-SNIFF—BLAH-BLAH-BLAH

Gnagnagna (to be pronounced, roughly, like: niuh-niuh-niuh) is the French and condensed way of saying “yada-yada-yada-sniff-sniff-blah-blah-blah.” If the French onomatopoeia sounds limp, flabby, wimpy to you, it’s because it is.

And that’s what the The Perfect Son ends up being. I confess: I couldn’t finish it. I’ve got one life to live and I ain’t no spring chicken anymore. I read about six percent of the novel and, finally, decided to quit. What happened to the characters? Frankly, my dears, I no longer gave a damn.

After Chapter One, the airplane chapter, everything started going down. Slowly but surely. Perhaps Claypole White should have kept us in the air a bit longer. Soon enough, it soon became a mishmash that could be easily regurgitated into a Lifetime movie of the week, for a little sentimental soiree filled with kleenex (sniff-sniff), lamenting comments (oooh! aaaah! mmm! another sniff!) and popcorn.

If the Tourette’s Syndrome of brilliant son Harry is well described at first, the tics and nervous gestures that are part of the disorder are hammered time and again into the reader’s head. Not only does it get repetitious, but it is described through the eyes of Daddy who has seen his child with these symptoms for about sixteen years. I don’t care what the author says, how many hours this parent spends at work before tragedy hits until he has to take care of his son all by himself, Tourette’s after sixteen years should be the “normal” routine. Dad should be used to tics by now and just let it be. His reactions and his annoyance here just don’t make sense.

Also, about these very tics: after having presented them at every other page, or close, the author decides to underline, right in the middle of the book and in parenthesis, that Harry never moves his head only once, implying that each of his nervous gestures is duplicated. I am sure other readers will have reacted like me, with, one, a “duh!” and, two, this question: where was the editor for this one?

But that’s not the worst part. The worst part is aforementioned Dad, British dad Felix. The author’s bio on her amazon page indicates she is English born and educated. Then how come Felix is so f*cking cliché? You would think he had been drawn by a caricaturist during Victorian times. Everything bad some enemy of the Brits might want to project is thrown into the poor guy. (The delightful British humor, well, forget it!) A complex of superiority, a rigid sense of morality, the overall raised eyebrow–constrained-ass-tightened-mouth-cup-of-tea attitude. Bloody frogs reading this book could be croaking their song of joy right now. Not this bloody frog, however, who studied Brit. Lit., was born in a French town with a British history, and used to keep a correspondence with British gentlemen. Actually, is having a correspondence with a British gentleman at the moment. All this to say that Felix, compared to either fiction or reality, is so bloody flat. What’s tragic is that he could have easily developed into a great character. The man is in conflict with himself, and in denial, but the author only gives a few brushstrokes to the subject. She does the same with his relationship with his dead, gay brother and with his painful, horrid past. As for the unrolling rapport with his son, it’s as unsubstantial and dull as his (non) portrayal.

I’ve said it. I only read sixty percent of the book. If things happen later, it’s too late to grab my attention. At this point the story has lost so much elasticity, so much tension, become so wishy-washy I hardly have the energy to grab the book again. As stated before:

Gnagnagna-gnagnagna.

And it’s too bad. Because it could have been, with less temptation to sentimentality, a worthy piece of literature. The plot was there. But the characters were, unfortunately, in search of an author.