4.5★s
The Gifted Son is the fifth novel by Australian author, Genevieve Gannon. It may be nearly eighteen years ago, but Lillian Hogarth hasn’t forgotten how she nearly lost her son, Jamie to leukaemia. And now, thanks to a school muck-up day mishap, he’s in hospital again, and she’s just as determined not to lose him. Her boy has shown so much promise, and she’s not ready to abandon the life ahead, whatever it takes.

A fractured arm and concussion are the least of his injuries: it’s the spinal fracture that’s the real worry. John Hogarth is just as determined to do what he can for his boy, but he can see that there are going to be huge costs attached to Jamie’s recovery, both psychological and practical, and that might be a problem. He needs to tell Lillian, but the opportunity doesn’t present… or is it John’s pride that stops him?

Jamie can remember heading off to school for his last day, but little after that. He hasn’t a clue what happened to put him into hospital with broken bones. And worse, if what he has overheard is true, but no one will tell him. It’s looking like he won’t be sitting exams, or attending the after party, or doing an internship at the local law firm, or surfing on his days off.

Jamie’s older sister Kate feels guilty that her focus has been on her career, and that she has ignored her family, the kid brother with whom she always clicked, and now she’s going to make up for that. It’s clear to her that Jamie’s best friend, Jez knows more about what happened than he’s saying. Katie is going to find out the truth: like her father, she wants to see the person who did this held responsible.

The police want to talk to Jez, one of the few witnesses to what happened to Jamie, but he has, so far, avoided them. He’s not sure he can lie convincingly under the steely gaze of Sergeant Hawke.

That sets the scene for a story carried by multiple narratives. Jamie’s recovery journey and the progress towards learning the truth of what actually happened is presented from several perspectives. The story does drag a bit and, by the two thirds mark, John’s failure to tell Lillian about that problem they have is starting to stretch the bounds of credibility.

Jez’s idea of loyalty to his best friend is also difficult to accept, and the police investigation seems to be staggeringly inefficient. Jamie’s epiphany about his recovery is a clutching-at-straws that is perhaps believable in the face of his desperation to regain his charmed life. His eventual reality check is realistically handled.

Gannon’s setting is flawlessly depicted; her characters are much more than one-dimensional and their development as they face their challenges is convincing. Her story explores the idea of wealth, privilege, and the levelling effect of tragedy. The bullying culture at exclusive schools also features. A thought-provoking and compelling read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Allen & Unwin.