Everybody's Son

A Novel

By: Thrity Umrigar

Narrated by: Josh Bloomberg

“Everybody’s Son probes directly into the tender spots of race and privilege in America. . . . With assured prose and deep insight into the human heart, Umrigar explores the moral gray zone of what parents, no matter their race, will do for love.” — Celeste Ng, author of Everything I Never Told You

The bestselling, critically acclaimed author of The Space Between Us and The World We Found deftly explores issues of race, class, privilege, and power and asks us to consider uncomfortable moral questions in this probing, ambitious, emotionally wrenching novel of two families—one black, one white.

During a terrible heat wave in 1991—the worst in a decade—ten-year-old Anton has been locked in an apartment in the projects, alone, for seven days, without air conditioning or a fan. With no electricity, the refrigerator and lights do not work. Hot, hungry, and desperate, Anton shatters a window and climbs out. Cutting his leg on the broken glass, he is covered in blood when the police find him.

Juanita, his mother, is discovered in a crack house less than three blocks away, nearly unconscious and half-naked. When she comes to, she repeatedly asks for her baby boy. She never meant to leave Anton—she went out for a quick hit and was headed right back, until her drug dealer raped her and kept her high. Though the bond between mother and son is extremely strong, Anton is placed with child services while Juanita goes to jail.

The Harvard-educated son of a US senator, Judge David Coleman is a scion of northeastern white privilege. Desperate to have a child in the house again after the tragic death of his teenage son, David uses his power and connections to keep his new foster son, Anton, with him and his wife, Delores—actions that will have devastating consequences in the years to come.

Following in his adopted family’s footsteps, Anton, too, rises within the establishment. But when he discovers the truth about his life, his birth mother, and his adopted parents, this man of the law must come to terms with the moral complexities of crimes committed by the people he loves most.

The story was totally enthralling.

I loved everything about this story and the narration. Excellent and absorbing. Well done. Xxxxx

Another great Umrigar novel

This is an engrossing story, beautifully written, that explores the untidy nuances of what it means to be a family. There’s so much to think about in this novel—racial inequality, the implications of addiction, access to a good education as well as love, trust and betrayal. The author does such a masterful job of getting the reader into the head and heart of each character I found it impossible to dislike any of the characters despite some pretty atrocious deceits. This is my third novel by Umrigar. I’ve loved all of them.

Burned through this story of biracial adoption

Compelling story about the complexities of race, class and family that are front and center in the news today. Biracial families and families with adopted children may find new insights in belonging, resilience and privilege.

A son to ALL!

This book deals with the many avenues to be a son, racism, power, self respect and how life throws many complicated avenues your way. Ultimately, only those who truly know you and love for who you are can help you find your way.

Insightful Storytelling

Once again, I am entranced by Umrigar's craft...weaving human frailties, ideals and needs into storymagic.