What we thought: The Good Father by Noah Hawley

Evening Book Club

April 2016

The Good Father, Noah Hawley

“What made him ditch his comfortable life and embrace an act of barbarity? I have read the reports. I have watched the footage, but the answer continues to elude me. More than anything I want to know. I am his father, you see. He is my son.” Dr. Paul Allen, chief of rheumatology at Columbia Presbyterian.

Readers expressed different opinions about the characters and their motives. Some were more sympathetic to the doctor and his quest to understand how his son Daniel could have assassinated a leading political candidate. Most were expecting a conspiracy to explain the crime. Others were not sure that Doctor Allen was a good father and that he did the best he could to care for Daniel after divorce. Others said children can suffer through the worst life circumstances and still come out fine. Children in the same family can often grow up completely opposite of each other. Readers generally agreed that Daniel was driven to kill the senator. Whatever was in his mind and whatever triggers set him off was bound to happen no matter what in his life influenced him. He was an angry young man.

Readers were not very interested in the political aspects of the book. They felt that there was already enough information about people who attempted and succeeded to assassinate other political figures. The explanations got in the way of the story. The main interest was Dan’s family and the people he met along the way to the conclusion of the story. In the end there was no rational explanation for Dan and his actions. Dan may have known but he did not reveal it to anyone, except to say that he was the shadow son and should have died in a childhood accident. It was left for the family, acquaintances and survivors to come to closure and deal with it in their own way in their own time.

Conversation was centered on what ifs and how alternative outcomes could have been influenced. In the end it was decided that the story went in the direction that was preordained. Other conclusions would not have fit.

The evening’s discussion concluded with a question about the author’s intention in writing the story. Did the author write it with a book club selection in mind? All agreed that this is an important book and a difficult one to read, but were glad that they were able to finish it. The discussion continued after the readers left the group. Readers will still talk about as time goes on.

Have you read The Good Father? What did you think? Please share your thoughts in comments.