For February’s edition of the Service95 Book Club podcast, Dua Lipa sits down with French novelist Jean-Baptiste Del Amo to discuss his acclaimed novel The Son of Man, a profound exploration of masculinity and the nature of inherited violence. As Dua puts it: “This is a dark book, even by my standards. And yet, there’s also real beauty here.” Thanks to its subject matter (more on this below), it might not be the easiest read, but it’s a necessary – and absorbing – one, which stays with you long after you’ve finished.
The Story...
“I wanted this book to talk about all the fathers and all the sons, and for the book to deal with the question of patriarchy,” Jean-Baptiste tells Dua, of a plot that unfolds with twists, turns and suspense with every turn of the page. The story begins with a father returning to his wife and young child after a long and unexplained absence, persuading them to leave their small town in rural France and move to a run-down, isolated house in the mountains. What soon comes to light is the trauma the father has experienced in his own life, and how violence is passed down from one generation to another.
The Details...
Much of the novel’s power lies in Jean-Baptiste’s ability to illuminate small details with extraordinary intensity. Dua recalls the moment the father comes back into the family’s life, walks up to the fridge and eats a half-finished roast chicken with his bare hands: “You understand very quickly he has a real feral energy to him,” she says. They discuss how focusing on just three characters and setting the story largely in one place allowed Jean-Baptiste to create a claustrophobic form of suspense as the intentions of the father gradually become clearer. Calling upon his background in social work, Jean-Baptiste adds, “I’m drawn to people who are not often spoken about in French literature. I approach them without judging them, ever.”
The Conversation...
For our latest episode of the Service95 Book Club podcast, Dua and Jean-Baptiste go deep into the novel, its characters and Jean-Baptiste’s absorbing writing style. Watch or listen via the links below to discover how, despite its weighty themes, The Son of Man is not without its moments of tenderness – with Dua noting how his “beautiful writing” carries you through the book, bringing out moments of light in the darkness.
Towards the end of their conversation, Dua and Jean-Baptiste reflect on the novel’s emotional complexity and the resonance of its title. “It deals with the question of patriarchy and this repetition of violence,” Jean-Baptiste explains, pointing to the broader questions the book raises. In today’s climate, amid ongoing conversations about male violence around the world, the novel prompts readers to consider the cycles of behaviour we inherit and perpetuate – a lesson that feels more relevant now than ever.
Over To You...
Whether you’re still reading The Son of Man, have just finished it, or need a reason to dive in, be sure to listen to the full episode, or watch the video edition on our YouTube channel (warning, there are a few spoilers in there, for those who are still reading!). “It’s unbelievably tense from beginning to end and had me asking questions around the legacy of trauma, the nature of violence, and whether we can break the chains,” Dua says. We think you’ll feel the same.
