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Son of Mine

Exploring identity, heritage, and family complexities

Peter Papathanasiou author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Salt Publishing

Published:15th Jul '19

Should be back in stock very soon

Son of Mine cover

This memoir explores identity, heritage, and the complexities of family through Peter Papathanasiou’s poignant storytelling in Son of Mine.

The memoir titled Son of Mine offers a compelling exploration of unknown heritage, life’s gifts and losses, and the complexities of parenting. It presents a dramatic and poignant narrative that uplifts the spirit while delving into themes of shock, discovery, and reconciliation. The writing is exquisite, capturing the emotional depth of the experiences shared within its pages.

In Son of Mine, Peter Papathanasiou intricately weaves together his own life journey with that of his mother, spanning nearly a century. This multi-layered account reveals an astonishing act of kindness and an incredible secret that remained hidden for two decades. Through this lens, the memoir not only tells a personal story but also reflects on the broader implications of family and identity.

At its heart, Son of Mine sensitively documents the migrant experience, providing insight into the challenges faced by first-generation migrants and the cultural tensions experienced by their children. It poses essential questions about identity and belonging, exploring what it means to navigate life when everything familiar is called into question. The wisdom shared throughout the memoir serves as a valuable lesson for future generations, making it a powerful read for anyone interested in the complexities of family and heritage.

Aged 24, Peter Papathanasiou was summoned to his mother’s bedroom and told he was adopted. This kickstarts a search for identity that echoes across decades and continents as the author moves between his mother’s life in Greece and Australia. Though this is a unique family history, there’s something universal about this affecting memoir, particularly when Papathanasiou becomes a parent himself. The writing is graceful but never portentous, filling this debut with heart and meaning.

-- Ben East * Observ

ISBN: 9781784631680

Dimensions: 216mm x 135mm x 28mm

Weight: unknown

400 pages