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There are currently 29 member reviews
for The Fortunate Ones
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Mary S. (Bow, NH)
Humming CCR
Every time I picked up The Fortunate Ones the Credence Clearwater Revival Song "Fortunate Son" ran through my head. If you know the lyrics, you can't help but wonder if Tarkington got some inspiration for his book from the song.
This book is the fall of the tragic hero in so many ways and you watch it play out in many of the characters. Yet, even knowing what is going to happen, Tarkington keeps you engrossed in the story.
My only complaint is the character development of Charlie and his relationship to his mother. In the beginning the two are very close, then Charlie goes to a rich private school (it is day school, he is still living with his mother) and his mother is ignored, both by Charlie and the author. We read snippets of what she is doing but the focus is almost completely on Charlie and his teenage life. Yet, when an event occurs that involves his mother (don't want to spoil it for readers) we are supposed to believe it is a life changing blow to Charlie. But for this flaw, I would have given the book 5 stars.
Tarkington is skilled writer and story teller.
Even as a life-long Northerner, I felt as though I could understand the Southern culture that Tarkington lays out for us. This is a book that all should read, and I think most, if not all, will fully enjoy.
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Marjorie M. (Alpharetta, GA)
Nice book
At first, I loved the book; I thought, "It really is a new Pat Conroy. Then when it got nearer the end, I didn't like it as much. I can't comment much without giving the plot away.
Vanessa's problem had to involve someone else and that was never clarified. Then she talked about marriage: It "isn't always about love. " True for some; but a bleak picture. Perhaps that was the intent. And it may have been used do indicate that the "fortunate ones" aren't always as fortunate as they look from the outside. (But I already knew that from my own
observations.) "The other problem of Arthur's seemed just a little much to me. It felt throw in just to be "contemporary". Other than that, a good read.
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Sylvia G. (Scottsdale, AZ)
A worthy read
The Fortunate Ones is a very readable novel. Using the trope of the poor boy who enters a world of privilege and changes, Tarkington has made a character driven and compelling story. There are themes like the effects of wealth and privilege, loyalty, staying true to values, love in many forms and transformation. Definitely recommended.
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Jessica Z. (Lawrence, NJ)
You'll Redefine Stereotypes
I waited to read this book, knowing that any chores and creative dinners would be put off until I finished. I was not disappointed. The book asks readers to question our deep-seated assumptions about class and politics and race and religion. It also asks us to know, really know, the people whom we ask to help us believe in ourselves. This timely novel reads almost like a biography whose well-rounded characters teach us to examine our reasons for hope and happiness. Add this one to your TBR list.
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Cheryl S. (Redmond, WA)
The Fortunate Ones
I enjoyed the story of Charlie Boykin. Born in Nashville in the early seventies, son of a struggling, but devoted single mom, he receives a scholarship to an elite private school. Soon Charlie is taken under the wing of golden boy Archer Creigh. Shortly the lives of Charlie, and his mom, improve dramatically as they become entwined with the wealthy upper echelons of Nashville society. These early events set the trajectory of their lives. Thoughtful and well written, interesting characters. I recommend this novel. Thank you to Bookbrowse for the chance to read the ARC of Ed Tarkington's new novel, The Fortunate Ones.
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Beth M. (New York, NY)
A heartfelt story of privilege and loyalty
Charlie Boykin is the son of a single mom just trying to survive. She manages to use her connections to get him a full scholarship into an elite boarding school. There he becomes enamored with the wealthy Arch Creigh and gets increasing entangled in his shaky morality and many lies. It's an interesting take on how we grow, who we choose to be our models and what do we do when the people we worship are not worthy. It raises questions about about privilege and entitlement that have been asked and explored in many different and better ways. The book is a quick read and has some unexpected twists that I enjoyed. Overall it was a good but not great read.
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Cindy V.
The Fortunate Ones
I would more accurately give this book a 3.5 rating. It is a very crisply written and nice read. The plot is straightforward and the story is interesting, if not especially original or thought provoking The novel addresses the themes of morality and human nature and some of the contradictions that we all face. No one is all good or all bad. I would recommend this book but it is not a "don't miss."
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