Fortunate Son: A Novel by Walter
Mosley
A Masterpiece
In spite of remarkable differences, Tommy and Eric are as close as
brothers. Tommy, a delicate black boy, is cursed with health problems and
drawn to trouble more often than not. Eric is a Nordic Adonis, graced by a
seemingly endless supply of good fortune. When tragedy rips their
makeshift family apart, the two boys are set on courses that diverge
astonishingly. In a riveting tale of resilience and redemption that traces
their parallel lives, Tommy and Eric ultimately reunite after years apart and
draw on their childhood bond as they confront together the forces that
threaten to destroy them.
Personal Review: Fortunate Son: A Novel by Walter Mosley
This is the story of two close brothers, one white (Eric), one black
(Thomas), separated when about 6 and reunited at about 20. The two
have vastly different lives during their separation. Yet, which one is the
"fortunate son" is a moot point. Further details would not really be spoilers,
but would be irrevalent and misleading. The specific plot, per se, does not

matter. Like a magnificent painting, the story changes as you view it from
different angles, and the longer you dwell on it. Ultimately, it is a story
about fate. In this case, the hand of fate is very heavy.
Superficially, some of the events are a tad implausible and some
characters larger than life---but this is a vivid uplifting grand allegory of
great depth, power, and complexity. As such, "suspension of disbelief"
isn't an issue.
What is the allegory about? After considerable reflection, I've concluded
that the underlying theme is the Black experience in America. Okay, as a
typical White guy, I would not find that description appealing. Don't be put
off by that description/conclusion. The underlying theme is at most
extremely subtle, not "in your face", nor antagonistic toward Whites.
However, the eyes of a Black author may be more attuned to the question
of fate. All of us are minorities of one, each struggling with our own fate---
the lessons of the book are universal.
Okay, I suppose that I'm suppose to complain about something to
demonstrate my "sophistication". The only thing that bothered me is the
temporal disconnect after the brothers are separated. Chapters in which
Thomas is 5 are followed by Eric at 14, back to Thomas at 6, to Eric at 15.
The discontinuities were a bit jarring.
This is a story which will stay with me for a long time. I look forward to re-
reading it at long, but regular, intervals. This is one to buy in hardcover.
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