The Good Father by Diane Chamberlain

Genre: General Fiction
Publication Date: 24th April 2012
Pages: 368
Book Source: Harlequin/Mira & NetGalley

Synopsis: A beloved daughter. A devastating choice. And now there's no going back.

Four years ago, nineteen-year-old Travis Brown made a choice: to raise his newborn daughter on his own. While most of his friends were out partying and meeting girls, Travis was at home, changing diapers and worrying about keeping food on the table. But he's never regretted his decision. Bella is the light of his life. The reason behind every move he makes. And so far, she is fed. Cared for. Safe.

But when Travis loses his construction job and his home, the security he's worked so hard to create for Bella begins to crumble...…

Then a miracle. A job in Raleigh has the power to turn their fortunes around. It has to. But when Travis arrives in Raleigh, there is no job, only an offer to participate in a onetime criminal act that promises quick money and no repercussions.

With nowhere else to turn, Travis must make another choice for his daughter's sake. Even if it means he might lose her.

My Thoughts:

After reading The Lies We Told and The Midwife's Confession and becoming quite the fan of Diane Chamberlain's writing I was excited to get my hands on a copy of The Good Father. 

Ms Chamberlain is a master of alternating narration and whilst The Good Father has a distinct male voice (Travis Brown) we also get the story from Erin & Robin's point of view. A style I love when it's done well - 

Travis, 23 raising his daughter Bella on his own

Robin, gave her baby up for adoption as she faced a life threatening illness

Erin, a mother mourning the tragic death of her own young daughter 

I cared about 4 year old Bella and what happened to her but I also became emotionally invested in the lives of the adults, caught up in the emotion as their lives became implicitly entwined. 

It was refreshing to have a male character at the heart of the story but in essence this is a story about parental love. Love doesn't always mean we make the best decisions, especially in times of stress, turmoil and tragedy. Desperation often leads to rash decisions and horrifying consequences. 

Was Travis a good father? If 'loving' constitutes 'good' then yes but sometimes despite your best intentions love just isn't enough. Travis certainly came across as a good person who made some poor choices.  

Another compelling, poignant, if somewhat predictable read from Diane Chamberlain. 

Want to know more about Diane Chamberlain and her work? - visit her website.

You can also see my review of The Midwife's Confession (2011) & The Lies We Told (2010)