Going Home

Tom Lamont's debut novel, Going Home, tells the story of a motley adult crew unexpectedly tasked with caring for a toddler after his mother's death. The story unfolds through the perspectives of four characters: the child's temporary guardian (Teo), his best friend (Ben), the guardian's ailing father (Vic), and a local rabbi (Sybil). The novel explores themes of fatherhood, friendship, grief, and community, weaving together humor and pathos as the characters grapple with their new responsibilities and their own personal struggles.

As a gay man contemplating adoption, this story resonated with me in ways I hadn't anticipated. The story beautifully captures the essence of what makes a family - and it's not necessarily biological ties, it’s also possible for men to be primary caregivers (however messy that may be). In a literary landscape that often relegates men to peripheral roles in childcare, this novel presents a refreshing perspective where male characters take center stage in nurturing and raising a child. The way the story explores the formation of father-son bonds that aren't rooted in biological connection spoke directly to my own aspirations and anxieties about adoption.

The pacing of the novel perfectly captures the day-to-day reality of adapting to unexpected parenthood. The trials of getting a toddler to get to bed. The world-peace like negotiations to get a child to stop doing something and start doing something else, felt very real.

What makes this novel particularly compelling is its honest portrayal of the characters' struggles and growth. None of the characters are perfectly prepared for their roles and watching them navigate their new responsibilities while dealing with their own personal issues feels authentic and relatable. The book doesn't shy away from showing the messiness of learning to be a parent, but it also celebrates the beautiful moments of connection and understanding that emerge from these challenges.

The representation of male emotional vulnerability and care work is exceptional. Lamont manages to portray these aspects without falling into stereotypes or sentimentality, instead offering a nuanced look at how men can express love, concern, and nurturing in their own ways.

While the novel isn't perfect - some subplots could have been more developed - it earns a solid four stars for its sensitive handling of unconventional families, its positive representation of male caregivers, and its authentic portrayal of the joys and challenges of unexpected parenthood.