With over 60 published books and success on social media, the best-selling writerJhonatas NilsonspearThe son I didn't love,a family drama about grief, rejection and hope. The plot follows Vincenzo, what, after a family tragedy, is forced to restart life and make up for lost time with his son Giovanni D'Angelo, used to dealing with the absence of the father figure.
Through a visceral and sensitive narrative, the author with a degree in Psychology presents a deep reflection on the power of affection and the ability of love to survive different traumas. In his works, he seeks to include themes about the complexity of human relationships, creating a realistic atmosphere that allows readers to connect with the inner lives of the characters.
In an interview, Jhonatas Nilsonhe commented on the inspirations behind the plot and talked about the importance of social media to enhance a writer's career. Check below
1- What inspired you to address themes like grief, rejection and hope in the relationship between father and son in "The son I did not love"
Jhonatas Nilson:The inspiration came from various questions that arose about the complexities of a possible relationship between an absent father and a son seeking acceptance. For a while, I hesitated to start this story out of fear of not being able to finish it due to the emotional weight it carries. But, by allowing me to explore it, I dove deep into my feelings, mainly those of mourning and rejection — I even cried several times during the writing process. Today, I am immensely happy to have moved forward and to see how readers connected with this narrative that marked me so much.
2- What psychological elements do you incorporate into the narrative to explore the impact of rejection and family reconciliation
J.N:As a psychologist, I always ask myself how I can approach real and intense themes about human emotions. WithThe son I didn't love, it was no different. Each interaction between the protagonists reveals layers of pain, search for approval and the defense mechanisms we develop when we feel rejected. Through these elements, I wanted to show that new beginnings are possible not only through love, but by the willingness to change from the inside out.
3- How does the character Vincenzo deal with the need to overcome resentment and build an emotional relationship with his son Giovanni? What message do you intend to convey to the readers with this?
J.N:Initially, Vincenzo handles this need very poorly and even acts in an extremely toxic way towards his son. During writing, I felt up close the internal struggle he fights with his pains and resentments. However, it was moving to lead him to self-reflection and make him realize that our pains do not justify causing suffering to others. Through this journey, I wanted to convey that emotional fresh starts are possible, as long as we have the courage to face our own standards of pain.
4- In your opinion, what makes a father and son’s journey in search of reconciliation relevant to readers facing family conflicts
J.N:I believe that family conflicts are as universal as grief and rejection. At some point, we are all forced to deal with misunderstandings with those we love. Bringing these themes into my work allows human reality to touch the reader through a hopeful perspective, offering a mirror of their own experiences and showing that, even in the most difficult relationships, there is space for understanding and growth.
5- You arebest-selling author, with more than 60 published works. How"The son I did not love" differs from your other works?
J.N:I feel that this year I challenged myself in many aspects of my literary career, exploring themes that are not so familiar to me. The Son I Didn't Loveexemplifies this phase of experimentation, because, although I have already addressed family traumas before, it was never exactly as the central theme. Normally, I write romantic novels, but creating a story completely focused on family love was a magical and enriching experience. I hope to explore more of this type of narrative in the future.
6- With over 30 thousand followers on Instagram, how do you see the importance of writers being on social media? How the virtual environment can be an ally for literary production?
J.N:Social media allows the reader to feel more connected to the author. As a fan of many writers, I confess that I love following your routines and lifestyles. Furthermore, with current technological tools, the virtual environment opens doors to promote works to a wider audience. Today, my books reach people who might never have known them without the digital presence. The networks have become an ally in building and expanding a readership base, without a doubt.
