With over 60 published books and success on social media, bestselling author Jhonatas Nilson releases *The Son I Didn't Love* , a family drama about grief, rejection, and hope. The story follows Vincenzo, who, after a family tragedy, is forced to start his life over and make up for lost time with his son Giovanni D'Angelo, who is used to dealing with the absence of a father figure.
Through a visceral and sensitive narrative, the author, who holds a degree in Psychology, presents a profound reflection on the power of affection and the capacity 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 Nilson discussed the inspirations behind the plot and talked about the importance of social media in expanding a writing career. Check it out below:
1. What inspired you to address themes such as grief, rejection, and hope in the father-son relationship in "The Son I Didn't Love"?
Jhonatas Nilson: The inspiration came from several questions I had 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 for fear of not being able to finish it due to the emotional weight involved. But, by allowing myself to explore it, I delved deep into the feelings, especially those of grief 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 have connected with this narrative that has affected me so deeply.
2. What psychological elements do you incorporate into the narrative to explore the impact of rejection and family reconciliation?
JN: As a psychologist, I always wonder how I can address real and intense themes about human emotions. With The Son I Didn't Love , it was no different. Each interaction between the protagonists reveals layers of pain, the 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 through the willingness to change from the inside out.
3- How does the character Vincenzo deal with the need to overcome resentment and build an affectionate relationship with his son Giovanni? What message do you intend to convey to the readers with this?
JN: Initially, Vincenzo deals very poorly with this need and even acts in an extremely toxic way towards his son. During the writing process, I felt firsthand the internal struggle he faces with his pain and resentment. However, it was moving to guide him towards self-reflection and make him realize that our pain doesn't justify causing suffering to others. Through this journey, I wanted to convey that emotional new beginnings are possible, as long as we have the courage to confront our own patterns of pain.
4. In your opinion, what makes a father and son's journey of reconciliation relevant to readers facing family conflicts?
JN: I believe that family conflicts are as universal as grief and rejection. At some point, we are all forced to deal with disagreements with those we love. Bringing these themes into my work allows human reality to touch the reader through a hopeful lens, offering a mirror of their own experiences and showing that, even in the most difficult relationships, there is room for understanding and growth.
5- You are a best-selling author with over 60 published works. How does "The Son I Didn't Love" differ from your other works?
JN: I feel that this year I challenged myself in many aspects of my literary career, exploring themes that are not so usual for me. The Son I Didn't Love exemplifies this phase of experimentation, because, although I have addressed family traumas before, it has never been exactly as a central theme. Normally, I write romance novels, but creating a story entirely focused on family love was a magical and enriching experience. I hope to be able to explore this type of narrative more in the future.
6- With over 30,000 followers on Instagram, how do you see the importance of writers being on social media? How can the virtual environment be an ally for literary production?
JN: Social media allows readers to feel more connected to the author. As a fan of many writers, I confess that I love following their routines and lifestyles. Furthermore, with current technological tools, the virtual world opens doors to disseminating works to a wider audience. Today, my books reach people who might never have known them without a digital presence. Social networks have undoubtedly become an ally in building and expanding a readership.
