With more than 60 published books and success on social media, the best-selling writerJhonatas NilsonspearThe son I didn't lovea family drama about mourning, rejection, and hope. The plot follows Vincenzo, who, after a family tragedy, is forced to restart his life and make up for lost time with his son Giovanni D’Angelo, who is used to dealing with the absence of a paternal figure.
Through a visceral and sensitive narrative, the psychology bachelor's degree holder presents a profound reflection on the strength of affection and the capacity of love to survive various 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 characters' inner worlds.
In an interview,Jhonatas NilsonHe commented on the inspirations behind the plot and talked about the importance of social media to expand a writer's career. Check below
1- What inspired you to address themes such as 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 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 it carries. But, by allowing myself to explore it, I delved deeply into the feelings, especially those of mourning and rejection — I even cried several times during the writing process. Today, I am immensely happy for having moved forward and for seeing how the 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?
JN:As a psychologist, I always wonder how I can address real and intense topics about human emotion. WithThe son I didn't loveIt 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 also 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 emotional relationship with his son Giovanni? What is the message you intend to convey to the readers with this?
JN:Initially, Vincenzo handles this need very poorly and even acts extremely toxic towards his son. During the writing, I closely felt the internal struggle he fights with his pain and resentments. However, it was moving to guide him to self-reflection and make him realize that our pain does not justify causing suffering to others. Through this journey, I wanted to convey that emotional reboots are possible, as long as we have the courage to face our own patterns of pain.
4- In your opinion, what makes the journey of a father and son in search of reconciliation relevant for readers facing family conflicts?
JN:I believe that family conflicts are as universal as grief and rejection. At some point, we all have 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 room for understanding and growth.
5- You arebestselling author, with more than 60 published works. How"the son I did not love" differs 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 Loveillustrate this experimentation phase, because, although I have previously addressed family traumas before, it has never been exactly as the central theme. Normally, I write romantic novels, but creating a story entirely focused on family love was a magical and enriching experience. I hope to explore more of this type of narrative in the future.
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 the reader to feel more connected with 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 environment opens doors to promote works to a broader audience. Today, my books reach people who might never have known them without the digital presence. Networks have become an ally in building and expanding a reader base, without a doubt.
