In Mom and Son, Anna Pigeon tells the story of two teenage boys who move from foster homes to live with their own mother in an upscale hotel. Away from home they enjoy all the privileges that a normal hotel offers, including an on-site staff that provides the children with movies, food, and even lessons in bed. But life in a strange place can also be complicated for the boys, especially Sam, who has problems dealing with his father’s mental health. The movie is based on the book by Dan Panko, and it brings a unique spin on the standard boarding school experience.
Anna Pigeon skillfully weaves the story of the boys into the story of the parents as a couple. Though the events in the book are set in Florida, the story is surprisingly relevant to events taking place in New York City as well. One of the most thrilling parts of the book involves Sam, who is attending therapy in order to deal with his anxiety over coming home to a new house with his mother. The therapists help Sam learns to trust his own feelings about his family, but the damage that can be done in a family setting by drug abuse or other issues remains. Anna Pigeon portrays the problems that families face in a tough economy through her focus on the characters’ interactions.
The final third of the novel chronicles Sam and his mother’s flight from the hotel to a cabin in Upstate New York. There, she reconnects with her son, and they share the memories of their time apart. One of the strongest moments comes when Sam finally faces his father about his need to save money in order to support his struggling family. Though the story ends with a happy ending, I felt that Anna Pigeon drew unnecessary attention to Sam’s father in the final moments and felt as though she had gone a little overboard in her depiction of their relationship. Mom and son secret at a hotel.
