The Brave by Nicholas Evans

The Brave spans around 50 years time. It switches back and forth between the past and what is happening in the present. Tommy Bedford is sent to a strict English boarding school and has a difficult time there. He is removed by his sister, Diane, who turns out to be his real mother. He and his mother end up in Hollywood as she pursues a movie star career. She becomes involved with Ray, an actor in a western show. Tom has always adored "cowboys and Indians". The relationship between Diane and Ray turns rocky. A shocking act of violence occurs that changes their lives. Many years later Tom's son is accused of murder in Iraq. Events from the past resurface. Father and son reconnect. It is a story of guilt, torment, and struggles. Some of the events and characters in this book were not always believable to me. I still enjoyed this book but preferred other books I have read by this author.