'My Son, My Son!' By Howard Spring

Howard Spring's novel "My Son, My Son!" is a story that explores the complex relationship between a father and his son. Set in the early 20th century, the novel revolves around the life of Arthur Brown, a successful businessman who has high hopes for his son, David. As David grows older, Arthur becomes increasingly disappointed with his son's choices, which leads to a rift between them.The novel begins with Arthur reflecting on his life, particularly his relationship with his son. He remembers the early days of David's childhood, when he was full of promise and potential. However, as David grows older, he becomes more interested in literature and the arts, which does not sit well with Arthur. Arthur wants David to follow in his footsteps and become a successful businessman, but David's passions lie elsewhere.As the story progresses, the tension between Arthur and David becomes more pronounced. David becomes increasingly distant from his father, and Arthur struggles to connect with his son. He is frustrated by David's lack of ambition and cannot understand why he is not interested in the family business. The conflict between them comes to a head when David announces that he wants to become a writer.Arthur is furious with David's decision and does everything in his power to dissuade him from pursuing his dream. He believes that writing is a frivolous pursuit and that David will never be successful in the field. David, on the other hand, is determined to follow his heart, and the two become estranged as a result.One of the central themes of "My Son, My Son!" is the conflict between tradition and progress. Arthur represents tradition, with his belief that success can only be achieved through hard work and perseverance. David, on the other hand, represents progress, with his desire to pursue a career in the arts. The conflict between them is emblematic of a larger cultural struggle, as the world moves from an era of industry and hard work to one of artistic expression and creativity.Another important theme in the novel is the nature of parental love. Arthur loves his son deeply, but he struggles to express his emotions in a way that David can understand. He believes that he is doing what is best for his son, even if it means pushing him away. David, on the other hand, is deeply hurt by his father's rejection and struggles to reconcile his love for his father with his own desires.The novel's title, "My Son, My Son!", is a reference to a line from the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac. In the story, Abraham is asked by God to sacrifice his son, Isaac, as a test of his faith. The line "my son, my son" is a cry of anguish from Abraham as he prepares to carry out the sacrifice. In Spring's novel, the title serves as a metaphor for the sacrifices that parents make for their children, and the pain that can come from those sacrifices.In conclusion, "My Son, My Son!" is a powerful exploration of the complex relationship between a father and his son. The novel's themes of tradition and progress, as well as parental love, are universal and timeless. The conflict between Arthur and David is both heartbreaking and illuminating, offering insights into the struggles that many families face as they navigate changing cultural norms and shifting values. Spring's writing is masterful, and his characters are richly drawn, making "My Son, My Son!" a true classic of 20th-century literature.

[welshcat]

This is not the plot of ‘My Son, My Son’ by Howard Spring.
Who on earth are Arthur and David? The main protagonists in the novel are William and Oliver Essex 🤷‍♀️