This is a remarkably honest and moving account of fathering over the past century, with a particular focus on Richard Madeley's own turbulent family history.Richard Madeley is fascinated by the speed of change in family life and how being a father has changed since the time of his father and grandfather. In "Fathers And Sons", Richard looks back at his own family to illustrate just how far British men's relationships with their sons have moved.Richard's grandfather had a childhood of almost unimaginable betrayal and sadness. His family abandoned him as a child to older relatives and emigrated without telling him. He grew up in a miserable situation and without any positive parenting role models yet managed to marry and have a son of his own. Richard's father was aware of his own father's discomfort and occasional frustration and anger, and grew to understand that this was due to his upbringing. He remembers no affection, or endearments from his dad and was packed off to a desolate boarding school in an echo of his own father's betrayal.
In a bucking of the family trend, Richard's mother, a Canadian, introduced more loving and demonstrative relationships which Richard has continued with his own son and step-sons.Both a family story and a wide-ranging look at Britain's evolving social character, "Fathers And Sons" is a uniquely honest and touching exploration of how our families operate.
- ISBN10 1847828035
- ISBN13 9781847828033
- Publish Date 1 September 2009 (first published 30 September 2008)
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 21 October 2021
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher F A Thorpe (Publishers)
- Imprint Ulverscroft Large Print Books Ltd
- Edition Large type / large print edition
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 328
- Language English