This morning I watched the recording of last night’s rugby World Cup match between Uruguay and Namibia.
On an overcast day of showers and humidity I read Robert Louis Stevenson’s tale of this post’s title.
The story demonstrates how ultimately cruel it can be to be misguidedly kind. We have two filial relationships – one, where the father has been present throughout a loved life; the other that of a prodigal parasite who turns up to sponge after a lifetime’s absence. One sire is confronted by truth; the other offspring protected from it. Truth condemns the relationship for a decade; the avoidance of it destroys an adult love.
Stevenson’s insight into humanity runs throughout the tale, as does his descriptive power brought into play with simple sentences telling of place and environment. In particular he really taps into the phenomenon of characters in deep despair being oblivious of normal life around them.
Michael Foreman’s illustration to my Folio Society edition depicts a pivotal meeting.
This evening we all dined on cheese centred haddock fishcakes; piquant cauliflower cheese; with cauliflower leaves; boiled new potatoes; fried tomatoes; a crunchy carrots, with which Jackie drank more of the Zesty and I drank Hacienda Uvanis Garnacha Old Vines 2020.
Excellent review and a deliciously described meal.
Thank you so much, Pat
Another excellent story, illustration, and dinner.
Thanks very much, Merril
Mmm fish is delish! =)
Thanks a lot, John
You are welcome!
Ah, human nature. No matter the decade, or the century, it doesn’t seem to change. And excellent authors capture it all. What a lovely illustration, too!
Thanks very much, Pamela
This story sounds like a compelling cautionary tale.
Thanks very much, Liz. You are right
You’re welcome, Derrick. 🙂
I’ve not read this, Derrick, except for the page you posted – I’m already pulled in, especially after reading your comments.
Thank you very much, Barbara
These are such wonderful finds
Thanks very much, Gary
The illustrations in this book draw me in.
Yet another intriguing story with a beautiful illustration.
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
Stunning illustration! That alone makes me want to read more!
Thank you very much, RR
Thank you for your fabulous book review, Derrick … oh darn, I still have to login for every Comment I make… frustrating … best I go out for walkies with Frankie…
Ivor, two things to try.
Depending on your browser, Next time, look towards the middle/top left of the screen and check that there isn’t a pop up box asking you to allow pop ups from this site. If there is then click to allow.
Another possibility might be to click the W (WordPress icon), the screen might flash once but then you should be able to leave your comment. This happens to me on all subscription WP sites when using my iPad. If this turns out to be the case let me know because there is a way around it via settings. ????
Oops, I forgot about the question marks popping up on Derrick’s site instead of emojis. I wasn’t asking a question, so here we go 🙂 🙂 keyboard ones instead. I hope one of the solutions helps.
Thank you so much, Ivor
I will echo the others—good review. I might have to add that book of short stories to my TBR list.
Thank you very much, Laurie
Double cheese? You two know how to live!
Your pithy overview of the classic was a delightful read. The Folio society editions contain priceless pictorial appendices.
Thank you very much, Uma
Should I be taking more tonic with it. or are the shadows in the foreground of the first picture completely wrong, given the shadows at the back?
Maybe, John. Thanks very much
How wonderful this is, the writing, the illustrations. Your meal sounds pretty good too!
Thanks very much, Miriam
I love reading your reviews! Thank you for sharing this one, Derrick!
And the illustration you chose to share is heavenly!
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Carolyn X
You’re welcome so much. 🙂
Excellent review, Derrick, and the story sounds very compelling.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Stevenson does seem to have excellent insight into humanity. I enjoy your reviews, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Lavinia