Hamlin Garland (1860–1940)

A SON opens with a vivid memory of his Father returning from The War.

Father's military discipline soon changed the house rules, fomenting Hamlin's quiet and long lasting rebellion.

Inspiring descriptions of West Salem nature and birdsong everywhere in his travels alternate with repetitive and depressing death orations.

Hamlin's father did not consult his wife in any major decisions, like where to live.
This oppressive attitude unfortunately carried on in Hamlin's marriage.

He moved from ultimately loathed farming and ranching into carpentry and,
once adopted into Boston's literary circles, into becoming a prolific author
who could finally help his Mother to enjoy the decent and relaxed life back in Wisconsin
that she had earned,
despite his father's ongoing objections to leaving The Dakotas..… (more)

While there are many beautiful descriptions and deep sympathy for the fate of "The Red Men",
Hamilin Garland continues -
despite his expressed beliefs in the equality of women in marriage -
to make All the decisions for his family.

His selfish choices result in deserting his Mother just before her impending death
and with subjecting his sick children to the bad health conditions of a city for many years.

(And, the longest marriage Non-proposal ever...)

He goes on and on and on about his alleged poverty - then hops on a train to travel Everywhere -
and on and on and on about The Past, The Past, The Past. Way enough.

Other choices remain a mystery - why he subjected himself, his beloved horse and his old friend
to impossible and predictable weather and terrain challenges for SIX long months defies comprehension.… (more)