FATHERS

by Alexandra--Ed. Towle ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 1987

A delightful and absorbing collection of writings' extolling the joys of fatherhood and lamenting its pains, from Euripides to John Osborne--and plenty of surprises in between. All kinds of views and opinions are refracted in this brilliant sortie into paternity, which manages to be diamond-hard and genuinely tender at the same time. Whether it's a letter, a poem, a story or a brief essay, the writers here leave no doubt that fatherhood has left an indelible mark upon them. They examine the subject from various points of view, describe the impact of disagreements, reunions and separations. There is sobering objectivity and plenty of nostalgia. Towle has done a careful and inspired job of choosing these pieces, which are cause for reflection even as they pluck relentlessly on the old heartstrings. Whether it's a short note from Bronson Allcott to his children, or P.G. Wodehouse poking fun at TV's idea of fatherhood, or a brief insight from Theodor Reik on an intriguing custom--a laying-in period for new daddies, the entries are uniformly delightful. Fun, pathos, and plenty of wisdom.

Pub Date: June 1, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1987

Categories: NONFICTION