Helpful Score: 1
This is the story of the White family. Alfred, the father, is a bigoted tyrant in his home and a long-time, proud London park keeper who abides by all the rules. May, his wife of many years, is devoted to Alfred and never interfered with his brutal treatment of their three children, who are now all grown and carrying the emotional scars he inflicted. When Alfred is facing death, he seems to regret the damage he inflicted on his children, and we are left to wonder how different their lives would have been had he rectified his rigidity sooner. This is a difficult novel to read because it reveals the ugliest side of human nature and people who despise anyone who differs from them. Shirley, the only White daughter, is perhaps the most likeable character in this narrow-minded, shallow family.
