Father and Son: A memoir about family, the past and mortality

In his memoir Father and Son, Jonathan Raban explores the tension between powerful emotions and carnage, as well as the conventional codes of what must remain unsaid. The book is a gorgeous achievement, according to Ian McEwan, and tells the extraordinary story of Raban's parents' marriage and his own recovery from a stroke. It explores the human capacity to withstand trauma and the warmth, strength, and humor that persist despite it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2023
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

A NEW YORKER BEST BOOK OF 2023

Father and Son is a captivating memoir that delves into the intricate interplay between profound emotions and the devastating consequences of carnage. On one hand, the book explores the powerful bonds between individuals, showcasing the depths of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. On the other, it challenges the conventional norms of what should remain unsaid, creating a tense and sometimes lunatic tension. This remarkable final work from Jonathan Raban is a stunning achievement, hailed by acclaimed author Ian McEwan as "a gorgeous achievement."

On June 11, 2011, just three days shy of his sixty-ninth birthday, Jonathan Raban faced a life-altering setback when he suffered a stroke that left him paralyzed on the right side of his body. While in a rehabilitation facility outside Seattle, he embarked on a challenging journey of learning to navigate a wheelchair and resisting the assistance of the nurses overseeing his recovery. During this introspective period, Raban began to reflect upon the essence of his own life in the face of his impending mortality.

In addition to chronicling his own recovery, Father and Son weaves an extraordinary story about his parents' marriage. The early years of their union were marked by a unique mode of communication: they exchanged letters while his father served in the Second World War. Through these letters, Raban delves into the complexities of love, sacrifice, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.

Jonathan Raban's profound and candid exploration of the human condition takes readers on a journey that is both intimate and universal. He delves into the depths of human resilience, showcasing the incredible capacity to endure trauma and emerge stronger on the other side. At the same time, he reveals the warmth, strength, and humor that persist amidst the darkest of times. Father and Son, the final masterpiece from the revered man of letters, is a breathtaking narrative that spans continents and explores the profound themes of love, loss, and resilience.

Weight: 438g
Dimension: 223 x 142 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780330418409