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Fathers & Sons

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Fathers & Sons

By: Richard Madeley
Narrated by: Richard Madeley
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About this listen

 Richard Madeley is fascinated by the speed of change in family life and how being a father has changed since the time of his father and grandfather. In FATHERS AND SONS, Richard looks back at his own family to illustrate just how far British men's relationships with their sons have moved.

Richard's grandfather had a childhood of almost unimaginable betrayal and sadness. His family abandoned him as a child to older relatives and emigrated without telling him. He grew up in a miserable situation and without any positive parenting role models yet managed to marry and have a son of his own. Richard's father was aware of his own father's discomfort and occasional frustration and anger, and grew to understand that this was due to his upbringing. He remembers no affection, or endearments from his dad and was packed off to a desolate boarding school in an echo of his own father's betrayal. In a bucking of the family trend, Richard's mother, a Canadian, introduced more loving and demonstrative relationships which Richard has continued with his own son and step-sons.

Both a family story and a wide-ranging look at Britain's evolving social character, FATHERS AND SONS is a uniquely honest and touching exploration of how our families operate. Contemporary Fiction Genre Fiction Fiction

Critic reviews

‘If you love the Lakes, a good thriller or, better yet, both, you need to read this book’ (Female First on The Night Book)
All stars
Most relevant

What did you like most about Fathers and Sons?

The story was fascinating although very sad

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fathers and Sons?

Richard's grand-dad meeting his brothers on a train after enlisting.

What about Richard Madeley’s performance did you like?

Very clearly read with just the right amount of accents used.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It nearly made me cry on many occasions.

Any additional comments?

I am not a Richard Madeley fan but this book is excellent.

A great story well told

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Interesting story told by the author. Funny and sad. Easy to listen to. Would recommend

Engaging

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A lot of audio books put me to sleep; this one kept me awake. I currently have a difficult relationship with my own parents and this book resonates with me. I am considering writing my own book, in an effort to understand my own emotional heritage. I will be listening again. "To understand, you must forgive;" perhaps good advice. Excellent narration. I am viewing Richard Madeley with respect as a result of listening to this book.

Resonating family record

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I have always ‘liked’ Richard Madeley, but I didn’t expect this book to be that good. But it was excellent, it fascinated me with its story across the years. Richard told it brilliantly, although it took a while to cope with the speed of his talking. A good read

Wonderfully told, insightful

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I loved Richard's ability to capture the emotion throughout. It was an added bonus listening to him tell his back story along with his lifestory. His mum sounds a lovely kind lady ♥️ . His son Jack's input at the end was a lovely touch. I will certainly read more of this author's books 📚.

Richards writing ability as an author

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