The Prodigal Father

** "The Prodigal Father" by J. Storer Clouston is a novel that kicks off in Edinburgh, diving into the life of Heriot Walkingshaw, a well-regarded lawyer whose world is shaken by the consequences of choices that affect both him and his family. Right away, the book grabs you with talk of a public incident that has everyone buzzing about Mr. Walkingshaw, and it's clear this isn't just about one man's problems. The story looks at what it means to be respectable, what society expects of you, and how old-fashioned values clash with the dreams of the younger generation. Through his relationships with his kids—like when he doesn't approve of his son’s love life—and the pressure he gets from his own sister, the author paints a vivid picture of family tensions and the judgments of society. This sets the scene for a story that's all about personal battles, the search for happiness, and the heavy burden of trying to keep up appearances. **