The fool of the family

"The Fool of the Family" by Bracebridge Hemyng is a novel set in the early 1900s follows the life of Tommy, nicknamed "Soft Tommy," a young boy known for his simple-mindedness and penchant for getting into trouble, where the book explores themes of family relationships that include the difficulties Tommy faces with Mr. Smithers, the stepfather. The novel opens with Tommy's family, highlighting his challenging relationship with Mr. Smithers, who is quick to punish the boy for accidents that occur from Tommy's attempts to help. The story follows a series of adventures filled with humor and a little bit of tragedy, reflecting on the boy's purity and innocence within a world that frequently misinterprets his good intentions, and how this shapes his growth and development.