The Thorogood Family

"The Thorogood Family" by R. M. Ballantyne is a charming story set in the mid-1800s, following a strong blacksmith, John Thorogood, and his six high-spirited children as they journey through childhood. The narrative builds around the Thorogood household, emphasizing the importance of traits such as hard work and honesty, which the blacksmith father teaches his kids. The family, composed of five rambunctious sons and their sister, Molly, are known for their playful banters and unique traits as they all ponder what life could hold for them. The story hints at the heroic paths each child will follow, like becoming a missionary, soldier, or lifesaving rescuer, creating the setup for tales of bravery, devotion, and the unbreakable ties of family.