Frank Oldfield Lost and Found

"Frank Oldfield, or Lost and Found" by Theodore P. Wilson is a story set in the late 1800s that journeys into the difficult world of a family battling addiction, primarily through the eyes of a young boy named Samuel Johnson and his strained connection with his parents. The writing underlines significant ideas about love within a family, remaining sober, and the repercussions when individuals struggle with drinking too much, painting a picture of how challenging life could be in those days. Initially, the story introduces us to Samuel's mother, in a panic because her son is gone. As the story moves forward, we find out that Samuel has committed to not drinking any alcohol. He did this as a strong message towards his parents, whose drinking habits have caused many problems and a lack of care in their home. The dynamics between Samuel's family and those around them emphasize the deep impact that alcohol usage can have on human existence, and in addition, the conflicts of the young as they strive for paths that veer away from self-destruction are underscored. Through the different characters' journeys through attempts at sobriety and the possibility of getting a second chance, the beginning chapters lay the framework for a touching narrative.