The Graftons: A Novel

"The Graftons: A Novel" by Archibald Marshall is a story set in the English countryside spanning the time just before and during World War I, following the Cooper family as they grapple with the Reverend William Cooper's impending death and his desire for his son, Denis, to take over as Rector. The story examines the pressures of family expectations against the backdrop of social class and the traditional system of church patronage, showing the family's emotions and uncertainty as they face changes in their pastoral life. The narrative explores the intricate dynamics between the Rector's children and the community's expectations, setting the stage for explorations of morality and the challenges of duty.