The Record of Nicholas Freydon An Autobiography

"The Record of Nicholas Freydon" by A. J. Dawson is a biographical novel that follows the life of Nicholas Freydon as he seeks to understand himself by looking back on his life, from his early years in England to his time in Australia and his complicated connection with his father. The story touches on feelings of longing for the past, figuring out who you are, and trying to find purpose, especially during times of big changes in society and in one's personal life. Starting after Nicholas Freydon leaves London, where he felt overwhelmed by a difficult life, he thinks about finding peace and understanding himself. He starts by remembering his childhood, especially his home life and the servants who were important to him, like Amelia, creating a sense of wanting connection and understanding. With the death of his mother not long after birth, and a cool relationship with his busy father, Freydon's story is set against his difficult family situation and the contrast between England and Australia, as he explores who he is.