Sons and Daughters

"Sons and Daughters" by Mrs. Oliphant is a 19th-century novel that follows the wealthy Mr. Burton and his son, Gervase, in a story about obligation, family hopes, and finding oneself amidst social pressures. The story begins with a big disagreement: Gervase turns down his father’s offer to join the family business, choosing instead to struggle with his beliefs and his path forward, all while falling for Madeline, from another important family. The conversation highlights Gervase’s refusal, much to his father's dismay, as they sit in their grand library on Harley Street. Gervase's problems with business clash with his father's old-fashioned ideas about what makes a person successful. Gervase doesn't want to do business he doesn't believe in, pointing to deeper problems about how he was raised and educated. As Gervase fights with what is expected of him, readers see the start of his bigger battles, especially his romance with Madeline, setting up a story of choosing between what you believe and what your family wants.