His Family

"His Family" by Ernest Poole is a story set in early 20th-century New York City. It follows Roger Gale, a man in his middle years, learning to live without his wife, Judith, and understanding the impact of his daughters—Edith, Laura, and Deborah—on his ideas about family and himself. The book looks at themes of affection, new generations, and searching for happiness while living in a busy city. Roger Gale takes the reader back to his past, remembering his tough childhood, his love for Judith, and his sadness after she died. As he plays chess with his daughter Edith, the early scenes reveal the dynamics of his family and the ways in which their lives have changed over time. The story prepares Roger to start to see what his daughters need as they deal with their own issues: Edith's problems as a mother, Deborah's dedication to teaching, and Laura's upcoming wedding to Harold Sloane, all while the city changes around them and Roger feels stuck. This beginning looks closely at family connections and the search for meaning in life.