A Family Man

Threads of Kinship

In A Family Man, Amanda Brookfield crafts a poignant portrait of David Harrington, a devoted father and small-town schoolteacher whose unwavering commitment to his family is tested by an unexpected upheaval. Set against the gentle rhythms of rural England in the early 2000s, this 2001 Flame edition opens with David juggling lesson plans and bedtime stories, cherishing every quiet moment with his wife, Julia, and their two spirited children. But when Julia receives a job offer abroad—one that promises excitement yet threatens the safety of their close-knit life—David faces a heart-wrenching dilemma: pursue a professional opportunity that could secure his children’s future, or remain anchored in the familiar comfort of home.

Echoes of Legacy

Brookfield’s evocative prose weaves together the past and present through interlaced flashbacks to David’s own upbringing under the stern but loving guidance of his grandfather, a war veteran who instilled in him the values of integrity and sacrifice. As David grapples with the weight of generational expectations, he takes solace in the enduring wisdom of the old family farmhouse, where every creaking floorboard and dusty photograph tells a story of resilience. From the bustling village fete to impromptu football matches in the schoolyard, Brookfield highlights the small triumphs and stinging regrets that shape a man’s sense of duty, revealing how the bonds of kinship can both empower and confine.

The Bonds That Bind

With deft psychological insight, A Family Man explores the delicate balance between personal ambition and parental responsibility. When Julia’s departure date draws near, David must confront long-buried fears: will his children remember his laughter if he’s no longer there to share it? Will he ever forgive himself for choosing career over companionship? In a heartfelt climax beneath the old oak tree where he first learned to ride a bike, family secrets come to light, forcing David to redefine what it truly means to be a “family man.” Amanda Brookfield delivers a moving saga of love, sacrifice, and the enduring power of home—even when it’s not where the heart resides. Author’s description.