Butler's novel, much like "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man," is a story of the careless nature of youth, influence of religion on a child's psyche and the relationship of a child to his overbearing parents. Like "Sons and Mothers," this novel talks of how a child (especially in this time) was forced to conform to the way of their parents but it is without a real deference or respect, it is a choice made from pure fear. Earnest is a fascinating young character and the audience can easily relate to his struggles in school and at home...or the desire to break free into one's own life. This is a great coming of age book that is funny and wise all at once, if not long and detailed.
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