Ernest Poole (1880–1950)

For everyone who thinks that women had no choices in 1918, here is a novel that begs to differ. In fact, the choices Roger Gale’s three daughters make drive him quite crazy in this, the first ever Pulitzer Prize winner. He finds himself widowed and trying to understand and really get to know his three grown daughters. They are very different people, one a dedicated homemaker, one a passionate career woman/reformer, and the third a vacuous party girl who thinks more of money and position show more than anything else. During the course of the novel, he does forge an understanding of his family, and also a knowledge that their lives are their own and not his to manage anymore.

One of the major themes addressed is whether we live on after death in another realm, or whether our living on is something we do through our children and their children. To live on solely through our progeny is a bit of a depressing idea for me. In truth, our memory only survives, on average, two generations. There is not a single person on the face of this earth who ever knew my great-grandmother, and while she lives on in me genetically, I do not find that that is enough. And what of those who die young or have no children? In the end, I think Roger Gale discovers that it isn’t an either/or proposition, and I agree with that.

While this book is a bit dated, it does open a door into the attitudes and thoughts of the middle class of the early 1900s. I found myself confronting a few stereotypes and misconceptions I have had about how men might have viewed their daughters in this time period. In the upper class, they were still items to be traded to keep money concentrated; in the poorer classes, they were drudges perhaps, enslaved to trying to keep families fed and afloat, but I found Roger’s attitudes toward his daughters were very much in line with what someone of the 1950s middle class might have felt.

I felt there was a bit of unnecessary repetition toward the end and that the novel could, in fact, have been wound up sooner than it was. However, that did not detract appreciably from the experience of reading it and I exited with something significant gained from the read. In my quest to read all the Pulitzer prize winners, I have discovered that this first winner was far from the least worthy. show less

His Family by Ernest Poole is a story about an aging widower as he navigates life at the cusp of modernity. The trials of family life, feminism, classism, war, and the clash between conservative and liberal values, all set in the rapidly changing environment of early 20th-century New York City, make this a poignant portrayal of a man whose life is much closer to the end than any new beginnings. Although set in the early 20th century, the story of Roger Gale and his family could easily take show more place in the 21st century. While reading this novel the profound similarities between then and now are not lost. As they say, "the more things change, the more they stay the same." show less

This warm family saga takes place in New York City just prior to WWI.

Roger Gale is a 60 year old with three daughters. His wife, Judith, has died and he doesn't see much meaning to life although he remembers Judith's words. "Our lives go on in the lives of our children."

His eldest, Ethel, is expecting her 5th child, Deborah, at 29 is a school principle and Laura is the youngest. Her zest for life amazes him. "She even danced in restaurants."

One day, Laura surprises Roger, announcing she's show more getting married. It saddens him to think of his baby, his favorite, leaving the house. At the same time, he feels she hasn't given marriage much consideration.

Poole describes New York at this time in its growth, from going to concerts at Carnegie Hall to Roger's enjoyment of horseriding in Central Park on his own horse.

We also see the changes in the world in the last 90 years when Laura's suitor, Harold Sloane tells Roger that he can make Laura happy. He boasts. "Twenty two thousand this year...we can live on that..."

The writing is supurb. The story flows nicely as we follow the family's progress. It's also enjoyable to read the descriptions of the carefree time prior to the horrors of WWI. Poole has a talent for making the reader think as when Roger discusses Laura's wedding and tells Deborah, "Queer how a man can neglect his children...when the thing he wants most in life is to see each one...happy."

Laura's wedding comes and goes, Ethel has her child and Roger and Deborah have the house to themselves, each wondering how lonely things will be without Laura's energetic presence.

Another interesting fact comes out. To become more involved in her life, Roger goes to Debora's school, He meets an 18 year old, Johnny Geer, who is somewhat crippeled. Roger is impressed at Johnny's bravery and ambition and gives him a job. He asks Deborah's suitor, Dr Allain Baird, if anything can be done for Johnny and learns that it is too late and that Johnny only has a few years to live. Then the doctor comments, the time will be coming when people will have to guard their children even before they are born. (So an early evidence of the need for prenatal care).

Roger continues to support Johnny, Laura returns from Europe, Deborah begins planning marriage but without a plot spoiler, something happens to a member of the family.

WWI begins and Roger's business faces difficult times. The children ask for financial assistence but Roger has to admit he is poor.

The last quarter of the novel, things become sentimental, Johnny has a business idea that helps Roger's business.

Johnny's ascendence from a poor cripple 18 year old to a successful businessman adds a Dickensonian aspect to the novel.

The ending leaves the reader fulfilled.

Highly Recommended. show less

fairly quick read (short chapters are the best with a busy lifestyle!) of this, the very first winner of the Pulitzer Prize for fiction! This is not a commonly found book, and i had to put forth effort to locate one. ( I am nearing a complete set of PP winners....)
So, this is the story of Roger and his 3 daughters, who are about as different from each other as possible, and how Roger struggles to adapt to the changing world, clinging to his traditional values, yet trying desperately to show more support and understand his girls. I had to keep reminding myself that this was written in 1917.....not a modern piece of fiction set in 1917, but written then. It had a remarkably easy feel and modern style to it, not to mention very strong forward thinking, several very strong women characters, and a probing look into the migrant tenement neighborhoods in NYC and their struggles before and during WWI. I for the most part enjoyed Roger's journey as he worked to support his family, but was slightly annoyed that he always seemed to need to have one of them to be upset with and disappointed in...and they all took their turns. A thoughtful look at what it means to be a family. show less