Father and son

Innledning
Bernard MacLaverty, born in Belfast on September 14th, 1942, is a well-known author from the British Isles. He spent most of his life in his birthplace until he moved to Scotland in 1975.

His writings often explore the troubled history of Northern Ireland, where he returns to in his stories and novels. With a humanistic approach, he portrays the impact of the conflict on the people of his native island.

In his short story collection titled "A Time to Dance & Other Stories" (1982), MacLaverty's "Father and Son" tells the story of a family affected by the conflict between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland.

His novels, such as "Cal" (1983) and his latest work "The Anatomy School" (2001), are also excellent examples of his deep-rooted passion to share the experiences of the violent times in Northern Ireland and his hometown, Belfast.

Utdrag
The story centers around the complex relationship between a worried father and his distant teenage son in a troubled area of Northern Ireland.

The father's overbearing concern for his nearly adult son stems from the violence and danger surrounding them. However, despite his best efforts, he cannot replace the presence of the boy's absent mother. The story highlights the everyday violence faced by the people of Northern Ireland and its impact on family life.

Both father and son serve as the main characters, with the story being told from both perspectives. The father's fear consumes him, causing him to take extreme precautions and rely on Valium to calm his nerves. Though he worries he may be overprotective, he cannot let go of his concern for his son's safety.

On the other hand, the son sees his father as cowardly and overly maternal. He harbors hatred towards the Protestants, likely joining the IRA but now seeking to leave the organization. However, he refuses to burden his father with the truth.

Ultimately, the story paints a poignant picture of the challenges faced by families living in war-torn regions and the complicated dynamics that can arise between parents and their children in such circumstances.he takes distance from him. He does it by showing his father hatred and acting tough.