Windy McPherson's Son

by Sherwood Anderson

 Sherwood Anderson's first and most autobiographical novel and the only one set in Illinois, Windy McPherson's Son received uniformly high praise from literary critics when it was first published. It tells the story of an Iowa newsboy who fights his way to fortune in Chicago, then questions the meaning of his success. It was republished in 1922 with a different ending, which appears as an appendix in this edition.
 

Genres: Fiction, 20th Century, American, Novels, Classics, Literary Fiction

392 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1916

About the author

Often autobiographical, works of American writer Sherwood Anderson include Winesburg, Ohio (1919).

He supported his family and consequently never finished high school. He successfully managed a paint factory in Elyria before 1912 and fathered three children with the first of his four wives. In 1912, Anderson deserted his family and job.

In early 1913, he moved to Chicago, where he devoted more time to his imagination. He broke with considered materialism and convention to commit to art as a consequently heroic model for youth.

Mainly know for his short stories, most notably the collection Winesburg, Ohio. One can hear its profound influence on fiction in Ernest Miller Hemingway, William Faulkner, Thomas Clayton Wolfe, John Ernst Steinbeck, and Erskine Preston Caldwell.

Most important book collects 22 stories. The stories explore the inhabitants of a fictional version of Clyde, the small farm town, where Anderson lived for twelve early years. These tales made a significant break with the traditional short story. Instead of emphasizing plot and action, Anderson used a simple, precise, unsentimental style to reveal the frustration, loneliness, and longing in the lives of his characters. The narrowness of Midwestern small-town life and their own limitations stunt these characters.

Despite no wholly successful novel, Anderson composed several classic short stories. He influenced Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald and the coming generation.

Reviews

[Marti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not like this as much as Winesburg Ohio even though the first third of the novel was close. It tells the autobiographical tale of Sam McPherson, a young boy growing up in corn market town in Iowa who is driven to succeed because he is embarrassed by his drunken windbag of a father who incessantly brags and inflates his role in many battles of the Civil War.

However, because he is a resourceful entrepreneur by age 10, he finds many mentors who encourage him to go for bigger things whether it be in the arts, or big business. Unlike a typical Horatio Alger rags to riches story, Sam finds the life of a mega-successful tycoon in Chicago to be largely unfulfilling. (He managed to worm his way into a large arms manufacturing company and consolidate the entire industry into one massive trust, while marrying his boss' daughter in the process)

When his marriage turns sour, Sam begins a peripatetic life of wandering a la Sullivan's Travels (and even Easy Rider) in which he chucks everything (except his bankbook) and wanders America for two years in search of "the truth." During this time he professes to be a "Socialist" and tries to assist those who are less fortunate with varying results.

That was the most interesting part of the book for me because I do not think of too many people in 1902 having such 1960s philosophies.

[Bob Schnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Windy McPherson's Son" is Sherwood Anderson's thinly veiled autobiographical novel of a man in search of his purpose in life. It is a bit of a rollercoaster ride. First I loved it, then I really disliked where it was going and by the end I was liking it again. It is an American industrial age Siddhartha story, only the main character Sam doesn't exactly become a modern day Buddha.

Sam's story resonates today, with all its talk of European socialism versus American capitalism and the human consequences of forever chasing a dollar just to survive. Ayn Rand might have found inspiration in Sam's hard work ethic in pursuing his American dream, but she would have been repulsed by his indolent drunk phase. The first chapters of Sam's childhood could have been written by Mark Twain and were the most enjoyable.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love you Sherwood Anderson. A mans search for meaning in the guided age.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, though somewhat predictable and less than fully convincing rags to riches story. Sam McPherson is driven, from a young age, toward business success. He finds success, but of course fails to find happiness, and also discovers that his money and power can't change the lives of everyday people when he finally once he finally looks out for someone other than himself. The implausible domestic bliss he finally achieves at the end also strains credulity in what is supposedly a realist novel. The book is interesting, but ultimately an apprentice work. That said, it did keep me reading, though it's doubtful I'll ever read it again. Unlike Winesburg, Ohio, which I fully expect to read several more times during my life.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll be upfront and say I didn't finish this novel. There wasn't anything wrong with it. I just wasn't in the mood for another novel that is heavy in description and light on action and dialog. Anderson's approach to storytelling here is similar to Victory City by Salman Rushdie (2023). Mind you, Rushdie is aiming for social commentary wrapped up in a historical drama with a fantasy facade. Anderson is also doing social commentary but with a contemporary, realist approach punctuated with humorous beats.

http://pussreboots.com/blog/2023/comm...

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sherwood Anderson's first novel. A not too subtle social morality tale, but one that serves well for today. The cautions against the evils of corporate greed still resonate. His feelings on socialism are interestingly indifferent, but conclusions on the power and importance of the family are predictable.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It is depressing in that it is a portrait of small town poverty in early 1900's. The drunken father contributes nothing but shame to his family, while his young wife slaves away trying to feed her children, ultimately working herself into an early grave. The only joy is that the son is a beam brilliance in an otherwise not so shining town.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, I appreciate those that document their own time and place.

The romance, oh, the romance. It seems so corny and out-dated, but, the fiercely heart-felt and almost embarassingly honest soliloquys of Sam McPherson rank among the best in American literature.

[Theo! · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of Anderson's lesser known books. Of course, it seems all of Anderson's books are his lesser known books...
That has to change!

[Colin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sensitive and angry, but trying not to be? - Anderson's M.O.

[Windy]

Perhaps the only book ever written that includes a character named Windy. Of course, this Windy happens to be a man, but that's only a small detail.

[Jim Pozenel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Says much in few words. It's surprising how short the book is (235 page as an ebook) yet it tells such a thoroughly detailed story about the characters. Great writing.

[Dustincecil · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid first novel, from a man that had a lot to say, and clearly knew how he wanted to say it.

Even if the story felt predictable at times, it never felt like a chore to read.

[Anthony Scioscia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many single sentences and lone paragraphs that stand alone. inspiring interrogation of life