MY FATHER MY SON

by Sheelagh Kelly

A dramatic saga that sweeps from the dust of the Boer War to the carnage of the Great War, with a bitter private conflict sandwiched in between! Corporal Russ Hazelwood loves his wife Rachel, but she is far away, and the African woman seems the answer to long, passionless nights on the veldt. The war over, Russ returns to York and Rachel, to a growing family and increasing prosperity, little realizing how -- years later -- those moments of weakness in Africa will come back to haunt him, threatening to destroy everything he cherishes. Then, overshadowing all, comes the most dreadful war the world has ever seen. And when it is over, the greatest battle has still to be won -- on the home front.

Genres: Historical Fiction

592 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2009

About the author

Sheelagh Kelly was born and continues to live in York, where most of her novels are set. The seeds of her first book, A Long Way From Heaven, were sown when she developed an interest in genealogy and decided to trace her ancestors' story.

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read four books that Sheelagh Kelly wrote. A long Way from Heaven (1) For my brothers sins (2) Erin's Child (3) Dickie (4) and this is the (5th one). An amazing writer.

Corporal Russ Hazelwood has been fighting in the Boer war. Even though he misses his wife he needs someone to have passion for him and starts up a relationship with an African woman. His friend Jack Daw is aware of this relationship and the illegitimate son from this union. Russ thinks he can trust him with this secret but it comes back to bit him when they become rivals on the political scene. When he returned from the war he began a successful career, fathered and raised 6 daughters and a son. Is this all jeopardized now through his want of affection. Fantastic read, gritty, poignant and a war like no other.

[Sandra Foy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. The perfect holiday read, couldn't put it down. Stumbled across it in a hotel in spain. Loved it so much I sought out anything written by this author. Her early work is amazing but have been disappointed with her more recent books.

[Elaine Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book itself was well written but the characters were not particularly nice - still not everyone is.
The main male character (Russ Hazelwood) was in the army fighting in the Boer War in South Africa. Away from his own family he has an affair with a local woman who gives birth to his son Charlie who happens to be black.
When the war ends Russ returns to the UK where he lives a pleasant but busy life with his family. He arranges to pay a member of the clergy in South Africa to school his son but he wants nothing to do with him.
One day Charlie appears on his doorstep and the trouble then begins.
This was a story where you want to get to the end as soon as possible because you want to find out what happens to Charlie while hoping it turns out well for him.
Well worth the read.

[Helen Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic

I love Sheelagh Kelly books it’s like living in her stories
So emotional was this book I cried my eyes out and laughed out loud certainly tugs at the heart strings…
I bought the hard back copy over 30 years ago and I have just read it again on my kindle
Just brilliant excellent story telling that doesn’t grow old…

[Lynn Hutchinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story about an illegitimate son and his impact on his father’s family.

[Carolanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book


Sheelagh Kelly was born in York, England, U.K.