Father In One Corner . . . (Press, 21 March 1987)
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Summary: Father In One Corner . . . (Press, 21 March 1987)
In his 1986 novel "The Good Father," Peter Prince explores the complex emotional landscape surrounding custody battles, a theme that has gained prominence in literature over the last decade, echoing works like "Kramer versus Kramer." The novel delves into the painful tug-of-war between estranged partners, who display a range of negative emotions—depression, disappointment, anger, and fear—as they fight for control over their child after the collapse of their relationship. Unique to this story is the portrayal of the titular "good father," who, rather than directly engaging with his own custody issues, manipulates a friend's similar predicament to legally wrest custody away from the child's caring mother. The narrative further addresses societal challenges, specifically the non-acceptance of an active lesbian attempting to raise a male child with her partner, highlighting the biases and social stigma that complicate custody arrangements. The psychological tactics employed by lawyers take centre stage, demonstrating how personal prejudices of judges can be exploited during legal battles, thereby affecting the outcomes for families involved. Prince's writing is noted for its realistic depiction of damaged individuals attempting to navigate their pain through unhealthy means such as alcohol and fleeting sexual encounters. The author paints a vivid picture of fractured familial relationships and the effort to provide brief periods of enjoyment for confused children. Despite the breakdown of traditional family structures, the novel underscores the deep emotional scars left on children when they are separated from significant parental figures. Unger’s review encapsulates the essence of the novel, illustrating how it not only addresses the despair surrounding custody conflicts but also reflects contemporary societal challenges regarding family dynamics, further contributing to the discourse on what constitutes a family in modern society. The ache felt by a child amid the fallout of a fracturing relationship remains a poignant theme, signalling a critical examination of personal and societal values during a transformative time.
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