The Boy Grew Older

by Heywood Broun

"The Boy Grew Older" by Heywood Broun is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the character Peter Neale who experiences the life-changing event of becoming a father while simultaneously grappling with his flaws and the complexities of relationships. The narrative explores themes of responsibility, love, and the emotional struggles that come with personal growth. The opening portion of the book introduces Peter Neale on the day his son is born. Initially, he is at a poker game when he receives the news, showcasing his struggle between societal expectations and personal desires. Once at the hospital, he is relieved to find his wife and child are fine, yet he feels disconnected from the notion of fatherhood, viewing his newborn more as a stranger than his son. The narrative hints at underlying tensions in his marriage with Maria, the child's mother, as she appears to resent the situation and struggles with the demands of motherhood. This sets a tone of emotional conflict and sets the stage for Peter's journey of learning to navigate his new role as a father amidst the chaos of his personal life.