Sons from Afar
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Founder | Cynthia Voigt |
| Products | Book |
Sons From Afar (1987) represents the sixth installment in Cynthia Voigt's Tillerman Cycle, a series centered on Dicey Tillerman's family. This collection also includes notable works such as Homecoming and the Newbery Medal-winning Dicey's Song (1983).
Plot summary
As Dicey and her peers attend college, Sons From Afar shifts its attention to her younger brothers, James and Sammy. At 15, James embarks on a journey throughout Maryland—visiting Easton, Annapolis, and Baltimore—in search of information about their absent father, aiming to uncover insights into his personality and past. Although initially indifferent, Sammy supports James’s quest. Over time, their perspectives evolve: James develops a stronger sense of self, while Sammy begins to contemplate his own future. Throughout their travels, they meet various individuals impacted by paternal absence, which broadens their understanding of family dynamics.
Characters
Abigail "Gram" Tillerman: The maternal grandmother to the Tillerman children who took them under her care following the events of Homecoming. At 64 years old, she oversees the family’s farm and serves as a nurturing and stabilizing presence.
James Tillerman: Approaching 16, James is academically gifted yet struggles with self-confidence. He excels in advanced classes but lacks assurance in sports. Hesitant to seek assistance due to fear of rejection, he initially dreams of pursuing law or business. However, after working part-time at a medical office and playing a role in diagnosing a patient, his aspirations shift toward medicine. Despite frustrations with Sammy’s attitude, James grows to admire his brother’s bravery during a tense encounter encountered on their journey. His experiences lead him toward self-acceptance even though their father remains elusive.
Samuel "Sammy" Tillerman: At 12 years old, Sammy is physically adept, athletic, and well-liked socially. He favors practical activities over academic ones and initially dismisses intellectual interests. While he respects James’s intellect, he doubts his brother’s practical abilities until witnessing James’s composed leadership during a bar confrontation. By the conclusion of the story, Sammy suggests merging their strengths to safeguard their sister Maybeth from potential threats.
Maybeth Tillerman: Now 14, Maybeth resembles her mother Liza both in appearance and musical talent but finds academic subjects challenging except for home economics. She is gentle and kind-hearted and maintains popularity despite her average grades. James often helps her with schoolwork.
Dicey Tillerman: The eldest sibling makes brief appearances during college spring break. Although academically capable, she questions the importance of continuing college when family responsibilities call and expresses an interest in learning boat building instead. Gram insists she finish her education. Dicey is straightforward and assertive, frequently showing impatience with James and often taking charge within the family unit.
Literary references
James completes a French assignment as well as one for another student, causing him to feel guilty about cheating. The literary works referenced include:
- Victor Hugo’s 1831 classic The Hunchback of Notre-Dame
- Albert Camus’ essay "The Myth of Sisyphus"
While employed part-time at a medical office, James responds to an emergency involving urinary retention that reminds him of a scenario from literature. This event inspires him to consider pursuing medicine despite later realizing the dangers of offering medical advice without proper expertise.
- John Steinbeck’s travelogue Travels With Charley
Reception
Publishers Weekly characterized the book as "an intricate narrative exploring how individuals reconstruct their identities either alongside or contrary to their origins." Kirkus Reviews emphasized the author's expertise, stating, "With her signature meticulous approach, Voigt has meticulously developed every sentence of this multifaceted novel to culminate in this pivotal moment."