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Preacher's Boy

by Katherine Paterson

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A preacher’s son confronts faith, family, and responsibility in 1899 Vermont

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Paperback New English

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AlbakiReads Editorial

A preacher’s son confronts faith, family, and responsibility in 1899 Vermont

Set in a Vermont town on the brink of a new century, Preacher’s Boy centers on Robbie, the son of a minister whose frustrations with church life and his place in the family push him toward open defiance. His jealousy of his brother Elliot and conflict with his father play out against a congregation worried about both its preacher and the approaching year 1900. As Robbie’s impulsive choices begin to affect other people, the novel traces his growing recognition of consequence, belonging, and a father’s complicated love. The historical setting frames an intimate family conflict shaped by religion, community expectations, and youthful rebellion.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Readers interested in historical fiction set in small-town America
  • Readers exploring family tension between parents and children
  • Readers drawn to stories about faith, rebellion, and personal responsibility

Themes

Family relationshipsFaith and doubtSibling jealousyCommunity pressureConsequences of choices

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

It's 1899 in a small town in Vermont, and the turn of the century is coming fast. According to certain members of the church where Robbie's father is the preacher, the end of the century might even mean the end of the world. But Robbie has more pressing worries. He's sure his father loves his simple-minded brother, Elliot, better than him, and he can no longer endure the tiresome restrictions of Christianity. He decides to leave the fold and decides to live life to the fullest. His high-spirited and often hot-headed behavior does nothing to improve his father's opinion of him, nor does it improve the congregation's flagging opinion of his father. Not until the consequences of his actions hurt others does Robbie put a stop to the chain of events he has set off and begin to realize his father might love him after all.

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