The Wooden Horse

"The Wooden Horse" by Hugh Walpole is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds around Robin Trojan, a young man steeped in the traditions of his prominent family, as he awaits a long-anticipated reunion with his estranged father, Henry Trojan, whom he has not seen for eighteen years. The narrative explores themes of familial duty, social status, and the complexities of adapting to change, as Robin navigates the expectations of his lineage and the intriguing dynamics of reuniting with a father whose life has diverged drastically from his own. At the start of the book, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation as Robin prepares to meet his father. The scene is set in the grand but uncomfortable drawing room of their family home, highlighting the rigidity of the Trojan legacy. Robin's anxiety about his appearance and the family's expectations reflects his internal struggle with identity, particularly as they are juxtaposed with Henry's more relaxed demeanor, influenced by his years in New Zealand. As the characters gather for this momentous event, Robin's seemingly superficial concerns about appearances clash with deeper tensions related to family pride and the acceptance of change. The opening effectively establishes the familial dynamics and lays the groundwork for the emotional and social exploration that will follow. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir Hugh Seymour Walpole, CBE was an English novelist. He was the son of an Anglican clergyman, intended for a career in the church but drawn instead to writing. Among those who encouraged him were the authors Henry James and Arnold Bennett. His skill at scene-setting and vivid plots, as well as his high profile as a lecturer, brought him a large readership in the United Kingdom and North America. He was a best-selling author in the 1920s and 1930s but has been largely neglected since his death.