Remember Ben Clayton A Novel
“Remember Ben Clayton” by Stephen Harrigan, published by Alfred A. Knopf in 2011, is a novel that explores the life of Francis “Gil” Gilheaney, a sculptor whose ambition has led him into artistic exile in Texas after World War I. At 351 pages, this edition delves into the complex relationship between Gil and his adult daughter, Maureen, who assists him while grappling with her own artistic aspirations. The narrative unfolds as Gil receives a commission from Lamar Clayton, a rancher mourning his son Ben, who was killed in the war, prompting Gil to pursue what he hopes will be his most significant work.
Readers will find a rich exploration of ambition, familial ties, and the burdens of artistic pursuit. The story highlights Maureen’s struggle for independence amid her father’s relentless quest for glory, offering insights into the dynamics of their relationship. As Gil embarks on the creation of the memorial statue, themes of loss and the impact of war resonate throughout the narrative. This novel presents a thoughtful examination of the sacrifices made in the name of art and the complexities of personal ambition.
Official synopsis Publisher
Francis “Gil” Gilheaney is a sculptor of boundless ambition. But bad fortune and his own prideful spirit have driven him from New York into artistic exile in Texas just after World War I. His adult daughter, Maureen, serves as his assistant, although she has artistic ambitions of her own and is beginning to understand how her own career–perhaps even her life–has become hostage to her driven father’s “wild pursuit of glory.” When Lamar Clayton, an aging, heartbroken rancher, offers Gil a commission to create a memorial statue of his son Ben, who was killed in the war, Gil seizes the opportunity to create what he believes will be his greatest achievement.
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