Independence Day

The plot of the novel, which is fairly straightforward, centers on Frank traveling to pick up his son and take him to two sports halls of fame within driving distance, all over the course of a holiday weekend. The premise seems simple enough until the details of Frank’s family life come into clearer view. His divorce is seven years old, and there are lingering tensions between him and Ann, especially in the way she has remarried and seemingly moved on from Frank. Their relationship at this point could not be described as bitter; they speak with each other and seem to understand the importance of sharing co-parenting responsibilities. However, there is still a lingering tension between the two, and it has an impact on their children, especially Paul.

With Paul entering adolescence and the early stages of self-reflection, divorce inevitably leaves its mark on him. Paul’s emotional turmoil, his inability to feel comfortable in his own skin, and his posturing as a defense mechanism all indicate that, like his mom and dad, Paul suffers the after-effects of past trauma. Frank’s urgency in setting up the trip with Paul is a response to his arrest for shoplifting and assault. Ann “is of the belief that all this will pass, that he is simply going through a phase and doesn’t, in fact, have a syndrome or a mania, as someone might think” (11). Frank is more concerned that there is a deeper problem here. His suspicions are confirmed when Paul purposely lurches in front of the fastball in the batting cage; it is fully apparent that what Paul is experiencing is not just a phase but something much more.

In their conversation following Ann’s arrival at the hospital, Frank intuitively realizes how he has failed his son. He tells Ann, “And I will feel this way. When your dog gets run over, it’s your fault. When your kid gets his eye busted, that’s your fault. I was supposed to help manage his risks” (396). He is speaking of Paul’s injury, but more broadly Frank feels remorse for not being there to help his son on a daily basis. He blames Ann for this, though he refrains from saying so in this moment. His remorse triggers a likewise remorseful response from Ann. She apologizes to Frank for the accusation that Paul just wanted Frank to notice him, which is why he did what he did in the batting cage. She embraces Frank. In this sequence, the two parents realize how each has contributed to Paul’s emotional troubles. When Frank later asks to have Paul visit him, Ann is still skeptical, but she understands that seeing his father is what Paul needs in his life. Both Frank and Ann finally realize that Paul’s well-being is not equivalent to their own well-being. While divorce has created tension and disagreement between Ann and Frank that has spilled over to their children, the message inherent in this scene is that ego and hurt feelings need to be overcome, so that ex-spouses can responsibly partner to raise healthy children.