Sons and Lovers

Sons and Lovers (1913) is D.H. Lawrence's semi-autobiographical novel featuring the young protagonist Paul Morel. It is the tale of a true Oedipus Complex at work: Paul suffers between extreme love for his mother guilt over having affection for other women. Paul's faith, whom he hates, is a drunken coal miner living in the rough times of early 20th century England. His mother has never had true love, so she loves her boys excessively. When Paul goes after Miriam he is wrought with emotional issues which nearly tear it all apart - not to mention his sabotaging mother.

When he finds a more "motherly" Clara Dawes to court, does Paul get over his complex? At its core Sons and Lovers is about emotional manipulation and possession. It isn't a feel good story for sure. The tension built by Paul's maternal bondage is mother is often frustrating. Yet the beauty of the work, especially if you're a Lawrence fan, is built up knowing the catharsis which the author must have felt in battling his own demons. What we have is an early masterpiece by one of England's great authors - the book ranks ninth on the Modern Library's List of the 100 Best Novels in English of the 20th Century.