Tomorrow about this time

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

79299

Title

Tomorrow about this time

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Grace Livingston Hill's *Tomorrow About This Time* presents a poignant tale of redemption and family reconciliation. Following the death of his first wife, brilliant scientist Patterson Greeves abandons his young daughter to a stepmother he despises, only to face her return years later. As he struggles with guilt and regret over his past neglect, a new, virtuous love interest enters his life, challenging him to confront his selfishness and reclaim the family he once discarded.

Summary up to 500 words

In Grace Livingston Hill's 'Tomorrow About This Time,' the narrative centers on Patterson Greeves, a celebrated bacteriologist whose life is fractured by grief and cynicism. Following the tragic death of his first wife, Alice, from cancer shortly after their marriage, Patterson succumbs to bitterness toward God. Unable to bear the thought of raising their toddler daughter, Athalie, he allows her father-in-law to adopt her. He subsequently marries Lilla, a worldly woman who shares his skepticism but lacks domestic virtue. When Lilla departs for Europe and takes Athalie with her until the child reaches fourteen, Patterson is left alone in his childhood home. Upon Athalie's return, she is rebellious and resentful, deeply affected by her mother's death—a fact Patterson has ignored for years. He attempts to impose strict Victorian standards on her, clashing violently with her modern spirit. The story intensifies with the arrival of Silver, a young woman who bears a striking resemblance to Patterson's lost wife Alice. Silver represents the purity and love Patterson has abandoned. As Lilla leaves for Europe, Patterson feels guilty for driving Silver away by prioritizing his own daughter. The conflict escalates when Athalie runs away to find Silver, whom she despises due to her father's favoritism. Patterson is devastated as he realizes the depth of his failure. He finally breaks down, praying for forgiveness and salvation. The novel explores profound themes of parental responsibility, the destructive consequences of unchecked grief, and the enduring possibility of redemption. It illustrates how love can heal broken relationships even after years of estrangement. Through Patterson's journey from a man who has cast aside faith to one who kneels in repentance, Hill emphasizes that no mistake is final if met with sincere contrition. The narrative serves as a moral lesson on the necessity of facing one's past rather than fleeing it, suggesting that true healing requires acknowledging pain and embracing the capacity for love over cynicism.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Romance
• Christian Fiction