Frank Oldfield: Lost and Found

"Frank Oldfield, or Lost and Found" by the Reverend T.P. Wilson is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story focuses on the struggles of a family plagued by alcoholism, particularly centered around the young character Samuel Johnson and his tumultuous relationship with his parents. The plot addresses the themes of temperance, familial love, and the consequences of addiction, while portraying the harsh realities of life during that time period. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to a desperate mother looking for her son, Samuel, who has seemingly disappeared. The narrative unfolds to reveal that Samuel has signed a pledge for total abstinence from alcohol in defiance of his alcoholic parents, who have contributed to a home full of hardship and neglect. The interactions between Samuel's family and their neighbors illuminate the impact of alcohol on their lives and the struggles of young people yearning for a way out. As various characters reflect the challenges of addiction and the hope for redemption, the opening chapters set a poignant tone for a tale rooted in the importance of temperance and self-control.