Summary

The rise and fall of a Texas family made rich in the oil and cattle business is detailed in the novel “The Son” by Phillipp Meyer. The story spans six generations of the McCullough family from its first headright in Texas, to its rise to great wealth, and through its tragic end. A myriad of themes wind their way through the novel. These include discrimination, family life, cultural relationships, religion, sexuality, death and dying, and wealth and morality.

On his deathbed, 100-year-old Eli McCullough recounts the early years of his life in Chapter One. He was born the same day as the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence. His father was one of the earliest American settlers in Texas, living first in Matagorda then being pushed into Pedernales, Comanche hunting territory.

Chapter Two details the thoughts of Jeanne Anne McCullough as she lies...