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| Aeronwy Thomas |
My Father's Places: A Portrait of Childhood by Dylan Thomas' Daughter by Aeronwy Thomas
Like many children of famous parents, Aeronwy Thomas’ growing years were exposed to a sometimes disconcerting degree of public view. Though living only until age thirty-nine, the immortal work of Dylan Thomas has become a milestone of literature. Hence, it is saddening to learn that, during his daughter’s childhood, much of her father’s income was evoked by “begging letters” to those affluent and eager to invest in superb writers.
While appreciative of this crucial support, it sometimes demanded a level of groveling which could generate rage. Fortunately, although recognized as the offspring of a celebrity, the Thomas’ children were well-grounded in reality by a number of relatives living nearby, neighborhood friends, and through becoming students at their local school. Yet, familial ties were often plagued by volcanic turbulence.
In order to maintain awareness of Dylan’s work, trips abroad were essential. Though sometimes traveling as a family, Dylan took several promotional tours alone, most often to America. Such solo trips, difficult for any couple, proved doubly hard given Dylan’s tendency to philander. Opportunities are always abundant for the famous in any sphere. In addition, society hostesses, if treated well, were glad to provide financial largess. During his last days, Dylan claimed these liaisons were substitutions for closeness to his cherished wife, Caitlin. Still, this brought little comfort to Caitlin, wounded by his infidelities, and humiliated by their consequent scandals.
Both Dylan and Caitlin were firebrands. Eruptions, often including fisticuffs, seem to have been a part of that passion which kept their love lively. Perhaps their absorption with one another, joined with the needs of Dylan’s work, to some extent, excluded their children. Often Aeronwy refers to her father and mother as “Dylan” and “Caitlin”.
Still, tenderness and affection pervade this memoir. In the most authentic sense, Dylan and Caitlin were symbiotic. True, she sometimes had to lock him inside the shed for his designated hours of writing. Still, had she not done so, some of his most magnificent works might not have come to fruition? Thus, these two warring spirits fed and nurtured each other.
