My Life So Far

Gamma, the matriarch, exercises authority over the Pettigrew household, and her decisions shape daily life at Kiloran House. Her rule is accepted without question by the family, anchoring tradition amidst a changing world.

Morris comes back from London to compete with Edward for the inheritance of Kiloran House. The two men loathe each other as they jockey for power and approval from Gamma.

Morris and his fiancée Heloise introduce jazz to the children, described by Edward as 'the sound of the devil speaking.' Their music unsettles the old guard and signals cultural shifts. The children respond with curiosity and mischief.

An emergency landing brings Elspeth's first suitor, the French show pilot Gabriel Chenoux, into the Pettigrews' orbit. His arrival foreshadows the broader world encroaching on the estate.

Fraser discovers a hidden collection of his grandfather's books, fueling his rebellion against his father. He spends long hours reading, chasing knowledge and escape within the estate's walls.

In a misguided attempt at humor, Fraser suggests to guests at Morris and Heloise's engagement party that Moira, Heloise, and Gamma should enter prostitution to boost the moss business. The remark reveals his naivety and creates tension within the family.

Before the wedding, Edward acts on his attraction to Heloise, indicating his hypocrisy towards modern changes and his distrust of the new generation. The moment strains relations between Edward and Morris.

During a curling event in her husband's honor, Gamma falls through the ice into the lake and dies of pneumonia shortly after. Her death marks the turning point of the family's fortunes and loyalties.

Gamma bequeaths the estate to Edward, prompting a physical altercation between Edward and Morris at her wake. Edward proclaims that Morris has lost more than the estate to him, escalating the family conflict.

Moira reveals she has known about Edward and Heloise all along, confronting him openly. The revelation shakes the family’s balance and foreshadows ongoing tensions.

Over the following months, Edward manages to win back Moira's affection and the couple returns to their old routine. The estate settles into a fragile equilibrium despite underlying tensions.

On a Sunday morning, the Pettigrews head to church as usual, except Fraser who remains behind in defiance or curiosity. The absence signals his estrangement from the family’s conventional rhythms.

Edward discovers Fraser relaxing in the library, reading grandfather MacIntosh's pornographic books, a cognac-filled milk glass in one hand and a lit cigar in the other, while Louis Armstrong's 'On the Sunny Side of the Street' plays. Rather than scolding, Edward smiles and leaves him undisturbed, recognizing Fraser's need for rebellion.

Edward closes the library door and chooses not to interrupt Fraser's private moment. The moment underscores the gap between generations and hints at the themes of acceptance and family restraint.