Fatherhood in Crisis: What Does Fatherhood Look Like When the World Falls Apart?

With tens of thousands of books on parenthood—and over 2,200 on fatherhood listed on Goodreads alone—you might wonder how a young adult adventure novel could offer fresh insights into being a dad. I didn’t set out to write a story centered on fatherhood any more than I intended to explore cults, bullying, or leadership. Yet, it’s undeniable that fatherhood plays a powerful role in The Long Walk Home: When the Power Dies.

In this optimistic post-apocalyptic tale, we encounter multiple models of fatherhood: from Tommy’s biological dad, who remains present in spirit despite being separated by the story’s chaos, to the mentorship styles of Jason Brown and Richard; the creepy overreach of Carl Albert; and the ambivalent absence of Charley’s father. Fatherhood isn’t the main theme, but it’s woven throughout. Tommy reflects on his own dad several times, and paternal figures appear repeatedly, shaping the characters’ journeys.

Studies show that involved fathers often lead to thriving children, and about 60% of marriages last a lifetime, providing stable family environments. Tommy and Bethany benefit from this common presence, while Charley’s situation highlights a more typical challenge for many kids today.

Tommy’s Father Figures: A Spectrum of Influence

We never meet Tommy’s father—he isn’t even named in the book—but we get vivid impressions of their bond through memories and reflections. Early on, Tommy discovers his dad’s professional mentor, Richard, sitting next to him on a flight from San Antonio to Denver. They share a brief, pleasant chat about their shared experiences at Camp Wallace Creek before parting ways. Later, Tommy reunites with Richard, and a genuine mentoring relationship blooms.

Jason Brown enters the picture when Tommy is at his most vulnerable, and the two quickly form a father-son dynamic. Jason offers guidance, protection, and companionship, helping Tommy navigate the uncertainties of a world without power.

Not all paternal influences are positive, though. Carl Albert starts off seeming revered by his followers, but his creepy presumptiveness soon reveals a darker side, serving as a cautionary example.

The Power of a Father’s Letter

At the novel’s start, Richard hands Tommy an envelope containing a letter from his dad, meant to be read during a layover. Instead, it sits forgotten in Tommy’s backpack until day 22 of his ordeal—after he’s invited to stay at Heavenly Ranch and Farm and tours its facilities. This moment is pivotal: Tommy reflects on growth, maturity, and the value of mentored accountability. His father closes with these words: “Adulthood is hard work, but there are rewards you cannot yet comprehend. Fatherhood is among those rewards….” The letter evokes his dad’s voice so strongly that it brings Tommy to tears, solidifying his resolve and reminding him of home.

Richard includes his own note in the envelope, more contemplative in tone. It shares memories of mentoring Tommy’s father and urges Tommy to seek the good amid challenges. Tommy reads it after escaping Heavenly Ranch, en route to Glenwood Springs, where Richard lives.

Richard as a Grandfatherly Mentor

Richard’s role evolves into that of a supportive, grandfatherly figure. When Tommy and Charley reach Glenwood Springs, Richard welcomes them, sharing his own harrowing journey from Denver. He introduces them to his friends, facilitating learning through gentle, Socratic-style questions and discussions. This mentorship provides structure and wisdom, helping the boys process their experiences.

Charley’s Absent Father: The Wounds of Distance

In contrast to Tommy’s warm paternal bond, Charley’s relationship with his dad is strained. Living in Salt Lake City with his mother and maternal grandparents, Charley resents his Houston-based attorney father’s high expectations and emotional distance. Yet, his dad attempts connection by sending him to Camp Wallace Creek—a place from his own boyhood. It’s an awkward outreach, aimed at shaping Charley into a “better future man,” but it often pushes him further away.

Charley senses the effort but harbors resentment and misunderstanding. His bond with his grandparents offers warmth and inspiration, with his grandfather providing a nearby masculine role model to fill the gap.

Beyond Biology: How Men “Father” Young People

Throughout history, men who aren’t biological fathers have stepped up to offer the positive masculine relationships that kids need. In The Long Walk Home, we see this in Tommy’s and Charley’s interactions, and even briefly in Bethany’s. She shares strong ties with her dad, plus supportive encounters with doctors at an airport first-aid station and a lighthearted one with Mickey Muller.

These men “father” the teens through conversations, emotional support, and encouragement. Traits like vigilance, planning, and social bonding—often associated with traditional masculinity—help kids feel protected and guided, complementing the nurturing presence of mothers. Both are essential, though boys may naturally gravitate toward these qualities.

Examples abound: Jason Brown’s impromptu guardianship, Tommy’s loving but distant dad, Charley’s struggling father, the kind volunteer doctor, playful Mickey Muller, grandfatherly Richard, and even the creepy Carl Albert as a negative lesson. I haven’t delved into roles like clergy, teachers, scout leaders, or coaches, but they represent countless ways men guide youth through life’s early adventures.

Presence Over Perfection: The Key to Effective Fatherhood

We often chase perfection—a flawless appearance, life, home, car, or job. But as Shakespeare warns in King Lear (1606) through the Duke of Albany: “Striving to better, oft we mar what’s well.” In other words, don’t let the perfect become the enemy of the good.

The father figures in The Long Walk Home illustrate the power of presence. Nearly all show some good intent, even Carl Albert, whose distorted love—marred by denial and narcissism—teaches Tommy and Charley about resilience. The first step to being a good father is simply showing up. Tommy and Bethany embody this fortune, and Charley eventually finds it too.

By being present, we open doors to success and failure—and the growth that comes from both. Absenteeism guarantees failure, but showing up lets fathers learn, improve, and enrich the lives of their children and others around them.