My father, Bob, was a sweet, gentle man who was prone to frustration. I hardly knew him as a child, but that was typical of those days. He got up early, came home late and wanted to be left alone.

In the given quote, David Starkey describes his father, Bob, as a man who was sweet and gentle but often frustrated by life's demands. As a child, Starkey hardly knew his father because he would rise early and return home late from work. His father’s preference for solitude and lack of interaction outside of these routine commitments left little room for bonding between them.

Beyond its literal interpretation, the quote delves into broader themes such as the impact of career demands on familial relationships and personal identity. Starkey's description of his father highlights the tension that can arise when a person dedicates much of their life to work at the expense of family connections. It also underscores the challenges of understanding and relating to parents who prioritize professional responsibilities over personal interactions, which can result in feelings of estrangement or lack of familiarity between parent and child.

David Starkey is an English historian and television presenter known for his contributions to historical programming and analysis. His quote offers a personal glimpse into his relationship with his father, illustrating the complexities that arise when family life intersects with demanding work schedules.

" My father, Bob, was a sweet, gentle man who was prone to frustration. I hardly knew him as a child, but that was typical of those days. He got up early, came home late and wanted to be left alone. " - David Starkey

" My father, Bob, was a sweet, gentle man who was prone to frustration. I hardly knew him as a child, but that was typical of those days. He got up early, came home late and wanted to be left alone. "
- David Starkey