All My Sons (Paperback)

Set in the Midwestern United States in August 1947, the play centers on Joe Keller, a successful, self-made businessman who lives with a dark secret from World War II.

The Conflict: During the war, Joe and his partner, Steve Deever, were accused of shipping defective airplane engine parts to the military, which caused the deaths of 21 pilots. While Steve was sent to prison, Joe was exonerated and returned to his wealthy life.

The Family Tension: The Kellers are haunted by the memory of their eldest son, Larry, a pilot who went missing in action three years prior. While Joe and his other son, Chris, believe Larry is dead, Joe's wife, Kate, clings to the delusional hope that he is still alive.

The Catalyst: The play's action is triggered when Ann Deever (Steve’s daughter and Larry’s former fiancée) visits the family to marry Chris. Her arrival, followed by her brother George, forces the buried truths of the past to the surface, leading to an "electrifying" climax of guilt and social responsibility.