The Railway Man and His Children is a novel set in the context of 19th-century British society and focuses on the life and experiences of a railway worker and his family. The story delves into the challenges and dynamics of their lives portraying the impact of industrialization on ordinary people. The novel explores the personal and social aspects of the railway man's life including his relationships with his children and his struggles to provide for his family. Through the narrative Mrs. Oliphant examines themes of family class and the social changes brought about by the expansion of the railway system.