Elder Conklin By: Frank Harris (1855-1931)
Elder Conklin by Frank Harris is a captivating novel that delves deep into the complexities of human nature and the challenges of a changing society. Set in the late 19th-century America, the book follows the remarkable story of Elder Conklin, a charismatic and restless man who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Harris skillfully weaves together various themes such as faith, love, and the pursuit of freedom, creating a thought-provoking narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. The author's vivid descriptions transport us to a bygone era, immersing us in the sights, sounds, and struggles of Conklin's world. One of the novel's strongest aspects is its exploration of religious fervor and its impact on Conklin's life. As a fervent preacher, he grapples with questions of faith, morality, and his own place within the religious community. Harris expertly depicts the transformative power of religious experiences, while simultaneously critiquing the dangers of religious fundamentalism and blind devotion. Additionally, the book presents a well-rounded cast of characters, each with their own unique motivations and desires. From the enigmatic Lila, who captures Conklin's heart, to the rough and unpredictable Gideon, Harris masterfully creates individuals who feel both real and relatable. These characters serve as a means to explore the complexities of relationships, alongside the struggles of personal identity and societal expectations. Moreover, the book raises important societal issues that are still relevant today. Through Conklin's encounters with racial inequality, gender roles, and the corrosion of traditional values, Harris highlights the tensions and conflicts within a rapidly changing America. This novel serves as a reminder of the progress society has made, but also serves as a stark reminder of the struggles that still persist. While some readers may find the pacing of the novel slow at times, the wealth of themes, rich character development, and the evocative prose make up for any temporary lulls. Elder Conklin is a deep and introspective read, meant to be savored and contemplated. In conclusion, Frank Harris' Elder Conklin is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of human existence, faith, and the societal landscape during a pivotal time in America's history. Through its engaging narrative, well-crafted characters, and powerful themes, the book provides a profound and lasting impact on readers. First Page: ELDER CONKLIN By Frank Harris As soon as the Elder left the supper table his daughter and the new schoolmaster went out on the stoop or verandah which ran round the frame house. The day had been warm, but the chilliness of the evening air betokened the near approach of the Indian summer. The house stood upon the crest of what had been a roll in the prairie, and as the two leant together on the railing of the stoop, they looked out over a small orchard of peach trees to where, a couple of hundred yards away, at the foot of the bluff, Cottonwood Creek ran, fringed on either bank by the trees which had suggested its name. On the horizon to their right, away beyond the spears of yellow maize, the sun was sinking, a ball of orange fire against the rose mist of the sky. When the girl turned towards him, perhaps to avoid the level rays, Bancroft expressed the hope that she would go with him to the house warming. A little stiffly Miss Conklin replied that she'd be pleased, but "What have I done, Miss Loo, to offend you?" the young man spoke deprecatingly. "Nothin', I guess," she answered, with assumed indifference. "When I first came you were so kind and helped me in everything. Now for the last two or three days you seem cold and sarcastic, as if you were angry with me. I'd be sorry if that were so very sorry... Continue reading book >>

Elder Conklin By: Frank Harris (1855-1931)

Elder Conklin by Frank Harris is a captivating novel that delves deep into the complexities of human nature and the challenges of a changing society. Set in the late 19th-century America, the book follows the remarkable story of Elder Conklin, a charismatic and restless man who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Harris skillfully weaves together various themes such as faith, love, and the pursuit of freedom, creating a thought-provoking narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. The author's vivid descriptions transport us to a bygone era, immersing us in the sights, sounds, and struggles of Conklin's world.

One of the novel's strongest aspects is its exploration of religious fervor and its impact on Conklin's life. As a fervent preacher, he grapples with questions of faith, morality, and his own place within the religious community. Harris expertly depicts the transformative power of religious experiences, while simultaneously critiquing the dangers of religious fundamentalism and blind devotion.

Additionally, the book presents a well-rounded cast of characters, each with their own unique motivations and desires. From the enigmatic Lila, who captures Conklin's heart, to the rough and unpredictable Gideon, Harris masterfully creates individuals who feel both real and relatable. These characters serve as a means to explore the complexities of relationships, alongside the struggles of personal identity and societal expectations.

Moreover, the book raises important societal issues that are still relevant today. Through Conklin's encounters with racial inequality, gender roles, and the corrosion of traditional values, Harris highlights the tensions and conflicts within a rapidly changing America. This novel serves as a reminder of the progress society has made, but also serves as a stark reminder of the struggles that still persist.

While some readers may find the pacing of the novel slow at times, the wealth of themes, rich character development, and the evocative prose make up for any temporary lulls. Elder Conklin is a deep and introspective read, meant to be savored and contemplated.

In conclusion, Frank Harris' Elder Conklin is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of human existence, faith, and the societal landscape during a pivotal time in America's history. Through its engaging narrative, well-crafted characters, and powerful themes, the book provides a profound and lasting impact on readers.

First Page:

ELDER CONKLIN

By Frank Harris

As soon as the Elder left the supper table his daughter and the new schoolmaster went out on the stoop or verandah which ran round the frame house. The day had been warm, but the chilliness of the evening air betokened the near approach of the Indian summer. The house stood upon the crest of what had been a roll in the prairie, and as the two leant together on the railing of the stoop, they looked out over a small orchard of peach trees to where, a couple of hundred yards away, at the foot of the bluff, Cottonwood Creek ran, fringed on either bank by the trees which had suggested its name. On the horizon to their right, away beyond the spears of yellow maize, the sun was sinking, a ball of orange fire against the rose mist of the sky. When the girl turned towards him, perhaps to avoid the level rays, Bancroft expressed the hope that she would go with him to the house warming. A little stiffly Miss Conklin replied that she'd be pleased, but

"What have I done, Miss Loo, to offend you?" the young man spoke deprecatingly.

"Nothin', I guess," she answered, with assumed indifference.

"When I first came you were so kind and helped me in everything. Now for the last two or three days you seem cold and sarcastic, as if you were angry with me. I'd be sorry if that were so very sorry... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

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Wikipedia – Frank Harris
Wikipedia – Elder Conklin

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