"Our Friend The Charlatan" by George Gissing is a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of human nature and society. Set in late 19th century England, the story follows the lives of two friends, Harold Biffen and Osmond Orgreave, as they navigate the challenges of love, friendship, and ambition.

Gissing expertly crafts a narrative that explores themes of deception, authenticity, and moral compromise. Through the character of Orgreave, a charming and manipulative man who will stop at nothing to achieve success, the author raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of truth and the lengths people are willing to go to in order to get ahead.

The novel is filled with rich descriptions of Victorian London, vividly bringing to life the bustling streets, smoky pubs, and elegant drawing rooms of the era. Gissing's prose is elegant and precise, drawing the reader into the world of his characters and making them feel as though they are experiencing the events firsthand.

Overall, "Our Friend The Charlatan" is a compelling read that offers a nuanced exploration of human behavior and the consequences of our choices. Gissing's keen observations and skillful storytelling make this a novel that will linger in the reader's mind long after the last page is turned.

Book Description:
Dice Lashmore will do everything he can in in his quest to become rich. The key is, of course, finding a rich wife. This book describes his numerous courtships of women. It also describes the moral decline of a man who has only one goal, and how other people react to it. This book is about courtship, but also about values. It raises questions like: do modern values of feminism and choice still hold? Do everybody who claims to believe in them really believes, and, of course, what if not? - Summary by Stav Nisser