The Road and the Roadside   By: Burton Willis Potter (1843-1927)

The Road and the Roadside by Burton Willis Potter is a gripping and poignant novel that explores the themes of tragedy, redemption, and the search for meaning in life. Set against the backdrop of a desolate and post-apocalyptic world, the story follows the journey of a nameless protagonist as he travels along a seemingly endless road, encountering various characters and landscapes along the way.

The author’s writing style is both vivid and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the bleak and desolate world in which the characters exist. Through Potter’s descriptive language, readers are able to feel the protagonist's anguish and despair as he grapples with the harsh realities of his surroundings. The prose is elegant and atmospheric, capturing the raw emotions and the sense of hopelessness that permeates the narrative.

One of the greatest strengths of this novel lies in its exploration of the protagonist's inner struggles and his search for meaning in a world that has lost all sense of humanity. As he encounters different characters, each with their own unique stories and motivations, he is forced to confront his own flaws and confront the choices he has made. This character development adds a layer of depth and complexity to the narrative, allowing readers to become invested in the protagonist's journey.

Furthermore, The Road and the Roadside effectively explores themes of redemption and self-discovery. Through the protagonist's encounters with various characters, he learns valuable lessons about the power of forgiveness, resilience, and the importance of holding onto hope, even in the face of insurmountable odds. Potter's exploration of these themes is thought-provoking and provides a sense of hope amidst the darkness that surrounds the characters.

However, while the novel presents a captivating and engaging narrative, there are moments when the pacing slows down, leading to a sense of stagnation in the plot. Some scenes and conversations could have been condensed or omitted to maintain a higher level of tension and momentum throughout the story. This could have resulted in a more streamlined and impactful reading experience.

Overall, The Road and the Roadside is an emotionally charged and introspective novel that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading. Despite its occasional pacing issues, the novel excels in its exploration of universal themes and its ability to elicit genuine emotions from its readers. Potter's writing is captivating and beautifully crafted, making this book a worthwhile read for fans of post-apocalyptic fiction and those who appreciate introspective storytelling.

First Page:

The laws as herein stated are, as I believe, the present laws of Massachusetts relative to public and private ways, and therefore they may not all be applicable to the ways in other States; but inasmuch as the common law is the basis of the road law in all the States, it will be found that the general principles herein laid down are as applicable in one State as in another... Continue reading book >>