That Fortune By: Charles Dudley Warner (1829-1900)
In Charles Dudley Warner's novel, "That Fortune," readers are transported to a quaint New England town in the late 19th century. The story follows the lives of its diverse residents as they navigate the complexities of wealth, romance, and societal expectations. Warner's writing style is both eloquent and charming, immersing readers in the captivating world he has created. He expertly captures the essence of small-town life, painting vivid descriptions of the town's picturesque scenery and bringing its inhabitants to life through their individual quirks and idiosyncrasies. The book's setting feels remarkably authentic, allowing readers to feel as though they are walking alongside the characters as they go about their daily lives. One of the most intriguing aspects of "That Fortune" is Warner's exploration of the concept of money and its impact on the characters' lives. The author delves into the complexities and contradictions that arise when wealth is introduced into an otherwise close-knit community. He masterfully weaves together themes of greed, jealousy, and social class, forcing readers to question the true worth of material possessions and the price one pays for pursuing them. Moreover, the characters in this novel are incredibly well-developed and multidimensional. From the humble village blacksmith to the enigmatic and wealthy town benefactor, each character brings a unique perspective and personal journey to the narrative. Warner skillfully explores their individual struggles and triumphs, highlighting the human condition and the universal desire for happiness and fulfillment. "That Fortune" is not solely a tale of wealth and its consequences; it also delves into the complexities of human relationships. Warner expertly intertwines multiple storylines and subplots, forming a rich tapestry of interconnected lives and experiences. From love triangles to family dynamics, every interaction feels genuine and resonates with deep emotional significance. The pacing of the novel is steady and deliberate, allowing readers to savor each moment of the narrative. While the plot may not be action-packed, the gradual unfolding of events keeps readers engaged and eager for more. Warner's attention to detail and his ability to evoke powerful emotions make this a truly immersive reading experience. In conclusion, "That Fortune" is a beautifully crafted novel that captures the essence of small-town life, explores the repercussions of wealth, and delves into the complexities of human relationships. Charles Dudley Warner's eloquent writing and well-developed characters make for a truly captivating read. Fans of historical fiction with a touch of social commentary will find this book both intellectually stimulating and emotionally satisfying. First Page: THAT FORTUNE By Charles Dudley Warner I On a summer day, long gone among the summer days that come but to go, a lad of twelve years was idly and recklessly swinging in the top of a tall hickory, the advance picket of a mountain forest. The tree was on the edge of a steep declivity of rocky pasture land that fell rapidly down to the stately chestnuts, to the orchard, to the cornfields in the narrow valley, and the maples on the bank of the amber river, whose loud, unceasing murmur came to the lad on his aerial perch like the voice of some tradition of nature that he could not understand. He had climbed to the topmost branch of the lithe and tough tree in order to take the full swing of this free creature in its sport with the western wind. There was something exhilarating in this elemental battle of the forces that urge and the forces that resist, and the harder the wind blew, and the wider circles he took in the free air, the more stirred the boy was in the spring of his life. Nature was taking him by the hand, and it might be that in that moment ambition was born to achieve for himself, to conquer. If you had asked him why he was there, he would very likely have said, "To see the world." It was a world worth seeing. The prospect might be limited to a dull eye, but not to this lad, who loved to climb this height, in order to be with himself and indulge the dreams of youth... Continue reading book >>

That Fortune By: Charles Dudley Warner (1829-1900)

In Charles Dudley Warner's novel, "That Fortune," readers are transported to a quaint New England town in the late 19th century. The story follows the lives of its diverse residents as they navigate the complexities of wealth, romance, and societal expectations.

Warner's writing style is both eloquent and charming, immersing readers in the captivating world he has created. He expertly captures the essence of small-town life, painting vivid descriptions of the town's picturesque scenery and bringing its inhabitants to life through their individual quirks and idiosyncrasies. The book's setting feels remarkably authentic, allowing readers to feel as though they are walking alongside the characters as they go about their daily lives.

One of the most intriguing aspects of "That Fortune" is Warner's exploration of the concept of money and its impact on the characters' lives. The author delves into the complexities and contradictions that arise when wealth is introduced into an otherwise close-knit community. He masterfully weaves together themes of greed, jealousy, and social class, forcing readers to question the true worth of material possessions and the price one pays for pursuing them.

Moreover, the characters in this novel are incredibly well-developed and multidimensional. From the humble village blacksmith to the enigmatic and wealthy town benefactor, each character brings a unique perspective and personal journey to the narrative. Warner skillfully explores their individual struggles and triumphs, highlighting the human condition and the universal desire for happiness and fulfillment.

"That Fortune" is not solely a tale of wealth and its consequences; it also delves into the complexities of human relationships. Warner expertly intertwines multiple storylines and subplots, forming a rich tapestry of interconnected lives and experiences. From love triangles to family dynamics, every interaction feels genuine and resonates with deep emotional significance.

The pacing of the novel is steady and deliberate, allowing readers to savor each moment of the narrative. While the plot may not be action-packed, the gradual unfolding of events keeps readers engaged and eager for more. Warner's attention to detail and his ability to evoke powerful emotions make this a truly immersive reading experience.

In conclusion, "That Fortune" is a beautifully crafted novel that captures the essence of small-town life, explores the repercussions of wealth, and delves into the complexities of human relationships. Charles Dudley Warner's eloquent writing and well-developed characters make for a truly captivating read. Fans of historical fiction with a touch of social commentary will find this book both intellectually stimulating and emotionally satisfying.

First Page:

THAT FORTUNE

By Charles Dudley Warner

On a summer day, long gone among the summer days that come but to go, a lad of twelve years was idly and recklessly swinging in the top of a tall hickory, the advance picket of a mountain forest. The tree was on the edge of a steep declivity of rocky pasture land that fell rapidly down to the stately chestnuts, to the orchard, to the cornfields in the narrow valley, and the maples on the bank of the amber river, whose loud, unceasing murmur came to the lad on his aerial perch like the voice of some tradition of nature that he could not understand.

He had climbed to the topmost branch of the lithe and tough tree in order to take the full swing of this free creature in its sport with the western wind. There was something exhilarating in this elemental battle of the forces that urge and the forces that resist, and the harder the wind blew, and the wider circles he took in the free air, the more stirred the boy was in the spring of his life. Nature was taking him by the hand, and it might be that in that moment ambition was born to achieve for himself, to conquer.

If you had asked him why he was there, he would very likely have said, "To see the world." It was a world worth seeing. The prospect might be limited to a dull eye, but not to this lad, who loved to climb this height, in order to be with himself and indulge the dreams of youth... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

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Wikipedia – That Fortune

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