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Tom Grogan   By: (1838-1915)

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Tom Grogan by Francis Hopkinson Smith is a captivating tale that follows the life and trials of its eponymous protagonist. Set in the post-Civil War era, the book takes readers on a journey through the bustling streets of New York City, the treacherous waters of the Hudson River, and the charming landscapes of the Hudson Valley.

The novel introduces us to Tom Grogan, a self-made Irish immigrant who embodies determination, resilience, and an unwavering spirit. Tom, a skilled sailor and a hard worker, is drawn to the world of transportation and dreams of building his own vessel. With his perseverance and a steadfast belief in achieving his goals, he sets out to transform his vision into reality.

Smith’s writing style is rich in detail and paints vivid pictures of the landscapes and characters, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the story. The author masterfully captures the essence of New York City, portraying the bustling metropolis with its contrasting elements of wealth and poverty, love and betrayal, hope and despair.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its exploration of the human spirit and the complexities of relationships. Tom Grogan encounters a diverse range of characters along his journey, each with their own motivations and secrets. From his passionate wife to the conniving socialite and the hardened shipbuilders, these characters add depth and authenticity to the story.

Moreover, the book delves into themes of social class, the pursuit of dreams, and the impact of industrialization. Throughout the narrative, Smith skillfully weaves these themes into the fabric of the story, prompting readers to reflect on the changing dynamics of American society during that era.

Another notable aspect of Tom Grogan is the author’s attention to historical accuracy, which greatly enriches the reading experience. Through his meticulous research and knowledge of the time period, Smith creates an authentic portrayal of the challenges and opportunities faced by immigrants in 19th-century America.

However, despite its many strengths, the pacing of the novel can sometimes feel slow, interrupting the flow of the story. Certain passages may appear overly detailed, causing a slight lag in the narrative's progress. Additionally, some readers might find certain aspects of the story predictable or reminiscent of other works in the genre.

Nevertheless, Tom Grogan remains a worthwhile read that transports readers to a transformative era in American history. It is a tale of resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Francis Hopkinson Smith’s masterful storytelling and his ability to evoke a sense of time and place make Tom Grogan an engrossing novel that will leave readers with a renewed appreciation for the power of determination and the allure of the past.

First Page:

TOM GROGAN

by F. Hopkinson Smith

I. BABCOCK'S DISCOVERY

Something worried Babcock. One could see that from the impatient gesture with which he turned away from the ferry window on learning he had half an hour to wait. He paced the slip with hands deep in his pockets, his head on his chest. Every now and then he stopped, snapped open his watch and shut it again quickly, as if to hurry the lagging minutes.

For the first time in years Tom Grogan, who had always unloaded his boats, had failed him. A scow loaded with stone for the sea wall that Babcock was building for the Lighthouse Department had lain three days at the government dock without a bucket having been swung across her decks. His foreman had just reported that there was not enough material to last the concrete mixers two hours. If Grogan did not begin work at once, the divers must come up.

Heretofore to turn over to Grogan the unloading of material for any submarine work had been like feeding grist to a mill so many tons of concrete stone loaded on the scows by the stone crushing company had meant that exact amount delivered by Grogan on Babcock's mixing platforms twenty four hours after arrival, ready for the divers below. This was the way Grogan had worked, and he had required no watching.

Babcock's impatience did not cease even when he took his seat on the upper deck of the ferry boat and caught the welcome sound of the paddles sweeping back to the landing at St... Continue reading book >>




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