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A Millionaire of Rough-and-Ready   By: (1836-1902)

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"A Millionaire of Rough-and-Ready" by Bret Harte is a captivating tale set in the American West during the gold rush era. The novel follows the story of a self-made millionaire, Jack Hamlin, who hails from the rough and ready town aptly named Rough-and-Ready.

Harte's writing style is undeniably engaging, effortlessly transporting readers to the vibrant world of the Gold Country. His vivid descriptions paint a vivid picture of the landscapes and the people who inhabit them. Whether it's a bustling mining camp or the solitude of the untamed wilderness, every setting feels authentic, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully into the story.

The character development in this novel is truly remarkable. Jack Hamlin is a complex and multi-dimensional protagonist, whose journey from a humble miner to a wealthy businessman is filled with both triumphs and tribulations. Harte masterfully showcases Hamlin's conflicting nature—his audacious spirit juxtaposed with an underlying sense of honor and compassion.

Supporting characters are equally captivating. From charming gamblers to hardened miners, each individual brings a unique perspective and adds depth to the narrative. Harte skillfully weaves together their stories, offering readers a rich tapestry of human experiences.

One of the strengths of this novel is its exploration of complex themes such as redemption, love, and the pursuit of wealth. Harte delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by those struck by the allure of gold. Through Hamlin's journey, readers are forced to confront their own beliefs about success and the true value of material wealth.

While the novel succeeds in many aspects, there are instances where the pacing feels uneven. Some chapters are slow-moving, focusing excessively on secondary characters, while others rush through pivotal moments. However, this slight flaw does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.

"A Millionaire of Rough-and-Ready" is an enthralling novel that beautifully captures the spirit of the gold rush era. Harte's masterful storytelling, immersive descriptions, and compelling characters make this book a must-read for fans of historical fiction and American literature alike. It is a testament to the author's talent and remains a timeless classic in the genre.

First Page:

A MILLIONAIRE OF ROUGH AND READY

by

BRET HARTE

JTABLE 4 7 1

PROLOGUE

There was no mistake this time: he had struck gold at last!

It had lain there before him a moment ago a misshapen piece of brown stained quartz, interspersed with dull yellow metal; yielding enough to have allowed the points of his pick to penetrate its honeycombed recesses, yet heavy enough to drop from the point of his pick as he endeavored to lift it from the red earth.

He was seeing all this plainly, although he found himself, he knew not why, at some distance from the scene of his discovery, his heart foolishly beating, his breath impotently hurried. Yet he was walking slowly and vaguely; conscious of stopping and staring at the landscape, which no longer looked familiar to him. He was hoping for some instinct or force of habit to recall him to himself; yet when he saw a neighbor at work in an adjacent claim, he hesitated, and then turned his back upon him. Yet only a moment before he had thought of running to him, saying, "By Jingo! I've struck it," or "D n it, old man, I've got it"; but that moment had passed, and now it seemed to him that he could scarce raise his voice, or, if he did, the ejaculation would appear forced and artificial. Neither could he go over to him coolly and tell his good fortune; and, partly from this strange shyness, and partly with a hope that another survey of the treasure might restore him to natural expression, he walked back to his tunnel... Continue reading book >>




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