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The Street Called Straight   By: (1859-1928)

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Basil King’s novel, The Street Called Straight, is a captivating literary journey that delves deep into the intricacies of human nature and the choices we make in the face of uncertainty. Set against the backdrop of early 20th century New York City, King masterfully constructs a narrative that explores the clash between the desires of the heart and the pressures of society.

The story unfolds through the eyes of its protagonist, Stephen Longstreet, a talented but struggling artist who finds himself teetering on the precipice of success and failure. Longstreet's artistic ambitions often collide with the expectations and demands of the judgmental society in which he resides, creating a vividly relatable conflict that readers cannot help but empathize with.

One of the most striking elements of The Street Called Straight is King’s ability to paint a vivid picture of the urban landscape, capturing the grit and vibrancy of turn-of-the-century New York. The city itself becomes a character within the narrative, shaping the experiences and choices of its inhabitants. King’s descriptions are so detailed and evocative that the reader can almost smell the polluted air and hear the cacophony of sounds that define the city.

Moreover, the novel grapples with timeless themes that are as relevant today as they were when the book was published in 1908. King delves into the complex relationships between art and commerce, love and duty, and the individual and society. Through Longstreet's journey, the author skillfully explores the tension between personal fulfillment and societal expectations, leaving readers to ponder their own roles within the wider context of the world.

While King’s prose can be dense at times, it ultimately serves to enrich the reader's immersion in the story. The depth of his characters, coupled with his astute observations about the human condition, make for a richly rewarding reading experience. King imbues his narrative with a sense of urgency and authenticity, always keeping readers engaged and invested in Longstreet’s fate.

The Street Called Straight is not a novel of sweeping action and grandiose events, but rather an exploration of the human spirit and the subtleties of everyday life. King's work stands as a testament to the power of literature to illuminate the complexities of existence, leaving readers with a renewed appreciation for the profound impact of our choices and the potential for personal growth.

In conclusion, The Street Called Straight offers a poignant and thought-provoking examination of art, society, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. King's impeccable storytelling and vivid depiction of turn-of-the-century New York make for an unforgettable reading experience. This novel is a must-read for anyone seeking profound insights into the human experience and the choices that shape our lives.

First Page:

THE STREET CALLED STRAIGHT

A NOVEL

BY

BASIL KING

AUTHOR OF THE INNER SHRINE, THE WILD OLIVE, ETC.

ILLUSTRATED BY ORSON LOWELL

NEW YORK GROSSET & DUNLAP PUBLISHERS

Published by Arrangement with Harper & Brothers

1911, 1912. PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA PUBLISHED MAY, 1912

" By the Street Called Straight we come to the House called Beautiful "

New England Saying

THE STREET CALLED STRAIGHT

I

As a matter of fact, Davenant was under no illusions concerning the quality of the welcome his hostess was according him, though he found a certain pleasure in being once more in her company. It was not a keen pleasure, but neither was it an embarrassing one; it was exactly what he supposed it would be in case they ever met again a blending on his part of curiosity, admiration, and reminiscent suffering out of which time and experience had taken the sting. He retained the memory of a minute of intense astonishment once upon a time, followed by some weeks, some months perhaps, of angry humiliation; but the years between twenty four and thirty three are long and varied, generating in healthy natures plenty of saving common sense. Work, travel, and a widened knowledge of men and manners had so ripened Davenant's mind that he was able to see his proposal now as Miss Guion must have seen it then, as something so incongruous and absurd as not only to need no consideration, but to call for no reply... Continue reading book >>




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