Genre: Published 1900 onward
Chapter: 34
Listen: 5
Cinematic in style and rich in characterization, this novel is set in early 20th century Chicago – in a barroom, at home, and in the workplace. An alcoholic convinces himself of the reasonableness of “just one drink”. A priest defends the Church’s position on the indissolubility of marriage. It is a story of relationships impacted by human frailties, unusual generosity, and religion. “It is almost photographic in its accuracy of detail.” – The New York Herald
“Every person in it is someone you know.” – The Call
“The author permits the representatives of the old order to present their arguments. For the new order he presents simply the facts of such a case as Georgia’s. It is for this reason that the book is strong.” –The New York Times
The author’s personal history, including his founding of the NY Daily News, is covered at wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Medill_Patterson. (Lee Smalley)