The Happy End By: Joseph Hergesheimer (1880-1954)
The Happy End by Joseph Hergesheimer is a thought-provoking and deeply engrossing novel that takes readers on a captivating journey through the complexities of human relationships and the pursuit of happiness. Though lacking a clear central narrative, Hergesheimer’s skillful prose weaves together a collection of interconnected stories and characters that touch upon universal themes of love, loss, and the elusive search for fulfillment. The novel primarily revolves around a group of characters from different walks of life who are brought together by the allure of a luxurious vacation resort. As the story unfolds, Hergesheimer masterfully crafts individual narratives that explore the innermost desires and struggles of the ensemble cast. Each character is flawed and authentic, making them relatable and their experiences deeply resonant. What distinguishes The Happy End is Hergesheimer’s ability to delve into the emotional depths of his characters. He presents a nuanced understanding of their motivations, unveiling their fears, insecurities, and vulnerabilities. Moreover, the author's lush and vivid descriptions paint an immersive picture of the resort, immersing readers in the opulence, beauty, and decadence of the setting. Hergesheimer's writing style is both elegant and evocative, showcasing his mastery over language and his ability to create a rich atmosphere. The poetic quality of his descriptions enhances the emotional impact of the narrative, immersing readers in a world that is simultaneously glamorous and melancholic. However, while The Happy End provides a captivating reading experience, it occasionally suffers from a lack of coherence. The multitude of storylines and characters can be overwhelming at times, and the lack of a clear central plot may leave some readers longing for a more structured narrative. Additionally, some may find the pacing slightly slow, as the novel prioritizes introspection and character development over traditional action and plot progression. Overall, The Happy End is a novel that rewards patient readers with its poignant and introspective exploration of human nature. Hergesheimer's superb command over language, combined with his deep insights into the human psyche, makes this a memorable and emotionally resonant reading experience. While it may not appeal to those seeking a fast-paced plot, it is a novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. First Page: Charles Aldarondo, Tiffany Vergon, Joshua Hutchinson, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. THE HAPPY END BY JOSEPH HERGESHEIMER BOOKS BY JOSEPH HERGESHEIMER THE HAPPY END JAVA HEAD GOLD AND IRON THE THREE BLACK PENNYS MOUNTAIN BLOOD THE LAY ANTHONY THE HAPPY END DEDICATION These stories have but one purpose to give pleasure; and they have been made into a book at the requests of those I have fortunately pleased. It is, therefore, to such friends of my writing that they are addressed and dedicated. However, this is not an effort to avoid my responsibility: but to whom? Not to critics, not middlemen, nor the Academies of which I am so reprehensibly ignorant; not, certainly, to my neighbor. They brought me, in times of varying difficulty, food; and for that excellent reason I am forced to conclude that, then as now, I am responsible to my grocer. CONTENTS Lonely Valleys The Egyptian Chariot The Flower of Spain Tol'able David Bread Rosemary Roselle The Thrush in the Hedge LONELY VALLEYS The maid, smartly capped in starched ruffled muslin and black, who admitted them to the somber luxury of the rectory, hesitated in unconcealed sulky disfavor. "Doctor Goodlowe has hardly started dinner," she asserted... Continue reading book >>

The Happy End By: Joseph Hergesheimer (1880-1954)

The Happy End by Joseph Hergesheimer is a thought-provoking and deeply engrossing novel that takes readers on a captivating journey through the complexities of human relationships and the pursuit of happiness. Though lacking a clear central narrative, Hergesheimer’s skillful prose weaves together a collection of interconnected stories and characters that touch upon universal themes of love, loss, and the elusive search for fulfillment.

The novel primarily revolves around a group of characters from different walks of life who are brought together by the allure of a luxurious vacation resort. As the story unfolds, Hergesheimer masterfully crafts individual narratives that explore the innermost desires and struggles of the ensemble cast. Each character is flawed and authentic, making them relatable and their experiences deeply resonant.

What distinguishes The Happy End is Hergesheimer’s ability to delve into the emotional depths of his characters. He presents a nuanced understanding of their motivations, unveiling their fears, insecurities, and vulnerabilities. Moreover, the author's lush and vivid descriptions paint an immersive picture of the resort, immersing readers in the opulence, beauty, and decadence of the setting.

Hergesheimer's writing style is both elegant and evocative, showcasing his mastery over language and his ability to create a rich atmosphere. The poetic quality of his descriptions enhances the emotional impact of the narrative, immersing readers in a world that is simultaneously glamorous and melancholic.

However, while The Happy End provides a captivating reading experience, it occasionally suffers from a lack of coherence. The multitude of storylines and characters can be overwhelming at times, and the lack of a clear central plot may leave some readers longing for a more structured narrative. Additionally, some may find the pacing slightly slow, as the novel prioritizes introspection and character development over traditional action and plot progression.

Overall, The Happy End is a novel that rewards patient readers with its poignant and introspective exploration of human nature. Hergesheimer's superb command over language, combined with his deep insights into the human psyche, makes this a memorable and emotionally resonant reading experience. While it may not appeal to those seeking a fast-paced plot, it is a novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

First Page:

Charles Aldarondo, Tiffany Vergon, Joshua Hutchinson, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.

THE HAPPY END

BY JOSEPH HERGESHEIMER

BOOKS BY JOSEPH HERGESHEIMER

THE HAPPY END JAVA HEAD GOLD AND IRON THE THREE BLACK PENNYS MOUNTAIN BLOOD THE LAY ANTHONY

THE HAPPY END

DEDICATION

These stories have but one purpose to give pleasure; and they have been made into a book at the requests of those I have fortunately pleased. It is, therefore, to such friends of my writing that they are addressed and dedicated. However, this is not an effort to avoid my responsibility: but to whom? Not to critics, not middlemen, nor the Academies of which I am so reprehensibly ignorant; not, certainly, to my neighbor. They brought me, in times of varying difficulty, food; and for that excellent reason I am forced to conclude that, then as now, I am responsible to my grocer.

CONTENTS

Lonely Valleys The Egyptian Chariot The Flower of Spain Tol'able David Bread Rosemary Roselle The Thrush in the Hedge

LONELY VALLEYS

The maid, smartly capped in starched ruffled muslin and black, who admitted them to the somber luxury of the rectory, hesitated in unconcealed sulky disfavor.

"Doctor Goodlowe has hardly started dinner," she asserted... Continue reading book >>

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Wikipedia – Joseph Hergesheimer
Wikipedia – The Happy End

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