The Philistines   By: Arlo Bates (1850-1918)

The Philistines by Arlo Bates is an engrossing tale that delves into the complexities of society and the pressures placed upon individuals to conform. Set in a small New England town in the late 19th century, the story centers around the main character, Christopher Maxwell, a struggling artist who yearns to pursue his true passions.

Bates skillfully weaves together a narrative that explores themes of creativity, societal expectations, and the sacrifices one must make in order to fit into the conventions of their time. As Maxwell grapples with his desire to pursue his artistic dreams, he is constantly reminded of the rigid expectations society places on individuals like him. This conflict leads him to question whether it is worth sacrificing his true self for the approval of others.

What sets this book apart is Bates' meticulous attention to detail in portraying the dynamics of small-town life. Through his vivid descriptions, readers are transported to a world where gossip spreads like wildfire and where conformity is the norm. The author's exploration of the close-knit community's intolerance towards anything that deviates from their perceived norms shines a light on the timeless issue of societal pressures that continue to plague us today.

The characters in The Philistines are richly developed, each with their own motivations and struggles. Christopher Maxwell, in particular, is a protagonist who tugs at the heartstrings. His internal battle between societal expectations and his desire for artistic fulfillment is deeply relatable, making readers empathize with his plight as he tries to find his place in a world that often frowns upon creativity.

Bates' prose is eloquent and engaging, drawing readers into the story from the very first page. His ability to convey Maxwell's emotions and internal struggles with precision and sensitivity further adds depth to the narrative. The pace of the book is steady, gradually building up tension and anticipation as Maxwell's fate hangs in the balance.

While The Philistines is a thought-provoking and well-crafted novel, it does have its slower moments. Some readers may find certain passages, particularly those that delve into the intricacies of small-town life, to be overly detailed or tangential to the main plot. However, these moments are few and far between, and the overall impact of the story is not diminished by them.

In conclusion, The Philistines is a compelling novel that delves into the struggle between individuality and societal expectations. Arlo Bates' storytelling prowess shines through in his nuanced portrayal of small-town life and his exploration of the internal conflicts faced by those who dare to defy societal norms. Readers will find themselves rooting for Christopher Maxwell as he strives to break free from the clutches of conformity and embrace his true artistic self.

First Page:

I. IN PLACE AND IN ACCOUNT NOTHING II. SOME SPEECH OF MARRIAGE III. IN WAY OF TASTE IV. NOW HE IS FOR THE NUMBERS V. 'TWAS WONDROUS PITIFUL VI. THE INLY TOUCH OF LOVE VII. THIS DEED UNSHAPES ME VIII. A NECESSARY EVIL IX. THIS IS NOT A BOON X. THE BITTER PAST XI. THE GREAT ASSAY OF ART XII. WHOM THE FATES HAVE MARKED XIII. THIS "WOULD" CHANGES XIV. THE SHOT OF ACCIDENT XV. LIKE COVERED FIRE XVI. WEIGHING DELIGHT AND DOLE XVII. THE HEAVY MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT XVIII... Continue reading book >>