Joan and Co.

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

78046

Title

Joan and Co.

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Frederick Orin Bartlett's 'Joan and Co.' follows Dicky Burnett, a young man whose life is upended by a street accident. While his fiancée, Joan Fairburne, recovers from the shock, Dicky grapples with his diminished social standing and deepening love for her. The novel explores themes of class, loyalty, and the transformative power of adversity as Dicky navigates a new reality where his character, rather than his wealth, becomes his defining asset.

Summary up to 500 words

Frederick Orin Bartlett's *Joan and Co.* tells the story of Dicky Burnett, a young man whose life is upended when a street accident leaves his fiancée, Joan Fairburne, injured. Following the incident, Joan refuses to see Dicky, believing his proposal was made in haste and that he cannot offer her the secure future she deserves. Heartbroken and feeling the weight of his reduced financial circumstances compared to Joan's stable background, Dicky retreats to Palm Beach. There, he struggles with homesickness and finds himself unable to forget Joan, despite the company of other women. Upon returning to New York, Dicky discovers his father, Mr. Burnett, has been working excessively and losing significant weight due to worry. Dicky resolves to fix this situation, taking charge of his father's health and stabilizing the family dynamic. Simultaneously, Dicky's employer, Mr. Forsythe, faces a business crisis involving a rival product and a mysterious new employee named Devons, who complicates the company's landscape. The narrative's emotional core lies in the evolving relationship between Dicky and Joan. While Dicky works to restore his father's health and finds his footing in his new role as a laborer, he realizes his love for Joan remains constant despite his financial setback. He wrestles with the belief that he is unworthy of her, fearing that his lack of wealth makes him a cad. However, the story culminates in a tender scene where Joan, moved by Dicky's integrity and the unwavering support of his family, accepts his love. The novel concludes with a heartwarming resolution. Mr. Burnett generously offers to support his son financially, but Joan insists on loving Dicky for who he is, not for his money. The book serves as a testament to the idea that true worth lies in character and mutual affection rather than social status. Through Dicky's journey, Bartlett explores themes of loyalty, the nature of true love, and the strength of family bonds, suggesting that genuine connection transcends material circumstances.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Romance
• Fiction
• Social commentary