A Village of Vagabonds

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26678

Title

A Village of Vagabonds

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

An American sportsman abandons his farm to live in Pont du Sable, a desolate Norman fishing village, seeking solitude and sea-shooting. He discovers an abandoned estate, renovates it with the help of a spirited maid, and becomes entangled in local life, police investigations involving counterfeit money, and the tragic realities of war.

Summary up to 500 words

In F. Berkeley Smith's *A Village of Vagabonds*, an American narrator abandons his comfortable life and farm in the Norman village of Bar la Rose to settle in Pont du Sable, a bleak, isolated fishing hamlet by the sea. Driven by a passion for sea-shooting and a love for the picturesque, he purchases an abandoned stone house formerly belonging to the Marquis de Lys. With the spirited assistance of his loyal maid, Suzette, he restores the dilapidated property, transforming a cavernous, spider-webbed ruin into a home filled with charm and dignity. The narrative introduces a vibrant cast of neighbors, including the genial Mayor, the optimistic blacksmith, and the priest, who together create a sense of community in a place often dismissed as a 'lost hole.' The plot intensifies when the narrator witnesses a dramatic police raid led by Sous Chief Guinard. The intruders arrest the banker, Pedro Maceiö, for counterfeiting, revealing that the police had tracked the American narrator because he frequented the area as a sportsman. This incident underscores the novel's exploration of solitude versus community and the harsh realities of life in a remote setting. Beyond crime and commerce, the story delves into the horrors of war, the bonds of friendship, and the enduring nature of love. The narrative culminates in a joyous double wedding: Suzette marries Gaston, and the narrator's friend Tanrade marries Madame Alice de Bréville. These unions bring happiness to the village, though they also mark a poignant transition for the narrator. As he reflects on his new existence, he accepts the solitude of his 'lost village,' finding solace in the simple pleasures of nature, the company of his pets, and the memories of the friends he has left behind. The novel ultimately celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the profound connections that can form even in the most desolate corners of the world.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Fiction
• Travel