A Young Man in a Hurry, and Other Short Stories

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27374

Title

A Young Man in a Hurry, and Other Short Stories

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Robert W. Chambers weaves a collection of atmospheric short stories exploring themes of haste, social misunderstanding, and the clash between civilization and the wild. From a frantic New York commuter to a rugged fire warden in the Florida wilderness, these tales capture the tension between duty and desire, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century life with vivid imagery and psychological depth.

Summary up to 500 words

Robert W. Chambers' *A Young Man in a Hurry, and Other Short Stories* presents a rich tapestry of human experience, balancing frantic urban action with introspective wilderness drama. The collection opens with the title story, where a frantic commuter accidentally boards the wrong cab, only to discover his intended destination matches that of a stranger, a young woman also rushing to catch the same train. Forced to share a cab and a ferry ride, the two strangers navigate a tense encounter defined by mutual panic and eventual connection. Their shared predicament highlights the themes of chance and the unexpected bonds formed amidst city chaos. The narrative then shifts to the Florida wilderness in "The Shining Band" and "The Fire-Warden." Here, Miss Elliott serves as a fire warden, managing crews battling underground forest fires. Her relationship with the stoic fire warden, Burleson, develops against a backdrop of harsh labor and the encroachment of civilization on indigenous lands. Miss Elliott passionately defends the rights and dignity of the local people, whom she views as victims of restrictive laws and economic hardship. She contrasts their struggle with the comfort of the outside world, delving into the complexities of law, morality, and the human spirit's resilience. Continuing this exploration of societal structures versus individual survival, the collection includes "One Man in a Million" and "The Market-Hunter." The book concludes with the poignant romance of "Pasque Florida," featuring Jack Haltren and Kathleen. Following a separation and a dramatic boat wreck, the couple reunites in a lush, natural setting. Their conversation reveals deep personal growth and a reconciliation of past misunderstandings. As Easter approaches, they find peace and unity, drifting home together under the Southern stars, leaving the gossip of the outside world behind. Throughout the book, Chambers balances high-stakes action with profound introspection, creating a narrative that celebrates the endurance of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Local file path

data/epubs/pg27374.epub

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Categories

• Short Stories
• United States -- Social life and customs -- Fiction