Shavings: A Novel

In the breezy town of Orham, summer unfurls in a riot of color: windmills spin on picket fences, wooden sailors swing their paddles, and painted boats chase each other around tiny posts. The streets hum with the ordinary magic of a seaside community—hollyhocks swaying, waves glittering, children echoing the movement with delighted gestures. It’s a place where even a simple garden display feels like a celebration, inviting anyone who passes by to linger a little longer.

Amid this lively backdrop walks Gabriel Bearse, a native whose happiness is tied to the chatter he carries. Known for his rapid‑fire gossip, he’s on his way to the post office, eager to unleash a fresh piece of news on the town. When a row of whimsical windmills catches his eye, he pauses, sensing a possible connection to the story he’s about to tell. The encounter hints at a deeper thread that could pull the whole community into a surprising conversation.