
A weary editor, long settled into the predictable rhythm of Boston life, finds himself at a crossroads when his publisher and a close friend press him to take a sabbatical abroad. The proposition awakens old dreams of the Europe where he and his wife first fell in love, yet the practicalities of family, finances, and a demanding career make the idea feel both tempting and unsettling. As he walks home, the city’s bustle mirrors his inner conflict, and his wife’s gentle reminders of youthful fields tug at his imagination.
Behind the scenes, a new publishing venture offers a surprising opening—a chance to blend his literary aspirations with a more secure livelihood. The prospect of leaving familiar streets for a fresh start in New York hints at both professional renewal and the possibility of finally revisiting the romantic past he’s long cherished. The stage is set for a journey that could reshape his life’s direction.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (223K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-10-23
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1837–1920
A leading voice of American realism, he wrote sharply observed novels about everyday life and helped shape the literary culture of the late 1800s. As an editor and critic, he also encouraged writers such as Henry James and Sarah Orne Jewett while building a reputation as the “Dean of American Letters.”
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by William Dean Howells

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