The Child of Chance by Edgar Wallace
In a poor London tenement, an eighteen-year-old girl named Verity Money dreams of a life filled with adventure and romance, inspired by the movies and her vivid imagination. She lives with her uncle, a market porter, who leaves her a modest inheritance upon his death. Struggling to make ends meet through her embroidery work, Verity's life takes a turn when she collapses from hunger and is rescued by a soldier, John Hamilton. He takes her to dinner, and they bond over their dreams and aspirations. As their relationship develops, John proposes a marriage of convenience before returning to the front lines of World War I, believing it will give him peace of mind should he not return. Verity, overwhelmed yet intrigued, agrees, and they marry quickly. John goes off to war, leaving Verity to navigate her new life as a wife, albeit one without the love she yearns for. Verity writes to John, sharing her thoughts and experiences, and he finds her letters refreshing and insightful. Meanwhile, she grapples with her feelings of love and doubt, questioning why John married her and how she can earn his affection. After months apart, John returns on sick leave, having been wounded. He learns of Verity's efforts to support him and her attempts to navigate the complexities of their marriage. When he arrives at her flat, he is shocked to find a baby there, which Verity claims is theirs. The revelation leads to confusion and a mix of emotions, as John realizes the child is not biologically his, but Verity's desire to create a family stems from her longing for connection and love. The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the impact of war on personal relationships. Verity's innocence and idealism contrast sharply with the harsh realities of life, while John's journey reflects the struggles of soldiers returning from war. Ultimately, their relationship evolves as they confront their feelings and the unexpected challenges of parenthood, leading to a deeper understanding of love and commitment.
By Edgar Wallace · First published 1920 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Drama · 5,700 words
First lines
It is absurd to say that truth is stranger than fiction because, as everybody knows, fiction is the unstrangest product of life. That is to say, fiction would be very strange if it was _not_ stranger. For if it had no novelty, it would be no better than the News-That-is-Fit-to-Print, which is just the dullest kind of printed matter (with the exception of the Theology section of a Free Library catalogue) that offends the eye of mankind.
What this Textopian page supports
The Child of Chance is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edgar Wallace, dated 1920 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Edgar Wallace
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance, Drama, Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age
- Length: 5,700 words
- Structure: 1 section, 172 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Child of Chance by Edgar Wallace
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Child of Chance?
- How does this novel by Edgar Wallace fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of love, identity, and societal expectations through character development and emotional depth.
- Romance — The central plot revolves around the romantic relationship between Verity and John, highlighting themes of love and marriage.
- Drama — The narrative contains dramatic elements, focusing on personal struggles, societal issues, and emotional conflicts faced by the characters.
- Historical Fiction — Set during World War I, the story reflects the historical context and its impact on individuals and relationships.
Tags
mystery · adventure · crime · suspense · thriller · detective · intrigue · plot twist · secrets · betrayal · justice · redemption