People Going By is a novel by Elizabeth Madox Roberts, published in 1929. It tells the story of a small Kentucky town and its inhabitants, focusing on the lives of two families, the Wilsons and the Fosters. The Wilsons are a poor family, struggling to make ends meet. The father, John, is a hardworking farmer, but his wife, Mary, is often ill and unable to help with the work. Their daughter, Martha, is a bright and ambitious young woman who dreams of a better life. The Fosters are a wealthy family, living in a large house on the edge of town. They are respected by the townspeople, but their son, Robert, is a wild and reckless young man who often causes trouble. The novel follows the lives of these two families as they struggle to make their way in the world. It explores themes of poverty, ambition, and the power of love. It also examines the complex relationships between the townspeople, and how their lives are intertwined.
By Elizabeth Madox Roberts · First published 1922 · Genre: Regional Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction