The story follows Liz Coates, a young woman who works in a canning factory in Michigan. She is courted by Jim Gilmore, a local man who works in the woods. Liz is initially uninterested in Jim, but eventually gives in to his advances. The two begin a relationship, but Liz is soon disappointed when she discovers that Jim is not the man she thought he was. He is lazy and irresponsible, and Liz soon realizes that she is not in love with him. When Liz discovers that Jim has been cheating on her, she decides to break off the relationship. She returns to the canning factory, where she is welcomed back by her co-workers. The story ends with Liz reflecting on her experience and realizing that she is better off without Jim. She is content with her life and is looking forward to the future.
By Ernest Hemingway · First published 1923 · Genre: Realism, Regional Fiction, Romance