The Best Man in Garotte
The Best Man in Garotte is a novel by Frank Harris that tells the story of a man named John Garotte who returns to his hometown after being away for many years. Upon his return, he discovers that things have changed drastically and he must navigate through the new social landscape while also dealing with personal demons from his past. The book explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of love in overcoming adversity.
By Frank Harris · First published 1905 · Genre: Western, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 3,248 words
First lines
Lawyer Rablay had come from nobody knew where. He was a small man, almost as round as a billiard ball. His body was round, his head was round; his blue eyes and even his mouth and chin were round; his nose was a perky snub; he was florid and prematurely bald -- a picture of good-humour. And yet he was a power in Garotte. When he came to the camp, a row was the only form of recreation known to the miners. A "fuss" took men out of themselves, and was accordingly hailed as an amusement; besides, it afforded a subject of conversation. But after Lawyer Rablay's arrival fights became comparatively infrequent. Would-be students of human nature declared at first that his flow of spirits was merely animal, and that his wit was thin; but even these envious ones had to admit later that his wit told, and that his good-humour was catching.
What this Textopian page supports
The Best Man in Garotte is listed on Textopian as a short story by Frank Harris, dated 1905 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Frank Harris
- Date: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Western, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Drama, Crime
- Length: 3,248 words
- Structure: 1 section, 49 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Best Man in Garotte by Frank Harris
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- Fin Tireur by Robert Hichens
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- Picnic by Stephen Marlowe
Genres
- Western — Set in the American West with themes of frontier life and justice.
- Historical Fiction — Depicts historical settings and events with fictional characters.
- Adventure — Features action-packed sequences and a journey of the protagonist.
- Drama — Explores intense emotional and relational conflicts.
Tags
mystery · suspense · crime · thriller · detective · murder · investigation · secrets · betrayal · drama · intrigue · characters