The Desert Road by Gilbert Parker

Name: The Desert Road
Author: Gilbert Parker

The Desert Road is a novel by Gilbert Parker that tells the story of a young man named John Dale who sets out on a journey through the American West in search of adventure and fortune. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and challenges, including hostile Native Americans, dangerous terrain, and treacherous weather conditions. Despite these difficulties, John perseveres and ultimately finds success and happiness in his new life on the frontier.

By Gilbert Parker · First published 1905 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Adventure · 398 words

First lines

In the sands I lived in a hut of palm, / There was never a garden to see; / There was never a path through the desert calm, / Nor a way through its storms for me.

Tenant was I of a lone domain; / The far pale caravans wound / To the rim of the sky, and vanished again; / My call in the waste was drowned.

The vultures came and hovered and fled; / And once there stole to my door / A white gazelle, but its eyes were dread / With the hurt of the wounds it bore.

It passed in the dusk with a foot of fear, / And the white cold mists rolled in; / And my heart was the heart of a stricken deer, / Of a soul in the snare of sin.

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What this Textopian page supports

The Desert Road is listed on Textopian as a short story by Gilbert Parker, 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: Gilbert Parker
Date: 1905 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romance, Adventure, Philosophical, Nature
Length: 398 words
Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The text is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
Romance — The narrative centers around themes of love and emotional connection, as indicated by the transformative journey inspired by a beloved figure.
Adventure — The imagery of a journey through the desert and the notion of following a path suggest elements of exploration and adventure.
Philosophical — The text reflects on existential themes such as isolation, transformation, and the search for meaning, typical of philosophical literature.