The Lane that had no Turning, Volume 4

Name: The Lane that had no Turning, Volume 4
Author: Gilbert Parker

Set in the aftermath of a rebellion, a small community faces dire poverty as winter approaches. Pontiac, a town loyal to France yet under English rule, suffers from a lack of food and money. The townspeople, including the Cure, the Avocat, and the Little Chemist, share in the hardship, often going hungry themselves. As the situation worsens, the Cure decides to seek help from the outside world for the sake of the children, emphasizing that they are borrowers, not beggars. In a surprising turn, Parpon, a dwarf known for his unique talents and kindness, volunteers to make the journey to Quebec to plead for assistance. His decision is met with disbelief but ultimately accepted. Parpon travels to the city, where he captivates audiences with his extraordinary singing voice, drawing crowds and earning money for his community. After several successful performances, he returns to Pontiac with a substantial sum of money, ensuring the town's survival through the harsh winter. The Cure announces the good news, attributing the gift to an anonymous benefactor, highlighting the theme of true charity. The community is saved, yet the identity of their savior remains a secret, reinforcing the notion of humility and selflessness in times of need.

By Gilbert Parker · First published 1902 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama · 8 chapters · 27,963 words

First lines

It was soon after the Rebellion, and there was little food to be had and less money, and winter was at hand. Pontiac, ever most loyal to old France, though obedient to the English, had herself sent few recruits to be shot down by Colborne; but she had emptied her pockets in sending to the front the fulness of her barns and the best cattle of her fields. She gave her all; she was frank in giving, hid nothing; and when her own trouble came there was no voice calling on her behalf. And Pontiac would rather starve than beg. So, as the winter went on, she starved in silence, and no one had more than sour milk and bread and a potato now and then. The Cure, the Avocat, and the Little Chemist fared no better than the habitants; for they gave all they had right and left, and themselves often went hungry to bed. And the truth is that few outside Pontiac knew of her suffering; she kept the secret of it close.

What this Textopian page supports

The Lane that had no Turning, Volume 4 is listed on Textopian as a novel by Gilbert Parker, dated 1902 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Gilbert Parker
Date: 1902 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama, Short Stories, Canadian Literature
Length: 27,963 words
Structure: 8 chapters, 444 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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Genres

Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical period, reflecting the customs and social issues of the time.
Romance — The plot includes romantic relationships and emotional connections between characters.
Drama — The story contains intense character development and emotional themes.
Short Stories — The book is a collection of short stories, each with its own plot and characters.