Shavings by Joseph C. Lincoln (1908)

Name: Shavings
Author: Joseph C. Lincoln

The story revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after being away for several years. He finds that the town has changed and so have its people. The main character struggles with feelings of inadequacy and disillusionment, but ultimately comes to terms with his place in the community. The narrative explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of human relationships. Through a series of events and interactions, the protagonist grapples with his own sense of purpose and finds a way to reconcile his past and present selves. The writing style is characterized by its simplicity and directness, which serves to underscore the quiet intensity of the narrative. The author's use of language creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the reader into the world of the story. Ultimately, the novel presents a nuanced exploration of the human condition, one that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

By Joseph C. Lincoln · First published 1908 · Genre: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Humor · 22 chapters · 146,549 words

First lines

Mr. Gabriel Bearse was happy. The prominence given to this statement is not meant to imply that Gabriel was, as a general rule, unhappy. Quite the contrary; Mr. Bearse's disposition was a cheerful one and the cares of this world had not rounded his plump shoulders. But Captain Sam Hunniwell had once said, and Orham public opinion agreed with him, that Gabe Bearse was never happy unless he was talking. Now here was Gabriel, not talking, but walking briskly along the Orham main road, and yet so distinctly happy that the happiness showed in his gait, his manner and in the excited glitter of his watery eye. Truly an astonishing condition of things and tending, one would say, to prove that Captain Sam's didactic remark, so long locally accepted and quoted as gospel truth, had a flaw in its wisdom somewhere.

What this Textopian page supports

Shavings is listed on Textopian as a novel by Joseph C. Lincoln, dated 1908 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Joseph C. Lincoln
Date: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Humor, Social Commentary, Regional Fiction
Length: 146,549 words
Structure: 22 chapters, 3,271 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fiction — The narrative is primarily fictional, focusing on character development and imaginative storytelling.
Literary Fiction — The work emphasizes style, character, and thematic depth over plot-driven elements.
Humor — The text incorporates comedic elements and wit, contributing to its overall tone.
Social Commentary — The themes reflect societal norms and critiques, providing insight into the human condition.