Back to Back is a classic short story by W. W. Jacobs. It tells the story of two men, Bill and Sam, who are both in the same boat, literally and figuratively. They are both down on their luck and have been reduced to living on a boat in the Thames. The two men are very different in character, with Bill being the more optimistic and outgoing of the two, while Sam is more pessimistic and introverted. Despite their differences, the two men become friends and decide to work together to make a living. They come up with a plan to make money by selling goods from the boat, but their plan is quickly foiled when they are arrested for stealing. After being released from jail, the two men decide to try their luck at gambling, but their luck runs out and they are soon back to square one. In the end, the two men realize that they are better off together than apart and decide to stay on the boat and make a living together. The story ends with the two men looking out at the river, content in their newfound friendship.
By W. W. Jacobs · First published 1843 · Genre: Humor, Fiction, Short Story