Description
Shavings by Joseph Crosby Lincoln is a heartwarming and nostalgic tale set in a small New England town during the early 20th century. The story follows the life of Captain Ebenezer Higgins, a retired sea captain who now spends his days whittling away at various wooden objects in his cozy little workshop.
From the very first chapter, readers are immediately transported to the quaint and charming world of Captain Higgins and the tight-knit community he resides in. Lincoln’s detailed descriptions and vivid imagery make it effortless to picture the picturesque coastal town, with its white picket fences, bustling harbor, and salty sea breeze.
What sets Shavings apart from other novels is its likable and relatable characters. Captain Higgins, with his gruff exterior and kind heart, instantly wins over readers. His interactions with the other townspeople, including his supportive wife, the mischievous local boys, and a loveable stray dog, only deepen our connection to the story. Each character feels authentic and fully fleshed out, making us care deeply about their lives and the outcome of their personal journeys.
While the plot may seem straightforward at first glance, Lincoln weaves in unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged and eager to uncover what lies ahead. Moments of joy and laughter are interspersed with moments of sorrow and disappointment, resulting in a narrative that truly reflects the ebb and flow of life itself.
Moreover, Lincoln’s writing style is a true delight to experience. His prose is elegant and understated, painting a vivid picture of each scene without ever becoming verbose or overbearing. The dialogue feels natural and authentic, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in conversations between characters and enhancing the overall sense of realism in the narrative.
Shavings is more than just a story about a retired captain and his wooden creations; it is a beautifully crafted tale about the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of community, and the power of unexpected friendships. It takes readers on a nostalgic journey through a bygone era, leaving us with a sense of appreciation for simpler times and a renewed belief in the inherent goodness of people.
In conclusion, Shavings is a charming and captivating novel that will resonate with readers of all ages. Joseph Crosby Lincoln’s masterful storytelling and well-rounded characters ensure that this heartwarming tale will stay with readers long after they’ve turned the last page.
First Page:
“SHAVINGS”
by Joseph C. Lincoln
CHAPTER I
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.
And yet the flaw was but a small one and the explanation simple. Gabriel was not talking at that moment, it is true, but he was expecting to talk very soon, to talk a great deal. He had just come into possession of an item of news which would furnish his vocal machine gun with ammunition sufficient for wordy volley after volley. Gabriel was joyfully contemplating peppering all Orham with that bit of gossip. No wonder he was happy; no wonder he hurried along the main road like a battery galloping eagerly into action… Continue reading book >>
