Optic, Oliver
"Try Again; Or, the Trials and Triumphs of Harry West. A Story for Young Folks" by Oliver Optic is a novel written in the early 20th century. It follows the story of young Harry West, a boy who struggles against adversity in a society that seems ready to cast him aside. The narrative unfolds as Harry encounters challenges related to his past, particularly with figures like Squire Walker and Jacob Wire, and explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the quest for a brighter future. At the start of the book, Harry finds himself in a poorhouse and faces an impending transfer to the home of Jacob Wire, a cruel man known for mistreating his workers. During a confrontation with Squire Walker, who embodies authority and disdain for the less fortunate, Harry stands his ground, revealing his strong will despite his vulnerable circumstances. After a heart-wrenching discussion with Mr. Nason, the keeper of the poorhouse who cares for him, Harry contemplates running away. His thoughts are interrupted when he is approached by Ben Smart, a neighborhood boy, who offers a plan for escape. As the narrative progresses, it becomes clear that Harry's journey will be filled with both trials and the potential for triumph as he navigates his escape from a harsh reality. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
These books are free to read. Each is in the public domain in the United States; check your own country's rules before you copy or share one.
