The Strollers

"The Strollers" by Frederic Stewart Isham is a historical fiction where the lives of soldiers and actors meet at a humble inn. Set against a backdrop of social change, the story explores the ambitions of its characters, especially a pensive young soldier named Saint-Prosper and a group of traveling actors led by their eager manager, Barnes. Their interactions at the Travelers' Friend inn, a rustic and intimate setting, highlight class differences and the struggles of entertainers amidst societal shifts. Through humorous dialogues and engaging encounters, the book captures the tensions faced by both the military and the performers, weaving together personal stories with the larger themes of a society in transformation.