The Prodigal Pro Tem

"The Prodigal Pro Tem" by Frederick Orin Bartlett is a story set in the early 1900s that follows Barnes, a young artist who seeks freedom from his wealthy New York background. While reflecting on his new path, Barnes' life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Miss Van Patten, whose family is in turmoil because her brother, Joe, cannot return home. Moved by their plight and the news in the letter, Barnes proposes a daring plan: he will pretend to be Joe to comfort their ailing, blind father. As Barnes integrates himself into the family, the story explores obligation, sacrifice, and the tangled threads of human relationships. The book captures the delicate balance between truth and deception, highlighting the lengths one might go to for family.