Abner Daniel: A Novel

"Abner Daniel: A Novel" by Will N. Harben is a story mostly about Alfred Bishop and how family and money problems threaten to destroy them. The story shows how the Bishops act as a family, especially how Alfred interacts with his wife and kids. It is a story mostly about the characters that takes place in the rural South, highlighting the complicated feelings of loyalty to family and the desire for a better life. The book starts by showing Alfred Bishop whose determination for land creates issues in the family when his investment start to impact his wife and family. Then his wife, Mrs. Bishop, and his son, Alan, start to worry about Alfred's investment plans which causes division within the house due to the decisions made by Alfred. Lastly, the arrival of Uncle Abner Daniel shows a difference in generations that makes things even more difficult. This sets up major ideas such as reaching for your goals, being loyal, and what might happen when optimism goes too far in the face of bad choices.