The Lady of Big Shanty

"The Lady of Big Shanty" by F. Berkeley Smith is an early 20th-century novel focused on human strength when faced with nature's challenges, set against the wild lands of the Adirondacks. The book features William Holcomb, a young man who knows the outdoors well, and shows how he deals with tricky relationships when he meets sophisticated people at a luncheon hosted by The Players. The story kicks off with a lively lunch filled with various characters, where William arrives late because of a train delay, immediately grabbing everyone's attention. The group becomes more interested in him as he tells a story about saving someone's life in the wilderness. The talk then turns to Bob Dinsmore, who is running from the law, suggesting William's important role in the forest. The story reveals the contrast between simple and fancy lifestyles, setting the scene for a story emphasizing nature's strong power and the role of people.