The Candidate: A Political Romance

"The Candidate: A Political Romance" by Joseph A. Altsheler is a novel that pulls back the curtain on early 20th-century American politics. Readers follow Jimmy Grayson, a fresh-faced lawyer whose life takes a sharp turn when he's surprisingly chosen as a presidential nominee. The story investigates the hunger for power, the spirit of democracy, and the shifts happening in American politics through Grayson's journey and the encouragement he gets from his inner circle. The narrative starts with a bang as Harley, a news reporter covering battles, finds himself in the middle of a political convention where Grayson, a young and not-so-famous candidate, is nominated. Harley races to deliver the life-changing news to Grayson and his wife, thinking about the special chances offered by American democracy. This sets the stage for a growing connection between Harley and the Grayson family, especially Jimmy's determined niece, Sylvia Morgan. As they jump headfirst into the high-stakes campaign, the interactions between these key characters suggest a mix of political games and rising personal feelings, all set against a backdrop of conflict and uncertainty.