The Devil's Garden

"The Devil's Garden" by W. B. Maxwell is a story set in the early 1900s that follows William Dale, a small-town postmaster whose ordinary life is disrupted when he suddenly loses his job. The book explores big ideas about wanting more in life, the differences between rich and poor, and the difficulties faced by someone trapped in a complicated system. When William receives the letter about his suspension while at his post office, he begins to consider his goals, his place in the world, and his relationship with his wife, Mavis, as they get ready to face an uncertain future. The story creates suspense as William deals with the results of his job loss, showing him as an ambitious but honorable man who cares for his wife but questions who is truly on his side. Set at the beginning, this moment hints at a bigger conflict and takes a closer look at his honesty and the way society works.