Manalive

"Manalive" by G. K. (Gilbert Keith) Chesterton is a novel where life turns upside down with the arrival of Innocent Smith at Beacon House, a simple boarding house near London. A mighty wind kicks off the story as Smith shakes up the residents, including the cheerful Rosamund Hunt, sensible Diana Duke, reserved Arthur Inglewood, and sarcastic Michael Moon. Smith jumps into their lives, chasing a lost hat but also new experiences, turning everyday routines into funny, thought-provoking moments. Chesterton uses Smith's crazy behavior to explore themes of simple happiness, the power of imagination, and questions about what society expects.