Self-Doomed: A Novel

"Self-Doomed: A Novel" by B. L. Farjeon is a story told by Master Fink, an experienced watchmaker, about his difficult relationship with his apprentice, Gideon Wolf. Gideon, the son of Fink's former love, Louisa Wagner, is portrayed as greedy and ungrateful, always wanting more wealth and status. Master Fink grows frustrated with Gideon's constant unhappiness and ambition, which sets up a conflict between their differing values. The plot centers around the characters' conflicting desires and hints at deeper themes, moral decline, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The narrative opens with Master Fink setting the scene, looking back on his years as a watchmaker and his complicated connection to the ambitious young man he once mentored, foreshadowing the trials that Gideon's choices will bring.