The Hills of Desire

"The Hills of Desire" by Richard Aumerle Maher is a story set against the energetic scenery of early 20th-century New York City, following the complicated lives of Jimmie Wardwell and Augusta Wilding, who are trying to find their way through love, family responsibilities, and the difficulties of everyday life. Early on, the story shows the stress between Jimmie and Augusta, especially what happened concerning Augusta's mother, Rose, and her strange leaving. It starts with Jimmie and Augusta in a lighthearted but tense moment as Jimmie balances his dream of being a writer with his feelings for Augusta; when Augusta shares her worry about her mother, it's obvious that Rose's disappearance has left them in sorrow. The beginning shows the delicate balance between being innocent and growing up as the characters deal with their confusing emotions, preparing us for deeper ideas about who they are and how they connect as they look for Rose amid chaos and doubt.