The Pines of Lory

"The Pines of Lory" by John Ames Mitchell is an early 20th-century novel that follows Patrick Boyd, a man returning from Africa, and Elinor Marshall, an orphan, as their lives unexpectedly intertwine. Their journey starts on a steamer headed to Boyd's Island, where they quickly encounter unforeseen events that test their perceptions of one another and force them to grapple with the profound concepts of love, virtue, and fate. The story commences with Boyd, scarred from his time in Africa, engaging in playful exchanges with his friend Billy Townsend, while Elinor's captivating presence draws attention. However, what begins as a light-hearted voyage takes a dramatic turn when the steamer mistakenly drops them off in a desolate wilderness, leaving them stranded and alone. As they face unforeseen hardships, the two must confront their vulnerabilities in this gripping story intertwined with romance and heavy ideas that challenge their very existence.