The Return of Peter Grimm Novelised From the Play

"The Return of Peter Grimm" by David Belasco is a story adapted from a play that examines themes of what happens after death, affection, and the ties that bind families together. The story revolves around Peter Grimm, a single man and owner of a botanical garden, and his intimate connections with those around him, including the young people he cares for and his workers. The story pulls the reader in with details about Grimm Manor, as seen through the eyes of a young boy named Willem, delivering flowers for Peter. We find out about Peter's custom of giving flowers to train riders, showing his character as kind and well-loved. As Willem talks to the passengers and thinks about his desire for friendship and relatives, we get clues about hidden conflicts, especially concerning relationships and beliefs about love and marriage. The relationships between Peter, Willem, and others, like the young secretary Jim Hartmann and the attractive Kathrien, make way for looking at Peter's destiny and the strong feelings of love that go beyond living.