The Light of the Star: A Novel

"The Light of the Star" by Hamlin Garland is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story explores the lives of young playwright George Douglass and the celebrated actress Helen Merival as they navigate the complexities of ambition, art, and personal connection within the competitive world of theater. With a focus on Douglass's obsession with Merival and the evolving nature of their relationship, the novel delves into themes of idealism and disillusionment. The opening of the book introduces George Douglass, who is eagerly awaiting a meeting with actress Helen Merival, grappling with his infatuation and the allure of her artistic persona. He observes her through the lens of his imagination, captivated by her on-stage performances and the mystery surrounding her off-stage life. As he prepares for their encounter, Douglass vacillates between excitement and fear of disillusionment, contemplating the disparity between Helen's public image and her true self. When they finally meet, he is struck by her warmth and sincerity, which complicates his initial perceptions and sets the stage for their intricate relationship against the backdrop of theatrical ambition and personal aspirations. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Hannibal Hamlin Garland was an American novelist, poet, essayist, short story writer, Georgist, and psychical researcher. He is best known for his fiction involving hard-working Midwestern farmers.