Out of the Ashes

"Out of the Ashes" by Ethel Watts Mumford Grant is an early twentieth-century fiction novel centered around themes of aspiration, extortion, and the connection between artistic expression and commercial enterprise through the life of the protagonist, Marcus Gard, an influential businessperson. The story follows his intricate relationship with Mrs. Martin Marteen, a persistent woman with a mysterious plan, which connects with high society and secret exchanges. The novel starts with Marcus Gard, deeply considering his valuable items while thinking about destruction and creation. His thoughts are interrupted by the arrival of Mrs. Marteen, who says she wants to talk about a piece of art but actually has a hidden reason: she possesses letters with compromising information about him. This sudden meeting results in a stressful negotiation where Gard has to face his prior actions and the controlling authority of Marteen, hinting at a conflict of intelligence and ethical problems. As Gard deals with this intricate issue, the environment becomes more suspenseful and intriguing regarding the effects of their connection.