Whom the Gods Destroyed

"Whom the Gods Destroyed" by Josephine Dodge Daskam is a story of talent and torment, where a narrator is captivated by a troubled pianist named Decker, who struggles with intoxication and the shadows of his past. The novel begins with a chance meeting between the narrator and an erratic, drunken man outside a cottage, drawn by the enchanting piano music of Kitty Avery. The man reveals glimpses of his former life as a gifted pianist, now haunted by personal demons and artistic frustration. A mix of sympathy and curiosity compels the narrator to learn more about the musician's plight, setting the stage for a look at how brilliant minds can be affected by inner turmoil and the ephemeral nature of success.