The Proof of the Pudding

"The Proof of the Pudding" by Meredith Nicholson is a story set in the early 1900s that follows Nan Farley, a young woman, as she tries to find her place in society. After a display of her talent at the Country Club luncheon, Nan seeks peace alone by the river, revealing a sense of discomfort hidden beneath her charming exterior. The novel explores Nan’s intricate relationships, especially the impact of her foster father, Timothy Farley, on her life choices. The sudden reappearance of Jeremiah Amidon, who now works as a traveling salesman, introduces the themes about social class and aspirations to Nan's complex situation and sets the stage for an examination of her history and how it shapes her destiny.