The Inn at the Red Oak

"The Inn at the Red Oak" by Latta Griswold is set in the early 1900s and tells the story of a faded inn nestled in a forgotten shipping town. The plot follows the lives of two young men, Dan Frost and Tom Pembroke, who are wrestling with their ambitions when a puzzling French marquis, M. de Boisdhyver, arrives at the inn. The unfolding narrative begins with the reader being introduced to Dan and Tom, childhood friends who share stories about the inn's decline. One dark night, the marquis arrives seeking shelter, bringing a wave of mystery and doubt. During this time, the novel introduces themes of adventure and quiet connections between individuals, especially when Dan’s foster sister, Nancy, becomes drawn to the marquis, adding complications to the relationships of the characters.