The Cruise of the Make-Believes

"The Cruise of the Make-Believes" by Tom Gallon is a story set in the early 1900s. It centers on Gilbert Byfield, a wealthy man who seeks a new perspective by venturing into the working-class area of Arcadia Street. There, he meets Bessie Meggison, a struggling but optimistic young woman trying to support her troubled family. The book opens with Gilbert's arrival, highlighting his discomfort in the stark contrast between his fine clothes and the rundown neighborhood. He is captivated by Bessie's innocence and her efforts to create beauty in her bleak situation. As they form a connection, Gilbert becomes intrigued by Bessie's strength and her dreams of a better future, which he hopes to help her achieve, even as the gap in their social classes poses a significant challenge. The story emerges on a social investigation of class differences, aspirations, and the complications of relationships under tough conditions.