Salthaven

"Salthaven" by W. W. Jacobs is a novel that explores the interconnected lives of people in a coastal town at the start of the 1900s. The story mainly follows Mr. John Vyner, a local businessman, and his dedicated clerk, Mr. Hartley, as they deal with the ups and downs of work, family, and getting along with others in Salthaven. Early on, we meet Mr. Vyner in his office, planning changes that worry Mr. Hartley, especially because Vyner's nephew is about to arrive. Mr. Hartley is a hard worker, thinking about his life and his daughter Joan, whose arrival brings the possibility of new relationships. The first chapter shows how everyone at the office interacts and suggests there will be love stories ahead as Mr. Hartley worries about who his daughter might be seeing. The writing style gives the sense that the story will look at themes like love, being loyal, and doing what society expects.