Turns of Fortune, and Other Tales

"Turns of Fortune, and Other Tales" by S. C. Hall is a compilation of stories from the 1800s that starts with the sorrowful life of Sarah Bond, a caring daughter to her stingy father, Jacob Bond. These narratives examine family relationships, how money changes people, and the battles between feelings and financial limits, showcasing the complicated nature of human connections and moral problems. The book starts by introducing old Jacob Bond, lying on his deathbed, talking about his greed and how he pushed away his daughters Sarah and Mary. Sarah looks after her dad, who won't forgive Mary for marrying a poorer man, which touches on themes like how harmful greed can be and the fights that can happen in families because they have different values. Sarah’s strong love for her dad clashes with his anger, and their home feels full of coming loss and unresolved issues as the story reveals Sarah’s struggles with her father's legacy and her hopes for a better and more giving life.