Runaway

"Runaway" is a compelling 1920s novel that explores the tension between the desire for personal liberation and the pull of domestic responsibility. Written by Floyd Dell, a key figure of the American literary avant-garde, the story centers on Michael Shenstone, a man who famously walked away from his life in a stifling small Illinois town to seek adventure and meaning in the wider world.

After nearly two decades of wandering and living a bohemian existence, Shenstone returns to his hometown of Beaumont, only to find himself confronted by the ghost of his past and the reality of the daughter he left behind. As his daughter, Amber, struggles with her own rebellious spirit and the constraints of provincial society, the novel delves into the complexities of the father-daughter relationship and the inevitable consequences of choosing self-fulfillment over duty.

Dell masterfully portrays the clash between the traditional values of the past and the burgeoning modernism of the early 20th century. Through sharp prose and psychological insight, "Runaway" offers a poignant meditation on whether one can ever truly escape their origins or if the ties that bind us are stronger than the impulse to flee. It remains a significant work of character study and social commentary from one of the most observant writers of the Jazz Age.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.