The triflers explores emotional detachment, the weight of social expectation, and the gradual awakening of a man long removed from purpose. The narrative centers on an individual whose wealth and ease have insulated him from responsibility, yet as time passes, the hollowness beneath that freedom becomes unavoidable. The story reflects on how prolonged indulgence can leave one adrift, disconnected not only from others but from the self. His encounters with a woman navigating her own transition one shaped by years of duty and a newfound craving for agency illuminate a shared search for meaning. Through their evolving relationship, the novel reveals how companionship challenges both comfort and ego, requiring vulnerability over charm. It contrasts the illusion of liberation with the reality of emotional risk, using refined settings and gentle exchanges to explore deeper tensions. The protagonist's transformation is not sudden but hesitant, marked by fleeting insights and internal resistance, echoing the complex path from leisure to genuine human engagement.
Frederick Orin Bartlett was an American author active during the early 20th century, recognized for his contributions to adventure and introspective fiction. Born on 2 July 1876, Bartlett wrote novels that often merged external exploration with internal transformation, crafting narratives that explored both physical landscapes and emotional terrains. One of his best-known works, The Web of the Golden Spider (1909), is a Lost Race novel set in the Andes, where ancient treasures and their mysterious guardians create a setting of intrigue and danger. While adventure forms a strong core of his writing, Bartlett also delved into psychological and moral complexity in works such as The Seventh Noon and The Prodigal Pro Tem, which examine identity, despair, and ethical dilemmas. His writing reflects a broad range of human experience, from dramatic action to quiet reflection. Bartlett's ability to span genres with depth and nuance made his work resonate with readers seeking both escapism and insight. He died on 4 November 1945 at the age of 69.
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