A. V. Laider by Sir Max Beerbohm

"A. V. Laider" by Sir Max Beerbohm is a novella written in the early 20th century. It explores existential themes and the nature of human decisions through the lens of two convalescents who meet in a quaint seaside hostel. The book centers around the protagonist's reflections on fellow guest A. V. Laider, who harbors a dark secret regarding a past tragedy connected to his beliefs in palmistry and fate. The narrative unfolds predominantly through the eyes of the unnamed narrator, who recounts encounters with Laider and delves into a philosophical discussion about free will, destiny, and the impact of past choices on current lives. As Laider reveals a haunting story of his history, including a tragic railway accident that he feels responsible for due to his inaction, the tension between belief and doubt in both palmistry and personal agency becomes palpable. The interaction between the two men serves as a catalyst for exploring deeper notions of guilt and moral responsibility, leading to a poignant and introspective conclusion that questions the nature of truth and self-perception. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Beerbohm, Max, Sir, 1872-1956
Title A. V. Laider
Note From "Seven Men".
Credits Produced by Judith Boss
Reading Level Reading ease score: 84.0 (6th grade). Easy to read.
Language English
LoC Class PR: Language and Literatures: English literature
Subject Short stories
Subject Character sketches
Subject England -- Social life and customs -- Fiction
Category Text
eBook-No. 761
Release Date
Last Update Jan 1, 2021
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
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