A Nine Days' Wonder

"A Nine Days' Wonder" by B. M. Croker is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story begins with Colonel Ulick Doran, a soldier recently retired after thirty-four years in India, feeling disillusioned and restless as he adjusts to civilian life back in England. The narrative delves into his struggles with loneliness and the prospect of marriage, weaving together themes of nostalgia for his past in the East and the challenges of integrating into the social fabric of his homeland. The opening of the novel introduces Colonel Doran as he reflects on the monotony of his new life away from the excitement of the army and the bonds he shared with his regiment. Major Sutton, an old friend, suggests that marriage might be the remedy for Doran's malaise, leading to a whirlwind of matchmaking efforts. Doran's reluctant engagement unfolds against a backdrop of social expectations and the desire for companionship, as we see major themes of personal transformation and social connections play out, particularly through encounters with potential brides and Doran's contrasting feelings about his life choices. This sets the stage for a story filled with intrigue, relationships, and the pursuit of happiness.

A Nine Days' Wonder, by B. M. Croker. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #65634.