The people of the ruins

"The People of the Ruins: A Story of the English Revolution and After" by Edward Shanks is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores tumultuous times in English history, likely during a revolutionary period, through the eyes of its main character, Jeremy Tuft. The opening sets the stage for Jeremy's personal struggles against a backdrop of broader societal upheaval, hinting at themes of conflict, adaptation, and the human experience during times of crisis. The beginning of the novel introduces Jeremy Tuft as he awakens disoriented in his London flat, reflecting on his life as a lecturer and his encounters with the onset of a significant strike. As he grapples with confusion and irritation at the absence of his charwoman, Mrs. Watkins, Jeremy's mundane concerns are interwoven with the political unrest brewing around him. The atmosphere quickly evolves as he observes the city in disarray, with print shops silent and streets eerily empty. When he ventures out, Jeremy witnesses the beginnings of violent chaos, including demonstrations and military presence, laying the groundwork for his harrowing experiences and the shifting realities he will face in the story.

The people of the ruins, by Edward Shanks. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #73376.