My Uncle Florimond

A young orphan is raised by a grandmother in a small Connecticut community and lives under the authority of a stern uncle whose cold manner inspires fear rather than affection. Childhood episodes combine domestic strictness, neighborhood rivalries, and outdoor adventures, including a frightening plunge that prompts concern for a companion and a consequential meeting with a traveling salesman who speaks of opportunities in the city. The narrative follows the boy's early relationships, family tensions, and chance encounters as they shape his outlook and point toward life beyond his hometown.