"Afterwards, and Other Stories" by Ian Maclaren is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The opening story introduces Edward Trevor, a successful barrister, who finds himself grappling with regret as he receives shocking news about his wife, Maud. Set against a backdrop of contrasting environments—from the sunny Riviera to the dreary fog of London—the narrative explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the often overlooked depth of ordinary
relationships. At the start of the first story, Trevor enjoys a luxurious vacation, juxtaposed with memories of his wife, Maud, who stays behind with their young son, Bertie. As the idyllic scene unfolds, Trevor receives a telegram prompting his swift return home, leading to an emotional reveal about Maud's condition. The stark transition from pleasure to anguish highlights Trevor's inner conflicts and the value of his wife's quiet strength, ultimately guiding him toward a painful understanding of her sacrifices and the love they shared. This opening serves as a compelling introduction to the collection's exploration of human relationships, evoking a profound sense of empathy and reflection on what truly matters in life. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Afterwards -- The minister of St. Bede's -- An impossible man -- Righteous over much -- A probationer -- A government official -- The right hand of Samuel Dodson -- Saved by faith -- The last sacrifice -- An evangelist -- The collector's inconsistency -- Father Jinks -- The passing of Domsie -- Dr. Davidson's last Christmas.
Credits
Produced by David Widger
Reading Level
Reading ease score: 74.8 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.