A Village of Vagabonds

by F. Berkeley (Frank Berkeley) Smith

"A Village of Vagabonds" by F. Berkeley Smith is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a group of charming characters in a quaint fishing village called Pont du Sable, a place filled with endearing peculiarities, camaraderie, and secrets. The protagonist, a passionate artist, has abandoned his comfortable life to fully embrace the beauty and rustic allure of the village, leading to a series of encounters that explore friendship, love, and the captivating simplicity of rural life. The opening of the novel introduces us to the protagonist as he decides to move to Pont du Sable, despite the protests from his friends who dismiss the village as a "lost hole of a village of sacré vagabonds." Set against the backdrop of market day at Madame Fontaine’s café, we gain insight into the protagonist's desire for a deeper connection with nature and his love for hunting, having become enchanted by his visits to the marshlands. Through his reflections on the village life and the interesting characters he meets, including a friendly butcher, a blacksmith, and the local mayor, the reader is drawn into the vibrant world of Pont du Sable, hinting at the adventures and relationships that will unfold as the story progresses.