Adrift in the City; or, Oliver Conrad's Plucky Fight

by Horatio Alger

"Adrift in the City; or, Oliver Conrad's Plucky Fight" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. This coming-of-age story centers on young Oliver Conrad, who faces a challenging relationship with his step-brother Roland Kenyon and his cruel step-father, Mr. Kenyon. The narrative explores themes of resilience and the struggle for independence amidst familial tensions, as Oliver learns to assert himself against the bullying he experiences. The opening of the book introduces a confrontation between Oliver and Roland, establishing their antagonistic relationship marked by class and privilege disparities. Roland, feeling entitled, commands Oliver to fetch a ball, leading to a physical altercation that exemplifies the underlying tension between them. After defending himself successfully, Oliver is summoned before Mr. Kenyon, who unjustly accuses him of assaulting Roland. As Oliver stands firm in his principles and self-defense, the stage is set for a deeper exploration of his plight, hinting at future conflicts and Oliver's quest for autonomy against the backdrop of his step-father's deceitful motives.