Basil Everman

by Elsie Singmaster

"Basil Everman" by Elsie Singmaster is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around family dynamics and the legacy of a gifted but troubled writer, Basil Everman, as recounted through the perspectives of his sister, Mrs. Lister, and the members of the Waltonville community. The narrative delves into themes of memory, loss, and the perception of genius within the confines of societal expectations. The opening of the novel introduces us to the Lister family on the day of Richard Lister's commencement at Walton College. Richard's mother, Mrs. Lister, is anxiously preparing for the event while reminiscing about her late brother, Basil, whose influence looms over their lives. As the presence of music and memories evokes a mix of joy and sorrow for her, we begin to feel the weight of Basil's untold story and its impact on the family. Concurrently, a newcomer named Evan Utterly arrives in search of information about Basil's literary works, setting in motion a quest that intertwines the past with the present and reveals the complexities of familial relationships and the shadows cast by unfulfilled potential.