Beginners Luck

by Emily Hahn

"Beginners Luck" by Emily Hahn is a novel likely written in the early to mid-20th century. The story follows Blake Lennard, a young man arriving in Santa Fé after being expelled from school, as he navigates his new environment and seeks to understand himself amidst a backdrop of artistic aspiration, family expectations, and the complexities of youth. Alongside him are characters like Mary, his mother, and Teddy Madden, who contribute to his journey of self-discovery. The opening of the novel introduces Blake as he steps off a train in Lamy, feeling lost and uncertain about his future as he heads toward his mother in Santa Fé. Blake is reflective and grapples with memories of being expelled from school, revealing his frustrations with authority figures and his struggles with social interactions. As he arrives at his mother's house, the narrative begins to explore his relationships with the people around him, including the eccentric Bob Stuart and the artistic Teddy Madden. Their interactions set the stage for a larger exploration of themes such as rebellion, artistry, and the longing for independence, as Blake contemplates his place in a world that feels both unfamiliar and fraught with expectation.