Flower of the Dusk

by Myrtle Reed

"Flower of the Dusk" by Myrtle Reed is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work introduces readers to characters filled with yearning and creativity, particularly the blind Ambrose North, who is a musician, and his loving daughter, Barbara, who is dealing with her own physical challenges. The narrative hints at themes of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family as it explores the delicate balance between hope and despair. At the start of the story, we encounter Ambrose North standing on a cliff, reflecting on the beauty of a spring sunset which evokes memories of joy and sorrow. As he returns home, he is greeted by his daughter Barbara, who is caring and devoted, and their aunt Miriam, who has taken on the role of caretaker since the passing of Ambrose's wife, Constance. They lead a life filled with quiet struggles and fleeting moments of happiness, masking the truth of their circumstances as they attempt to maintain a semblance of normality despite their poverty. The opening chapter establishes an emotional tone, revealing the warmth of their relationship and the complexities of their past, particularly surrounding the lingering effects of Constance's tragic death.