From Farm to Fortune; or, Nat Nason's Strange Experience

by Horatio Alger

"From Farm to Fortune; or, Nat Nason's Strange Experience" by Horatio Alger Jr. is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story chronicles the journey of the protagonist, Nat Nason, a poor country boy, as he escapes from a harsh life on the farm into the bustling world of the city, where he hopes to achieve fame and fortune. As Nat seeks a better life, he encounters various challenges and characters that shape his experiences and understanding of success. At the start of the narrative, Nat is depicted as a robust sixteen-year-old living with his miserly uncle, Abner Balberry, who imposes arduous labor on him without adequate reward or affection. After a quarrel with his uncle and feeling oppressed by the relentless farm work, Nat resolves to change his fate, selling a beloved childhood cow for funds to support his journey to the city. The opening chapters set the stage for Nat’s adventures, revealing his determination to break free from his uncle’s control, his innocent optimism about city life, and his trials as he grapples with the harsh realities that lie ahead.