Make or Break; or, The Rich Man's Daughter

by Oliver Optic

"Make or Break; or, The Rich Man's Daughter" by Oliver Optic is a novel written in the late 19th century. This story unfolds in Boston and centers around young characters, particularly Leo Maggimore, the adopted son of a barber named André, and Fitzherbert Wittleworth, a conceited young clerk in a banking firm. As Leo navigates his burgeoning responsibilities after an unfortunate incident involving his foster father's health, themes of ambition, adversity, and the bonds of chosen family begin to emerge. The opening of the novel introduces readers to various characters and establishes their relationships and struggles. The scene begins in a barber shop where Fitz Wittleworth is ridiculed for his pretentiousness while receiving a shave, setting a comedic yet critical tone for the social dynamics at play. As tensions escalate, Fitz finds himself in conflict with his employer, Mr. Checkynshaw, while simultaneously, Leo grapples with the impending burden of his family responsibilities as André suffers a stroke. The narrative hints at Leo's determination to support those he loves despite the challenges—suggesting a careful exploration of resilience and moral duty throughout the unfolding story.