Nothing But the Truth

by Frederic Stewart Isham

"Nothing But the Truth" by Frederic S. Isham is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Bob Bennett, a young man facing financial hardship after his father's business failure. As he navigates social life amidst this turmoil, the narrative explores themes of honesty, societal expectations, and the complexities of love and friendship. The opening of the novel introduces readers to a conversation between Bob and his friends at the University Club, where they challenge him to undertake a daring experiment: to only speak the truth for three weeks. This sets off a chain of events that complicates Bob's interactions as he tries to balance his obligations to his father and the expectations of his social circle. As he contemplates the task ahead, the weight of truthfulness becomes apparent, particularly when he encounters Miss Gwendoline Gerald, a figure of his affection. The narrative hints at Bob's struggles between loyalty, honesty, and societal pressures, setting the stage for a comedic and poignant exploration of the challenges that arise when one dares to live authentically in a world often driven by pretense.