Paste Jewels

by John Kendrick Bangs

"Paste Jewels" by John Kendrick Bangs is a collection of humorous short stories written during the late 19th century. The book delves into the lives of the Perkins family, particularly focusing on Thaddeus and his wife Bessie, as they navigate the complexities of managing a household with various domestic staff. The tales unfold in a light-hearted manner, addressing the quirks and trials involved in domestic life, and capturing the amusing dynamics between the couple and their servants. At the start of the book, the reader is introduced to Thaddeus and Bessie Perkins as they begin their married life together, filled with romance and optimism. However, the opening portion quickly establishes the comic tension arising from their adjustment to marital life, largely influenced by their household staff. Thaddeus is characterized by his amiable nature, while Bessie proves to be practical and resourceful. The reader witnesses their humorous challenges managing the eccentricities of their cook, Ellen, and the other servants, while also witnessing a blend of affection and exasperation that encapsulates their relationship. Themes of domesticity, social roles, and the comical miscommunications of everyday life set the stage for the ensuing stories in this charming narrative.