The Manager of the B. & A.: A Novel

by Vaughan Kester

"The Manager of the B. & A.: A Novel" by Vaughan Kester is a work of fiction written in the early 20th century. The story begins by introducing Dan Oakley, the new manager of the Buckhom and Antioch Railroad, who is trying to breathe life back into the struggling Huckleberry line amid rumors of selling the railroad. As he navigates his new role and the various challenges that come with it, Oakley also grapples with the unexpected re-emergence of his convict father, Roger Oakley, who is suddenly free after twenty years in prison. The opening of the novel sets the scene on a rainy day in the railroad’s office, highlighting the mundane yet tense atmosphere as Oakley awaits the return of a young office boy named Clarence. Oakley’s character is quickly established as a capable and hardworking individual, yet he is haunted by the past he shares with his father, whose criminal history looms over their relationship. The narrative also hints at the social dynamics and political undertones in the small town of Antioch, particularly through Oakley's interactions with other characters, like the scheming editor, Griff Ryder. This early glimpse into Oakley’s life suggests that the novel will explore themes of familial responsibility, personal redemption, and the struggle for success in a world shaped by past decisions.