The Real Man

by Francis Lynde

"The Real Man" by Francis Lynde is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story revolves around J. Montague Smith, a young bank cashier who finds himself caught in a web of personal and professional crises in the small city of Lawrenceville. The plot explores themes of ambition, morality, and identity as Montague navigates the complexities of social expectations, financial pitfalls, and his connections to powerful figures in town. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Montague and his friend, Debritt, who engage in a conversation about the life of the well-regarded young man in their community, emphasizing the apparent prosperity and predictability of his existence. However, the calm facade soon shatters when Montague is confronted with dire consequences stemming from a loan he approved, which brings to light issues of trust and morality in business. A series of dramatic events culminate in a violent confrontation with the bank's president, prompting Montague to flee his life of comfort and societal expectations, embarking on a tumultuous journey that will ultimately lead him to confront who he truly is and what kind of man he will become.