The Root of All Evil

by J. S. (Joseph Smith) Fletcher

"The Root of All Evil" by J. S. Fletcher is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the Farnish family, particularly the two daughters, Jecholiah (Jeckie) and Jerusha (Rushie), who are struggling to hold their father's farm, Applecroft, together amid financial ruin and mismanagement. The narrative explores themes of poverty, familial responsibility, and the struggle for a better life, as Jeckie takes charge of her family's fate in the face of their dire circumstances. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Applecroft, a once-vibrant farm now neglected and on the verge of collapse due to the irresponsibility of William Farnish, their father. We meet the determined Jeckie, who is committed to keeping the family afloat through her hard work, and her more carefree sister, Rushie. As William confesses that he has taken loans from a moneylender and hasn't paid rent, Jeckie resolves to take action, seeking support from their neighbours and familiar acquaintances to remedy their situation. The tension builds when Jeckie confronts the reality of their debts and the impending arrival of bailiffs, setting the stage for her battle against poverty and the pursuit of a way to save her family.