You Never Know Your Luck; being the story of a matrimonial deserter. Complete

by Gilbert Parker

"You Never Know Your Luck" by Gilbert Parker is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book centers around themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of human relationships, following the life of Shiel Crozier, a matrimonial deserter, as he navigates his past, present, and growing connections with characters like Kitty Tynan, who plays a crucial role in his life. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the setting of Askatoon, a prairie town in the far West, where the flourishing landscape foreshadows the intertwined fates of its inhabitants. Shiel Crozier, described as both clever and sensitive, is living under an assumed name, harboring secrets tied to his past and his relationship with a letter from his estranged wife. Meanwhile, Kitty Tynan, a spirited young woman, is depicted as a hopeful and imaginative character grappling with her own romantic aspirations. Their lives are marked by a mix of innocence and complexity, setting the stage for the unfolding drama that will complicate their lives further as they confront their inner conflicts and connections in a world where luck can change in an instant.