Louis Dodge
Children of the desert
"Children of the Desert" by Louis Dodge is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins in the late 19th century and centers around Harboro, a railroad man with a mysterious past, and Sylvia Little, a strikingly beautiful but enigmatic woman whose family background raises eyebrows in their small border town of Eagle Pass. Their wedding is a focal point, unveiling themes of societal norms, reputation, and the complex interplay of personal histories. At the start of the novel, Harboro and Sylvia's wedding is described with a sense of curiosity and intrigue from the local community, reflecting both their outsider status and their growing prominence in the town. The narrative introduces their characters, detailing Harboro's sturdy, composed demeanor and Sylvia's delicate beauty, while hinting at troubling aspects of her past, particularly her father's questionable lifestyle. The wedding ceremony takes place in a modest church, setting the stage for further exploration of their lives as a couple amidst societal expectations and the undercurrents of their respective histories. As the couple navigates the community's scrutiny and their own emerging relationship, themes of secrecy, social class, and transformation begin to unfold, drawing readers into the complexities of their journey together.