Carmen's Messenger

"Carmen's Messenger" by Harold Bindloss is a novel set in the early 20th century, likely around the time of World War I. The narrative unfolds in the North Ontario wilderness, where the main character, Jake Foster, interacts with his partner Featherstone amid the backdrop of an emerging industrial town affected by personal and corporate tragedies. The story suggests themes of friendship, ambition, and the quest for identity as Foster prepares for a trip to England, while dealing with the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of a local factory owner's son. At the start of the novel, Jake Foster, a successful lumberman enjoying a brief respite from work, awaits his partner Featherstone at a bustling train station. The narrative plunges into the tension surrounding the recent death of Fred Hulton, the factory owner's son, suspected to be a suicide but surrounded by unanswered questions. As Featherstone returns from a visit to the doctor, he reveals his concerns about a figure from their past, hinting at a complicated backstory. Their friendship deepens as they discuss plans and mutual acquaintances, particularly involving Carmen Austin, a young woman of society whose mysterious intentions involve Foster. The opening effectively sets the tone for a story blended with personal journeys and external conflicts, promising intrigue and character development as the plot unfolds.