Contraband

"Contraband" by Clarence Budington Kelland is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in a small town and follows the life of Carmel Lee, who unexpectedly inherits the struggling "Gibeon Free Press" after the death of her uncle. Faced with the challenge of running the newspaper, Carmel must navigate her relationships with the quirky staff, including Tubal and Simmy, while contending with the local power dynamics that threaten her new endeavor. The novel blends humor with a sense of social commentary as Carmel strives to establish herself as a capable editor. The opening of the story introduces us to Carmel's arrival in Gibeon, where she discovers the dire state of her inheritance, a nearly defunct newspaper. In conversations with her staff, particularly with the cynical Tubal and the ambitious Simmy, Carmel learns the challenges that await her, including the lurking influence of Abner Fownes, the town's powerful man. The narrative sets a witty tone as Carmel recognizes the hurdles ahead, including the impending arrival of a new young female editor and the mysterious disappearance of the sheriff. Despite the evident struggles, Carmel remains determined to revitalize the publication while uncovering the enigmatic circumstances surrounding the town's politics and its inhabitants.