From the Angle of Seventeen

"From the Angle of Seventeen" by Eden Phillpotts is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the life of a young boy named Corkey Major, who is on the brink of adulthood. As he transitions from school to the world of work, the narrative explores his thoughts, ambitions, and the challenges he faces as he secures a clerkship at the Apollo Fire Office in London. The opening of the book introduces us to Corkey, who is summoned to the Doctor's study and learns that he must leave school for a job. Despite his heady ambitions and dreams of a bright future, he feels a mix of excitement and reluctance as he prepares for this new chapter in his life. He grapples with the mixture of pride in securing a clerkship and the sorrow of leaving behind the familiarity of school and friends. The narrative sets the stage for Corkey's journey through London, revealing the bustling city life and the many eccentric characters he encounters, highlighting his naiveté and the harsh realities of adulthood as he navigates this pivotal time in his life.