The Turnstile

"The Turnstile" by A. E. W. Mason is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with Robert and Joan Daventry, who have built a life for themselves in Argentina, contemplating their future and connections to their English homeland. The novel explores themes of family, identity, and the impact of past choices as it weaves in the lives of individuals who struggle with their respective histories and aspirations. At the start of the book, we see Robert and Joan Daventry deep in conversation about the possibility of leaving their successful estancia behind for a return to England. Their quiet domestic life is interrupted when Robert notices a chandelier inexplicably swinging in their dining room, which foreshadows an earthquake occurring elsewhere. Simultaneously, James Challoner, a man of troubled past and uncertain prospects, faces a significant turning point in his life when he is dismissed from his job. The opening hints at the intertwining destinies of these characters, particularly as Challoner's forgotten ties to the Daventry family begin to resurface, foreshadowing conflict and the quest for truth as the novel progresses.