The Wild Olive: A Novel

"The Wild Olive: A Novel" by Basil King is a fiction work written in the early 20th century. The story begins with Norrie Ford, a young man on the run after escaping from custody, reflecting on his precarious situation in the wilderness of the Adirondacks. As he navigates through the forest, he grapples with a sense of loss and regret about his past and the life he is leaving behind. At the start of the novel, Norrie Ford finds himself in a desperate flight from the law, having been unjustly sentenced by Judge Wayne for a crime he did not commit. As he runs through the wild terrain, he contemplates his options and the stark reality of his situation. After a taxing escape, he stumbles upon a secluded clearing and a house that represents a life of civility he longs for. When he unexpectedly encounters the judge and his wife, Norrie’s desperate need for survival becomes intertwined with underlying themes of justice, morality, and identity. He is drawn into a deeper narrative involving the judge's wife, who ultimately aids him in hiding from his pursuers, establishing a dramatic tension centered around escape, societal constraints, and personal ethics. The opening chapters set the stage for a rich exploration of character and circumstance, laying the groundwork for Norrie's struggle against both external and internal foes.