"This Finer Shadow" by Harlan Cozad McIntosh is a classic novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the mysteries of the human heart. Set in a quaint New England town, the story follows the lives of two families interconnected by love, loss, and secrets. McIntosh's eloquent prose and keen insight into the human condition make this novel a timeless exploration of family dynamics, guilt, and redemption. As the characters grapple with their pasts and navigate the challenges of the present, readers are drawn into a richly woven tapestry of emotions and revelations. "This Finer Shadow" is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will resonate with those who appreciate literary fiction that delves deep into the complexities of the human experience.
This Fine Shadow (Lorac Books, 1941) boasts a wordy text, in which much happens—some of it incomprehensible or at least inexplicable—at sea and in New York. In the words of Marianne Hauser in The New York Times (February 23, 1941), it “is centered around homosexuality, which is about the most difficult and also most precarious theme for a writer.” The hero, Martin Devaud, is a sailor who quits his ship in New York, is much too educated for such a lowly occupation, and is confused in both his sexuality and his liberalism.
