• Chapter

      TWO LETTERS

      TWO LETTERS Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter IV of "Just David" titled "Two Letters," David, a young boy, wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings, realizing the permanence of his father's absence. In his confusion and distress, David encounters Perry Larson, who attempts to sympathize with David's situation. Unable to understand the fate of his father fully or the adults around him, David declines an invitation to breakfast and plans to return to his mountain home, believing it to be where he belongs and where his father would find him if he…
    • Chapter

      THE VALLEY

      THE VALLEY Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter III of "Just David," the serene moonlit night unveils the unexpected arrival of David and his father in a quiet valley, seeking rest in an accommodating barn. The tranquil scene is jarringly interrupted by the vibrant notes of David’s violin, piercing the silence and drawing the attention of Simeon Holly and his wife, Ellen, owners of the property. Mistaking the harmonious intrusion for the work of vagrants, Simeon, characterized by his stern conviction, sets out to confront the source with a…
    • THE UNFAMILIAR WAY Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter XX of "Just David," David embarks on his schooling journey in the village, where his unique knowledge and unconventional behavior initially disrupt the classroom's peace. His exceptional proficiency in languages contrasts sharply with his limited understanding of U.S. history, showcasing a peculiar disparity that puzzles his teacher. David's unfamiliarity with standard schoolroom conduct, such as staying seated and not speaking out of turn, initially causes chaos, but he eventually adapts to the…
    • THE UNBEAUTIFUL WORLD Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Unbeautiful World," David grapples with internal conflicts and complexities of life, stirring from the contradictions between his expectations and reality. After forfeiting his cherished "start" for the Hollys' sake, he oscillates between fulfillment in helping them and longing for the impactful work he envisioned in the wider, beautiful world. This duality of emotions plunges him into a mire of confusion about life's nature. David seeks counsel from Mr. Jack, ignoring discussions about the gold…
    • Chapter

      THE TRAIL

      THE TRAIL Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter II of "Just David," titled “The Trail,” a remarkable journey begins for David and his father. With a newfound surge of strength, the father hastily prepares for their departure. Their little room, once filled with photographs and music, is stripped bare, leaving behind only the essentials packed into a traveling bag. The destination is a mystery to David, sparking a mix of excitement and uneasiness. They are not heading to their usual village but to the valley—David's valley, with the…
    • THE TOWER WINDOW Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter XIV of "Just David," entitled "The Tower Window," David's unwavering curiosity and innocence lead him to venture once again into the domain of his Lady of the Roses. Setting out with his violin, he is initially disappointed not to find her in the garden but is drawn to the majestic house by the allure of unfamiliar music and the architectural beauty he has long admired from afar. Upon entering the house, David is entranced by the opulence and novel surroundings he encounters—a stark contrast…
    • THE PUZZLING “DOS” AND “DON’TS” Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter VIII of "Just David" titled "The Puzzling 'Dos' and 'Don'ts'" introduces David to a new way of life filled with rules that often contradict his natural inclinations towards beauty and freedom. David finds himself navigating a world where productive tasks are mandatory ("dos"), such as hoeing corn, pulling weeds, and filling woodboxes, while his pleasures like lying under apple trees, exploring the brook, or observing insects are frowned upon ("don'ts"). Farmer Holly, on his part, experiences…
    • THE MOUNTAIN HOME Cover
      by LovelyMay In the secluded splendor of the mountain-side stands a lone cabin, a sanctuary for David and his father amid the grandeur of nature. This chapter paints an idyllic scene of their rustic home, nestled against cliffs that shield it from the north wind, and looks out over a verdant slope stretching down to a dramatic valley. This landscape is not just a backdrop but a vital character in their lives, especially for David, whose heart is intertwined with the wild and enchanting views it offers. The interior of…
    • THE LADY OF THE ROSES Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter X of "Just David" entitled "The Lady of the Roses" showcases a significant development in the life of a young boy named David and his impact on the lives of those around him, especially Joe and his family. The chapter opens with David's transformative presence in Joe's life, bringing music, companionship, and food to alleviate the hardships of Joe's family. Joe's love for music, inherited from his father, resonates deeply with David, leading to a heartfelt sharing of David's violin, offering Joe a…
    • THE BEAUTIFUL WORLD Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter XXV of "Just David" titled "The Beautiful World" explores the transformative effects of love, music, and reconciliation on the characters. David continues to enchant those around him with his violin, interpreting the world's beauty through music, like turning the first snow into a song about pear-tree blossoms. This chapter reveals the power of David’s music to transcend mere notes, imbuing everyday occurrences with profound meaning. A pivotal moment arrives when David learns that the Lady of…
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