SHORT STORY SERIES - His Wife's Deceased Sister by Frank Stockton

I tell you, the things we find at random are truly the best ones. I learned the word serendipity years ago and it has become a part of me. That joy of coming across something valuable when you're not actively seeking it; it's such a lovely thing. I only just thought the author's name sounded fantastic, and then I decided to read it. I am truly happy I read this one. Such a great tale. I have such a strong urge to give spoilers but I will do my best not to ruin it for you guys who will be reading it later. I got you.

Frank Stockton narrates the story of a man and his newly wedded wife who are currently enjoying the early moments of conjugal bliss. The unnamed protagonist just started his writing job where he writes articles every now and then and sends them to the publishers, and he earns a decent sum for them. One time, he decides to write a story, and what a hell of a story it was. He read the manuscript to his wife and his wife was elated. She was certain it would bring them the fortune which they desired. When he sent the story, his publisher loved it and every other person he showed. After publishing it, he garnered a lot of attention and he raised a very high bar. After a short while, he writes another story and sends it to his publisher but it was rejected, stating that it was not as good as the previous one and that he had a reputation to uphold now. The unnamed protagonist then sends it to other publishers but it was also rejected. He writes another and sent it out but it was also rejected. Now, his fortune was dwindling every day and he was becoming concerned. One day, he saw his old friend and shared his predicament with him. This friend of his also shared with him his own identical story and how he is now relegated to grinding and selling pins and living in sheer penury. In fear, the unnamed protagonist runs to his wife who shows him her full support no matter what. What do you think will become of the writer?

What an impressive story. Everything about this story was bang on. From the very beginning, you probably think you have an idea of what the story would be about, but alas you don't. Frank Stockton wrote this so nicely. And the way he narrates this, you would think he is the main character in his own story as he had an unnamed protagonist. A very notable theme is that the plot reflected reality. Often times we do something so well, people hold us to that standard and have such high expectations of us that whatever we do afterward that doesn't isn't as good as the previous, becomes a failure. And this can be destructive. We see this in the music industry, and everywhere in fact. There is an inherent lesson in this beautiful tale. I would rate it a solid 4.8 out of 5 and definitely recommend it to all and sundry. Great story.