02302cam a22003373u 4500 2723 UtSlPG 20260610133102.0 m cr n 260607r2006||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PS Harte, Bret, 1836-1902 A First Family of Tasajara Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2006 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2006-05-25 Produced by Donald Lainson; David Widger "A First Family of Tasajara" by Bret Harte is a novel written in the late 19th century that explores themes of ambition, desperation, and the complexities of life in a small frontier community. The narrative centers around the inhabitants of Sidon, a struggling settlement, and particularly the character of Elijah Curtis, who finds himself in dire circumstances, leading to a series of interconnected events that involve local figures and the potential for opportunity through a new railroad. The opening of the novel introduces a stormy night at the Sidon general store, where a group of men engage in languid conversation about the dreary state of their lives and community. Among them is Mr. Harkutt, the store owner, who interacts with the varied personalities that populate Sidon, touching on topics like the prospect of road construction and the drunken ‘Lige Curtis. The atmosphere is thick with both physical and emotional winds of change, foreshadowing a dramatic turn when ‘Lige arrives, desperate to sell his land and seemingly on the brink of self-destruction. The interaction hints at larger societal themes while establishing the characters’ relationships and motivations, setting the stage for the unfolding drama in Tasajara. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Western stories American fiction -- 19th century California -- Fiction Contra Costa County (Calif.) -- Fiction https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2723 44800 44800