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August

1930
 
«Polden grows. For a couple of years the herring fishing was good, and people streamed to this new place. Pauline at the store did a good, steady trade, she was smart, good at finding answers, she had the real trader’s spirit in her.»

By the time of August (1930), Edevart is reduced to a careworn and weary character and it is August’s numerous inspirations that keep the novel moving.

Polden has grown into a vibrant small town. Edevart’s sister Pauline runs and shop and a cafe, and August opens a bank and a post office. He also builds a factory, though this stands idle and without machinery. August’s numerous projects, often so charming in Wayfarers, are now revealed as destructive. In his determination to see them through to completion August himself employs lies and deceit, and though it is far from his intention, August’s modernisation of Polden is a contributory factor in breaking down the very fabric of existence in this little society.

August aims to mount a critique that is both social and cultural, but is marred by overly articulated ideological message. The novel does, however, provide a fine study of the conflict between dream and reality.