"In the big city," he says in one of his stories, "the twin spirits of Romance and Adventure are always abroad seeking worthy wooers." Curious coincidences and surprise endings abound in these tales, whether it's the story of a sick girl watching the last leaves flutter down, or the spirited adventure of outwitting a desperate Western gunman. But the first taste of O. Henry's work shows that there is more to it than bright coincidences and amusing surprises. What makes his work so much fun to read is the real warmth he feels for his characters and the understanding he has, deep down, of the whole fantastic spectacle of living.
I really enjoyed reading this for book club. O. Henry truly believed in good people, and his books are peopled with characters who, while flawed, truly strive to be better. This is an especial delight to read at the holidays.
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