The Damnation of Theron Ware

The Damnation of Theron Ware, by Harold Frederic, is considered one of the great novels of American literature. Religion, adultery, and a fool. What more could you want? Published in 1896, it is a realistic portrayal of a Methodist pastor (Theron Ware) as a man in mid-life crisis, who makes some bad decisions when he finds himself in a new environment.

The novel is also a brilliant rendering of complex and unique characters. For that alone it is worth studying. See the review.