Two Sides of the Face: Midwinter Tales

"Two Sides of the Face: Midwinter Tales" by Arthur Quiller-Couch is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The opening story, "Stephen of Steens," introduces a historical tale set in the rugged landscape of Cornwall and revolves around the character Roger Stephen, a pewterer burdened by his complicated family relations and dark legacy. As he grapples with themes of injustice and the struggle for identity, the narrative promises a blend of action and moral dilemmas. At the start of the tale, readers are introduced to the foreboding house named Steens, which holds a mysterious and violent past. Roger’s sour disposition stems from a tyrannical father and familial discord. As Roger learns of his father's death and the appearance of a stepmother, tension builds between him and various characters, leading to a complex web of conflict that touches on themes of legacy, justice, and rebellion. The story hints at impending confrontations, both personal and societal, foreshadowing a charged atmosphere of drama and historical intrigue. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch was a British writer who published using the pseudonym Q. Although a prolific novelist, he is remembered mainly for the monumental publication The Oxford Book of English Verse 1250–1900 and for his literary criticism. He influenced many who never met him, including American writer Helene Hanff, author of 84, Charing Cross Road and its sequel, Q's Legacy. His The Oxford Book of English Verse was a favourite of John Mortimer's fictional character Horace Rumpole.