Anderson's short-story cycle has had a clear influence on the American Short Story and the writing of Hemingway and Faulkner. It is unique in that it sits somewhere between a short-story collection and a novel. It has a loose plot and common characters but it consists of perfectly crafted character studies of individuals in a small, Midwestern town at the turn of the twentieth century. The frame narrative of novel is the maturation of young George Willard, a reporter for the local newspaper, who becomes the confidant of the lonely individuals that wander listlessly through the town. Anderson writes so well and can capture such intense emotions in a few pages. He shows people who feel trapped and lost by a world rapidly changing from agriculture to industry. He captures all of their pains and struggles and creates truly memorable characters. Highly recommended - an author and work that I plan on revisiting later.