Max Fargus explores the tangled intersections of ambition, secrecy, and moral compromise in a socially stratified New York. At its core is a man surrounded by suspicion, his identity shaped as much by the perceptions of others as by his own enigmatic actions. The narrative begins in the shadows of a supposed death, where legal maneuvering and personal relationships collide. Through the character of a sharp and opportunistic lawyer, readers are led into the world of hidden motives and veiled truths. The story dissects the illusions people craft to protect their desires and reputations, revealing how ambition and personal gain often take precedence over integrity. As the tension builds, the personal conflicts of those around Max particularly a woman trapped between love and societal judgment underscore the pressures placed on individuals to conform while quietly rebelling. Beneath the surface, the novel critiques both the economic systems that reward manipulation and the personal ethics compromised in pursuit of power or emotional fulfillment. This work invites readers to reflect on how the fa ade of success often conceals a far more complex and morally unstable reality.

Portrait

Owen McMahon Johnson was an American author known for capturing the spirit of youth and the complexities of personal development through fiction. Born on August 27, 1878, in New York City to Robert Underwood Johnson and Katherine McMahon Johnson, he developed an early interest in storytelling, later becoming widely recognized for his series of Lawrenceville Stories. These works focused on the character Dink Stover and were set in a prestigious prep school, offering insight into educational environments and the formative experiences of adolescence. Johnson s writing reflected a blend of humor, social observation, and psychological insight, often comparing favorably to works by contemporaries such as Rudyard Kipling. His exploration of character growth, especially within elite academic and social settings, gained popularity for its authenticity and narrative charm. Although he ventured into other genres, his legacy rests largely on his vivid portrayal of young characters navigating authority, friendship, and identity. Johnson remained active in literary and cultural circles throughout his life, publishing novels and articles that highlighted American values and individual dilemmas. He died on January 27, 1952, in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts, leaving behind a body of work noted for its focus on growth, social interaction, and moral inquiry.