Our Friend the Charlatan

The story unfolds in the quaint village of Polterham, where the charming Rolfe Luttrell captivates the locals, including the protagonist, Arthur Golding. Initially perceived as a prosperous traveler, Luttrell's true nature gradually emerges, revealing a manipulative and deceitful persona. As the plot thickens, Golding and others find themselves ensnared in Luttrell's web of treachery. Gissing delves into themes of deception, charisma, and the darker aspects of human relationships, offering a thought-provoking exploration of interpersonal dynamics and power.