"The Sacred Fount" is told in the first person and is one man’s observation of the events that occur during a weekend house party at an exclusive estate in England. I considered it a challenge to read when the Introduction by Leon Edel describes the plot as a “brilliantly stupid” composition. And Mr. Edel adds, “It is like a detective story without a crime and without a detective”.

But what really makes it a challenge to read is the fact that "The Sacred Fount" was written in 1901. So not only is the context of the plot outdated, the writing style is antiquated and obtuse - paragraph upon paragraph of convoluted, cryptic sentences, skirting around issues. And the cultural standards of the time did not allow for any blunt references to personal affairs - above all - Sex. So conversations were vague and difficult to interpret - not just for the reader, but for the characters in the story, as well.

The plot is about several people attending the week-end retreat who appear to be having secret affairs. The narrator is attending the gathering alone.

If you do manage to digest the entire content of this book, you have to wonder what was wrong with the narrator. His entire week-end was one of isolation and introspection, and spying on the guests. Why was he so obsessed with other people’s personal affairs. Why would he even attend a week-end party if he didn’t enjoy being with the other guests. The guy is just plain creepy!

And why did I just keep reading… brilliantly stupid, indeed.

If there is anything at all to learned from this story, it is probably to mind your own business. And if there is lesson to be learned from the Author it is that you don’t need a meaningful plot to write a novel. Just a big imagination and a sense of humor.

Rated 2 Stars August 2021 ( )

Totally crazy like murder mystery with no murder. ( )

First edition. Hard cover. C. Scribner's Sons, New York (1901)
Fair. No dust jacket. damp stained throughout, spine is worn top/bottom, binding is good 319 p. First edition. 1901. Cloth. Book Condition: Fair. No Dust Jacket. First Edition. 12mo-over 6¾"-7¾" tall. Brown cloth with bright gilt lettering on cover and spine. 319 pages.