The Adjuster by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald | Published: September 1925

The Adjuster Synopsis

"The Adjuster" is a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It was first published in The Redbook Magazine on September 1925 and later in All the Sad Young Men short story collection in 1926.

Walking home from the Ritz hotel are two friends, Mrs. Hemple and Mrs. Karr, who are seen as successful by their peers. As they stroll together, Mrs. Hemple admits to Mrs. Karr that she finds no joy in parenthood. She feels her family life is dull and meaningless and longs for a purpose in life.

Excerpt from The Adjuster Online Book

At five o'clock the sombre egg-shaped room at the Ritz ripens to subtle melody—the light clat-clat of one lump, two lumps, into the cup, and the ding of the shining teapots and cream-pots as they kiss elegantly in transit upon a silver tray. There are those who cherish that amber hour above all other hours, for now the pale, pleasant toil of the lilies who inhabit the Ritz is over—the singing decorative part of the day remains.

Moving your eyes around the slightly raised horse-shoe balcony you might, one spring afternoon, have seen young Mrs. Alphonse Karr and young Mrs. Charles Hemple at a table for two.

About F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald was an American author who was born in 1896. He published his first novel, This Side of Paradise, at 24. This book launched him into literary fame and progressive success. He wrote four more novels, including The Great Gatsby, which has become a classic piece of literature that has never gone out of print. F Scott Fitzgerald's works are known for their vivid descriptions of romance, glamour, and tragedy in early twentieth-century America. Many consider him the most significant American writer from the Roaring Twenties due to his unique blend of insightful observations and lyrical prose style. Find out more about F. Scott Fitzgerald at sevenov.com.

F. Scott Fitzgerald's Books on PageVio

Novels: This Side of Paradise | The Beautiful and Damned | The Great Gatsby | Tender Is the Night

Short Story Collections: Flappers and Philosophers | Tales of the Jazz Age | All the Sad Young Men | Taps at Reveille | The Pat Hobby Stories | Collected Stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald

Plays: The Vegetable; or, From President to Postman

Here's a full list of F. Scott Fitzgerald's books.