American Short Story Masterpieces Chapter Summary & Analysis - The Lover of Horses, Redemption, Dream Children, and The Ledge Summary

The Lover of Horses, Redemption, Dream Children, and The Ledge Summary

In "The Lover of Horses", the narrator notes her family comes from a long line of gypsies and horse whisperers. Others in the narrator's family have been taken by obsessions as well, including music, card playing, and other pursuits. Her father was a card player, and her mother loved his determination and drive, but hated his card playing. He often drank when he played, but rarely lost money. Her father becomes ill at seventy-three, and believes if he can win at cards, he can cheat death. For days she takes nourishment to her father in the bar as he plays cards, and he continues to win. He eventually returns home, and guests fill the house, waiting for him to die. The narrator sleeps on the ground outside, speaks in languages she does not know, and lets her father go.

"Redemption" begins with Jack...
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