Published in 1923, 'The Hope of Happiness' by Meredith Nicholson follows Bruce Storrs, a young man who uncovers the complexities of his identity after learning about his mother's past and true paternity. As he settles into a new city, he grapples with the implications of his mixed heritage while seeking to connect with his biological father, Franklin Mills. The novel explores themes of identity, aspiration, and belonging against the backdrop of urban life in the Middle West.
