The Stick of Fortune

The Stick of Fortune is a collection of eight short stories which teach useful lessons about fortune, fate, money and manners. Each story is unique, especially in its array of characters and conflicts, and has distinct themes and sub-themes. In terms of setting, however, these stories are similar, but a more unifying factor is the theme of fortune which, in varying degrees, runs through all the stories.

     This book takes its title from the first story, although the idea of “stick” and “fortune” is by no means limited to that story. In virtually all the stories, the stick of opportunity or chance presents itself to all the relevant characters in conflict. While some make fortunes out of it, some others, due mainly to their own faults, end up harvesting misfortune.

     These seemingly simple tales, in their magical countryside setting and plain narrative, are in some ways useful stories children need to read and understand to enable them gain the wisdom they require to win the game of life now and in the future.