The Tale of Mark Sabre

If Winter Comes unravels the life of Mark Sabre, whose journey mirrors the trials of Job himself, beset by relentless misfortunes. Though other characters flit through the narrative, they chiefly serve to illuminate Sabre's path—a cascade of calamities cascading one after another. Yet, in the novel's finale, hope glimmers, echoing the proverb in the title: "If Winter Comes, can Spring be far behind?"

The Burden of "Old Puzzlehead"

Mark Sabre stands as a man of integrity, blessed—or perhaps cursed—with the ability to view every facet of an issue. His friend, Hapgood, affectionately dubs him "Old Puzzlehead," recognizing this gift. Yet, Sabre's existence is fraught with strife from two fronts: his wife Mabel, a callous and shallow soul, and his employer, Mr. Fortune, who harbors disdain for him. Despite the scorn he faces, Sabre harbors no resentment, seeking instead to appease his wife and excel in his career in textbook publishing.

Patriotism and Disappointment

Deep within Sabre beats a heart loyal to his homeland. He harbors dreams of crafting a history textbook that would infuse readers with his idealistic vision of England. When war erupts, Sabre's patriotism paints it as a noble crusade, and he is crushed when health issues bar his entry into the army. Years pass, casualties mount, standards drop, and Sabre finally dons the uniform, elated to join "the show." Mabel, meanwhile, welcomes his departure.

The Enigma of Mabel

Mabel remains a conundrum, her antagonism and indifference never truly explained. She exists as a personification of malevolence because the narrative demands it; for like Job, Mark must endure affliction without comprehension.

Effie Bright and Nona Tybar

Central to Sabre's story are two women: Effie Bright, a destitute girl whom Sabre befriends, and Nona Tybar, the love he lost to a noble's allure. Their connections test Sabre in unique ways. During the war, he convinces Mabel to employ Effie as a companion. However, Effie is dismissed in a fit of Mabel’s rage while Sabre is on leave, vanishing thereafter. When Sabre returns injured, Effie reaches out, seeking solace for herself and her child. Sabre offers refuge, prompting Mabel to leave in indignation.

The Depths of Despair

Yet Mabel's departure is merely the beginning. Sabre soon finds himself shunned by the village, losing his job and enduring the cold shoulders of friends. Nevertheless, he conceals his sorrow from Effie, who has moved in with her child. Rumors swirl that Effie has returned to her seducer, and when Mabel seeks a divorce, Effie tragically takes her own life, trusting she will make things right with God.

The Turning Point

Sabre's fortunes hit rock bottom, burdened by guilt over Effie's death and tarnished by scandal. Yet, in a melodramatic twist, he uncovers the truth: Effie's seducer is the son of his sanctimonious boss. Confrontation looms, but at the office, Sabre finds the man grieving his son's death on the battlefield.

Redemption and Renewal

Demonstrating immense character, Sabre forsakes vengeance, destroying the incriminating evidence and offering solace to his adversary. The weight of events causes Sabre to collapse, but as he recuperates, he is tended by Hapgood and Nona, now widowed by war. The cycle of suffering ends, and Sabre is free to marry Nona.

Love and Virtue

Sabre's bond with Nona underscores themes of sacrificial love and morality. Early on, Nona acknowledges her marriage to a coarse aristocrat was a mistake, while Sabre futilely attempts to salvage his own union. Their love remains mostly unvoiced, and though Nona desires to leave her husband for Sabre, he dissuades her from dishonor. Only after her husband's death are they both at liberty, their steadfastness ultimately rewarded.

Exploring Relationships

Sabre's essence emerges through his interactions with three distinct women, each a symbol of certain traits: Mabel embodies innate cruelty and greed; Effie is the pure, self-sacrificing angel; Nona, the wise and loving woman, gains depth and compassion from her earlier mistake. Her trials shape her into the perfect partner for Sabre, completing his narrative arc.