Dorian

In Short

Set in rural Utah, Nephi Anderson's novel follows Dorian Trent, a diligent, large-limbed young farmer with a passion for books and a deep grounding in his Latter-day Saint faith. As Dorian grows from an awkward boy into a thoughtful young man, he balances agricultural labor with high school studies and deep philosophical readings. His life intersects with Mildred Brown, an artistic city-visited young woman, and Carlia Duke, an overworked neighbor girl whose sudden disappearance sets off a profound search. Through study, mentorship, and quiet devotion, Dorian finds his moral and intellectual footing.

The Story

The narrative opens on a dusty Friday afternoon as Dorian Trent walks to town to buy much-needed shoes, pausing by the river to watch a trout and savoring the quiet countryside. Living with his devoted mother, Dorian manages chores, milks cows, and tends to the family farm while nurturing secret literary ambitions and a gentle demeanor. He soon encounters Mildred Brown, a refined young woman trained in Boston who paints the flaming western sky and discusses books and nature with him, sparking a gentle, long-distance connection that endures through her travels.

As Dorian progresses through high school, he frequently walks with his neighbor, Carlia Duke, a hardworking and lively girl who teases his awkwardness and eventually startles him by revealing that Mildred loves him. Dorian continues his education, takes up dry-farming in the nearby canyon, and builds a log cabin where he voraciously reads works by Darwin, Ingersoll, and Drummond, alongside classic novels like Lorna Doone and Ben Hur. Under the guidance of his wise mentor, Uncle Zed, Dorian grapples with scientific skepticism and learns to anchor his reason firmly in the restored gospel.

Meanwhile, Carlia's life remains constrained by grueling farm drudgery under her demanding father. Overwhelmed and seeking a temporary escape, Carlia runs away during the winter, vanishing into the snowy countryside. Dorian embarks on a dedicated search across valley farms, eventually tracking her down in a remote mountain home where she has found refuge. He persuades her to consider returning home, helping to mend her troubled spirit and bridging the emotional distance between them.

Tragedy strikes when Jack Lamont, an urbane young man who previously drove Carlia and Dorian in his automobile, drowns in the river. Dorian attempts a daring rescue, plunging into the freezing current, but Lamont unfortunately perishes. Shaken by the event, Dorian returns to his community and his studies. Uncle Zed grows bedfast and passes away after sharing profound spiritual insights with Dorian, solidifying the young man's commitment to faith and lifelong learning.

The story culminates in the sunlit valley as Dorian proposes to Carlia. She accepts, embracing a shared life of modest means, intellectual curiosity, and spiritual devotion. Together, they look forward to studying literature, such as David Copperfield, and facing the future hand in hand, anchored by faith and mutual love.

How It Unfolds

The Friday errand: Dorian Trent sets out on foot from his rural home to buy much-needed shoes, enjoying the cool river scenery and returning to manage household chores for his absent mother. He demonstrates a gentle, competent domestic nature that contrasts warmly with his large physical size and youthful awkwardness. He prepares a simple evening meal and cares for his mother with quiet affection.

The artistic encounter: While visiting the local area, Mildred Brown shares her passion for painting and literature with Dorian, contrasting bustling city life with his quiet rural existence. Their thoughtful conversation touches on books, schooling, and their distinct personal aspirations away from the crowded city. Mildred later moves away to California, maintaining a distant connection through postcards and sketches.

Intellectual awakenings: Dorian builds a log cabin on his dry-farm in the hills, collecting a growing library of classic novels and controversial scientific texts by writers like Darwin and Ingersoll. Guided by his wise uncle, he wrestles with philosophical doubts and learns how reason and intelligence align seamlessly with his religious faith.

The desperate search: When Carlia Duke runs away from home to escape her grueling domestic drudgery, Dorian tracks her through deep winter snows to a remote mountain home. He offers steady support, helping her navigate her emotional crisis and bridging the social distance between them with unwavering kindness.

A tragic rescue and resolution: Dorian attempts a daring rescue when Jack Lamont falls into a swollen river, though the man unfortunately perishes despite their frantic efforts. Following the peaceful death of his beloved mentor, Uncle Zed, Dorian finds emotional clarity, proposes to Carlia, and embraces a future of shared study and faith.

The People

Dorian Trent is a big-limbed, earnest young farmer who wants knowledge, self-improvement, and spiritual understanding. His physical awkwardness is matched by a tender heart and a meticulous domestic touch, and he evolves from an unlettered youth into an intellectual pillar of his community.

Carlia Duke is a hardworking farmer's daughter burdened by relentless chores and a bare home life. She wants an escape from her grueling routine and yearns for validation, eventually overcoming her impulsive tendencies and finding security through Dorian's steadfast devotion.

Mildred Brown is a refined, artistic young woman of delicate health who has studied painting and music. She brings culture and gentle encouragement into Dorian's life, though she ultimately remains a distant, idealized figure of grace who moves to California.

Uncle Zed is Dorian's wise, aging mentor who provides deep philosophical and theological grounding. He helps Dorian reconcile scientific skepticism with the restored gospel, leaving a lasting legacy before passing away.

Mrs. Trent is Dorian's devoted mother who values thrift and home comfort, supporting her son's reading habits and agricultural ambitions with quiet, loving pride.

In Its Own Voice

Reflecting on the profound spiritual insights that guide his intellectual journey, Dorian encounters teachings that emphasize the power of faith and scripture:

"The Keys of the Holy Priesthood unlock the Door of Knowledge and let you look into the Palace of Truth."

While discussing her artistic pursuits and the natural world with Dorian, Mildred explains the intensity found in real landscapes:

"Nature itself, our teacher told us, is always more intense than any representation of nature."

During their walks to school together, Carlia expresses her insecurities about her education compared to Dorian's growing intellect:

"I am such a dunce... I wish I was as smart as you."

What It's Really About

The novel explores the deep harmony between human reason, scientific inquiry, and religious faith. It questions how a young person can cultivate intellectual growth and spiritual conviction amidst the physical demands of rural labor and the distractions of the modern world. Anderson argues that true knowledge is unlocked through obedience to divine laws, suggesting that science and philosophy do not contradict the restored gospel when examined through correct reasoning. Beneath the romance and local drama lies a profound meditation on personal agency, moral duty, and the eternal chains of love that link individuals, families, and communities together across time.

Why Read It Today

Readers who appreciate wholesome, faith-oriented regional fiction and earnest coming-of-age stories will find much to love here. Reading the book feels like stepping into a quiet early-twentieth-century Utah farming community, marked by the steady rhythm of chores, seasonal harvests, and heartfelt fireside discussions. What stays with you long after finishing is Dorian's sincere dedication to self-improvement and the warm, enduring bonds of family and neighborhood loyalty.

Modern readers should approach the book with an awareness of its specific historical difficulties. The narrative reflects period attitudes toward gender roles, where young women like Carlia face crushing domestic drudgery, and the dialogue incorporates occasional period dialects and grammar corrections typical of early-twentieth-century rural education. Furthermore, its heavy emphasis on Latter-day Saint theology and midwestern philosophical debates may feel didactic to readers unfamiliar with the author's religious tradition. Yet, for those willing to engage with its earnest moral worldview and gentle pacing, the book offers a heartfelt window into a bygone era of spiritual and intellectual striving.