L.M. Montgomery’s Short Story, ‘A Redeeming Sacrifice’

Thinking of others first can be an act of true, selfless love.

“Karin at the Shore,” 1908, by Carl Larsson. A young man makes a redeeming sacrifice for the lady he loves, in L. M. Montgomery's short story. Public Domain

Despite the misconceptions we occasionally endure from others, it’s good to cling to the virtue of love. Most importantly, we should embrace the truest love—that which is sacrificial.

In her short story, “A Redeeming Sacrifice,” L.M. Montgomery follows a rascal, Paul King, who loves the innocent Joan Shelley. Though he loves Joan, Paul must decide whether he will drag her down with his good-for-nothing character.

A Dance

There is a dance at Byron Lyall’s and the house on the ocean shore is full. Many beautiful girls attend, but none is so coveted as Joan Shelley. However, Joan refuses to dance with anyone but the worthless drunkard, Paul King.