If Winter Comes is the story of Mark Sabre; although some other characters are interesting in themselves, all exist basically to tell Sabre's story, a tale of Job-like woes which deepen as one disaster follows another. The novel's conclusion, however, illustrates the quotation alluded to in the title, "If Winter Comes, can Spring be far behind?"

Sabre is a decent, thoughtful man with a gift for seeing all sides of a question. His friend Hapgood calls him "Old Puzzlehead" in tribute to this quality. Sabre's life is made difficult by trouble on two fronts: His wife Mabel is a shallow, cruel woman who cares little for him, and his employer, Mr. Fortune, dislikes and belittles him.

Sabre does not return contempt for contempt; he tries to please his wife and to make a success of his work, which is textbook publishing.

Patriotism is one of Mark Sabre's most...