The following version of this short story was used to create the guide: Maugham, W. Somerset. "Salvatore." The Fresh Reads, 2021.

In W. Somerset Maugham's short story "Salvatore," the unnamed first person narrator wonders if they might be capable of accomplishing their goal. They do not, however, identify or explain what this goal may be. Instead, they begin telling the story of a young boy named Salvatore.

Salvatore was a happy 15-year-old growing up on the island of Ischia, located off the coast of Naples, Italy. He lived with his mother, father, and two younger brothers. Though their life was simple, Salvatore was able to find the joy, beauty, and love within it. While his father worked as a fisherman and tended the family vineyard, Salvatore cared for his brothers. He made sure they were safe, well-dressed, and brought home at the proper hours.

Salvatore's relationship with his brothers changed when he fell in love with a young, beautiful girl from the Grande Marina. He and the girl were soon engaged. However, they were not allowed to get married until after Salvatore fulfilled his military responsibilities. He was so sad to leave the girl, that when he departed the island to join the navy, he wept uncontrollably.

Over the course of his time away from home, Salvatore soon realized how much he loved his home, family, and fiancée. He had never left Ischia before, and the chaos and claustrophobia of other cities amplified his homesickness. He longed for the ocean, the mountains, and the paths of his youth. He also longed for the young girl. He wrote her frequent, lengthy letters, expressing his eagerness to be reunited. Over the years, Salvatore traveled from city to city, and country to country. Then, while in China, he contracted an illness, symptoms of which resembled rheumatism. The doctors told him he would have to leave the service, and might never recover again. None of this mattered to Salvatore. He was just thankful to be returning home.

When Salvatore got back to the island, he was excited to see his family. Yet he worried when he did not see his fiancée in the onshore crowd. His family said they had not seen her in weeks. That evening, Salvatore traveled to her house, where he found her and her mother sitting on the doorstep. He and the girl talked. Salvatore soon discovered that she no longer had any intention of marrying him. She and her parents believed that Salvatore's illness had rendered him incapable of working, and thus of providing for her.

Salvatore was heartbroken, but held no bitterness towards the girl. He could understand her decision.

A few months later, Salvatore had regained much of his strength. One day, his mother told him that the village girl, Assunta, was in love with him and wanted to marry. Salvatore initially scoffed, but when his mother explained how much Assunta was willing to sacrifice for a life together, Salvatore consented.

Once they were married, Salvatore and Assunta moved into a small house on a beautiful vineyard. They had two boys. Though their life was not always easy, they were happy.

The narrator says they will now reveal their reasons for telling Salvatore's story. They wanted to see if they could hold the reader's attention with the tale of a simple, yet extraordinary man.