The Romance of a Busy Broker by O.Henry

Too busy for love until he checked his emotioanl portfolio.

Here’s another cookie-cutter O. Henry tale, predictable in structure but still enjoyable enough. His sharp wit, economic prose, and  sardonic humor are in top form in The Romance of a Busy Broker, even if the “twist ending” doesn’t quite pack the usual punch. It’s a bit silly and exaggerated, but that seems to be the point.

The story does a great job of capturing the chaotic, nonstop energy of the New York Stock Exchange in the early 20th century. Maxwell, our frazzled broker, is so hyperfocused on the market’s ups and downs that romance doesn’t even register as a possibility until he finally pauses for half a second and realizes he’s in love with his stenographer.

It’s a fun little story, even if it’s not O. Henry’s most memorable. The humor and pacing keep it engaging, and the over-the-top nature of it all makes for an amusing read. If nothing else, it’s a reminder that work isn't everything and sometimes you just need to stop, take a breath, and notice what’s right in front of you before it is gone forever.

You can read this story HERE.