Plot summary
The novel revolves around Montgomery Brewster, young man, who inherited a million dollars from his rich grandfather. A rich uncle also dies shortly thereafter., who hated Brewster's grandfather (long-standing grudge, stemming from the grandfather's disapproval of the marriage of Brewster's parents). Uncle Leave Brewster $ 7 Million, but only on condition, that he will not have grandfather's money left. Brewster must spend every penny of his grandfather's million in one year, resulting in no assets or property left at the end of this time. If Brewster meets these conditions, he will receive a full seven million; if it fails, he will be left penniless.
Brewster believes, that spending so much money throughout the year is incredibly difficult in harsh conditions, imposed by the will of his uncle. Brewster must show business flair, getting a good value for the money spent, limiting your donations to charity, their losses from gambling and the value of their tips to waiters and taxi drivers. Moreover, Brewster has sworn to secrecy and cannot tell anyone, why is he insured. His well-meaning friends are working against him., who are constantly trying to limit his waste and waste, even if they share his luxurious lifestyle.
Brewster's problem is compounded by the fact, that his attempts to lose money on stock speculation and playing roulette lead to an increase in his funds, not to reduce them. He throws big parties and balls and organizes a multi-month cruise to Europe and Egypt for his large circle of friends and co-workers.; the press ridicules him as a wasteful. Despite, that there was no money in the wallet, Brewster has demonstrated strong moral character on many occasions. At some point he uses his funds, to bail out the bank, to save your landlord's account, despite, who risks his right to bequeath. Another time he jumps overboard, to save a drowning sailor from a cruise, although his wealthy friends prefer not to.
Brewster's would-be wife Barbara Drew rejects his marriage proposal earlier in the year, assuming, that he is financially irresponsible and attached to a life of poverty, and his attempts to get her back fail again, as his attention is completely absorbed in demanding to spend so much money. At the end of the year he manages to spend his last money, which he carefully documented, and confesses his love to another woman, Peggy Gray, who sympathized with his lifestyle, despite, that she knew nothing about his problem
The tragedy happened the night before the deadline, when his lawyers told him, that the executor of his uncle's will disappeared after the liquidation of all assets. Brewster convinces himself, that he is doomed to poverty, but marries Peggy Gray, which accepts it, despite the lack of wealth. Shortly after the wedding, the executor of his uncle's will arrives., to inform him, that he successfully completed the task and that he arrived, to personally deliver money to Brewster.
