A Maid of the Kentucky Hills

by Edwin Carlile Litsey

"A Maid of the Kentucky Hills" by Edwin Carlile Litsey is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a man who, upon realizing his declining health, is advised by his doctor friend to retreat to the wilderness for restoration. This unexpected journey leads him to a hidden lodge in the Kentucky hills, where he encounters intriguing characters and the promise of healing, both physical and spiritual. At the start of the novel, the protagonist grapples with a health crisis that prompts him to seek a dramatic lifestyle change. Initially hesitant and skeptical about the advice of his friend, Dr. Abercrombie Dane, he resolves to spend a year in isolation on Bald Knob—a journey spurred by a myth about a miraculous "life-plant." As he begins to settle into his new rustic home, he reflects on his past, his dreams, and his aspirations as a writer, all while confronting the beauty and challenges of nature. Soon, he stumbles upon a captivating girl named Lessie and an eccentric satyr-like figure, Jeff Angel, who hint at a deeper connection to the wilderness surrounding him, setting the stage for the intertwining of their lives.