The riddle of the rocks
 1895

by Charles Egbert Craddock

"The Riddle of the Rocks" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in the Great Smoky Mountains and centers around Roger Purdee, a mountaineer who believes that two isolated sandstone blocks are the stone tablets of the Law flung down by Moses. As Purdee grapples with his superstitions, convictions, and the local feuds, the narrative delves into themes of faith, illusion, and the community’s responses to Purdee’s beliefs. The opening of the novel paints a vivid picture of the Smoky Mountains, introducing us to Roger Purdee, a simple yet deeply introspective man who finds spiritual significance in two peculiar sandstone stones. As he spends time contemplating these rocks, he becomes increasingly entwined in spiritual and social conflicts, particularly with the nearby Grinnell family, stemming from a deep-rooted feud. The tension in the community escalates as Purdee’s claims to the rocks attract both derision and reverence from his neighbors, particularly as a cultural and religious examination takes place during camp meetings. This complex interplay of individual belief versus communal values sets the stage for the unfolding drama, which resonates with themes of higher truth and human fallibility.