Subject
Mountain life -- Fiction Books
Best books
Ralph Connor
The Doctor : A Tale of the Rockies
"The Doctor: A Tale of the Rockies" by Ralph Connor is a novel written during the early 20th century. Set in a rural environment, the narrative explores themes of community, family, and the struggles associated with personal ambition. The story centers around Barney Boyle, a young man with aspirations of becoming a doctor, as he navigates his responsibilities at home while supporting others in his community, particularly during significant events such as barn raisings and the challenges faced by a family dealing with injury. The opening of the novel provides a lush description of the idyllic setting around the Old Stone Mill, establishing a peaceful yet vibrant community life. Through the interactions between characters, including Barney and his mother, the groundwork is laid for central themes of sacrifice and ambition. Notably, the lives and expectations of the local families are depicted, alongside hints of Barney's aspirations, which foreshadow his upcoming journey into medicine. The dynamics of family relationships and his sense of duty are immediately apparent, creating a backdrop that promises both personal and communal challenges to come as the story unfolds.
Charles Neville Buck
The Tempering
"The Tempering" by Charles Neville Buck is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the rugged Appalachian mountains, the story revolves around Boone Wellver, a young boy grappling with feelings of discontent and longing for adventure, and Victor McCalloway, an enigmatic stranger whose presence stirs Boone's imagination. The book explores themes of conflict, family loyalties, and the struggle between tradition and change within a society marked by deep-seated feuds. At the start of the story, Boone sits on a fence lamenting the monotony of his life in his isolated mountain community, surrounded by remnants of pioneer life. His world changes with the arrival of McCalloway, a well-traveled stranger with an air of romance, who inadvertently draws Boone into a complex web of family feuds as the local politics heat up. The narrative foreshadows the tensions between different families in the area, particularly the Gregories and the Carrs, as Boone witnesses the emotional weight of his relatives’ past and the simmering animosities that threaten to ignite. As the plot unfolds, Boone's yearning for a life beyond his mundane existence collides with the realities of his heritage and the violent inheritances of his kin.
Charles Egbert Craddock
The Phantoms of the Foot-Bridge, and Other Stories
"The Phantoms of the Foot-Bridge and Other Stories" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The stories delve into themes of the supernatural and the human experience, often exploring life in rural America, particularly in the Appalachian region. The collection sets its tone with rich descriptive language that evokes a sense of mystery and the uncanny, featuring characters that navigate both the physical and metaphysical realities of their world. At the start of the opening story, "The Phantoms of the Foot-Bridge," we meet two characters, Simeon Roxby and his silent companion, who discuss the haunted nature of a dilapidated footbridge spanning a gorge. Roxby reveals chilling tales of ghosts associated with the bridge, including a young mother who lost her child there and now wanders in sorrowful remembrance. The atmosphere is steeped in a mix of local superstition and natural beauty, highlighting the contrast between the mundane and the supernatural as Roxby speaks of various specters encountered over the years. This setting establishes a compelling narrative of loss and the spectral remnants of the past, setting the stage for the eerie tales that follow in the collection.
John Fox
The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come
"The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come" by John Fox, Jr. is a historical novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story centers around a young boy named Chad, who is faced with loss and the challenge of survival in the rugged mountains of Kentucky after losing his family to a devastating plague. In search of freedom and companionship, Chad sets off on a journey filled with adventures, aiming to break free from the oppressive hold of old Nathan Cherry, who wishes to bind him as a servant. The beginning of this novel introduces us to Chad as he grapples with the haunting loneliness and heartache of his recent loss. We see him mourn at the graves of his family and struggle with the impending decision to leave the only home he's known. Despite his initial despair, Chad quickly resolves to escape the clutches of Nathan and run away with his dog, Jack. The narrative paints vivid imagery of the natural landscape and immerses readers into the emotional turmoil of a boy on the cusp of manhood, setting the stage for his subsequent adventures and encounters with new friends, foes, and the world beyond his mountains. The opening chapters lay a strong foundation for the themes of resilience, friendship, and the quest for belonging that will unfold throughout Chad's journey.
Will N. (Will Nathaniel) Harben
Abner Daniel: A Novel
"Abner Daniel: A Novel" by Will N. Harben is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story primarily revolves around the central character, Alfred Bishop, and his struggles with family dynamics and financial decisions that put them at risk of ruin. The interactions between the Bishops, particularly with Alfred's wife and children, set the stage for a character-driven narrative steeped in rural Southern life and the complexities of familial loyalty and ambition. The opening of the novel introduces readers to Alfred Bishop, a stubborn land speculator whose decisions create tension within his family. As he becomes increasingly obsessed with acquiring mountain land, his wife, Mrs. Bishop, and son, Alan, express their concerns about the financial wisdom of these investments. Tension simmers as family members confront Alfred about his reckless choices, culminating in a household divided over the value of material wealth versus familial responsibility. The arrival of Uncle Abner Daniel adds a layer of perspective, highlighting the generational and gender divides that complicate their situation. This sets up a rich exploration of themes such as ambition, loyalty, and the consequences of blind optimism in the face of potentially disastrous decisions.
Charles Neville Buck
When 'Bear Cat' Went Dry
"When 'Bear Cat' Went Dry" by Charles Neville Buck is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the Appalachian region and follows the tumultuous relationship between Turner Stacy, nicknamed Bear Cat, and his father, Lone Stacy, who engages in illegal moonshining as a means of survival. The narrative intertwines themes of family loyalty, youthful rebellion, and the struggle against personal demons, particularly alcohol, as Turner seeks his place in a world that offers limited opportunities. The opening of the novel introduces us to the Stacy family, with Lone Stacy's stern demeanor contrasting sharply with the aspirations of his son, Turner. As he searches for his missing son, Lone expresses frustration with Turner’s reluctance to assist with their moonshining operation. We learn that Turner, though physically strong, wrestles with an inner conflict related to his identity and a burgeoning desire for a better life. The narrative draws readers into the harsh realities of mountain life, emphasizing the tension between family responsibilities and personal desires, setting the stage for the family's struggles against societal norms and interpersonal conflicts that loom ahead.
Charles Neville Buck
The Call of the Cumberlands
"The Call of the Cumberlands" by Charles Neville Buck is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the rugged Appalachian mountains and centers on the lives of various characters, prominently featuring a young mountain girl named Sally and a visiting painter, George Lescott. The narrative explores themes of beauty, art, and the tensions between the mountain families embroiled in feuds, particularly the Souths and the Hollmans. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to the serene yet wild landscape of the Cumberland ridge, where Sally, a young girl with a keen appreciation for nature and beauty, discovers a set of abandoned artist’s supplies. Her exploration leads her to instinctively care for George Lescott, the injured painter who owns the supplies, demonstrating her innate kindness and curiosity about the outside world. As the story unfolds, we learn about the prevailing tensions in the community due to the longstanding feud between the South and Hollman families, setting the stage for future conflicts and the emotional turmoil experienced by the characters, especially concerning Sally's admiration for Samson South and his complex feelings about familial duty amid the feud's violent legacy.
Charles Egbert Craddock
The juggler
"The Juggler" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel written in the late 19th century. Set in a remote mountain community in Tennessee, it revolves around a mysterious juggler who arrives in Etowah Cove, surprising the locals with his extraordinary performances. The story explores themes of superstition, the clash between tradition and the unknown, and the complexities of human interaction in a close-knit society. At the start of the narrative, the arrival of the juggler heralds a significant change in the mundane lives of the inhabitants of Etowah Cove, who have only been accustomed to religious gatherings and schooling in their little log schoolhouse. His initial act, which includes swallowing a bayonet and the ensuing chaos among the audience, sets a tone of both curiosity and conflict, especially as it draws the ire of a local preacher condemning such antics as devilish. As the juggler navigates the reactions of the crowd, his internal turmoil and past hauntings surface, hinting at deeper issues that may threaten his safety in this superstitious community. With the excitement of the show juxtaposed against the juggler’s own anxieties, the opening chapters lay a rich foundation for exploring the intricate dynamics at play in the story.
John Fox
The Heart of the Hills
"The Heart of the Hills" by John Fox, Jr. is a novel written during the early 20th century. Set in the mountains of Kentucky, the narrative explores themes of family feuds, love, and the impact of change on traditional rural life. The story revolves around young Jason Hawn and his cousin Mavis Honeycutt, as they navigate the complexities of their family’s contentious history and their own budding relationship against a backdrop of societal transformation. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the serene but tense world of the Hawn and Honeycutt families, whose longstanding feud shapes the lives of the children. Jason, portrayed as a determined and prideful boy, struggles with his identity as he grapples with the rivalry that dictates his and Mavis’s existence. A seemingly innocent day of fishing leads to revelations about their families' painful past, courtship dynamics, and external threats from outsiders seeking to exploit the land's resources. Their playful adventures soon intertwine with the harsh realities of their conflict-ridden heritage, setting the stage for a story filled with emotional depth and moral dilemmas.
John Fox
A Cumberland Vendetta
"A Cumberland Vendetta" by John Fox Jr. is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the tumultuous Appalachian Mountains, where it chronicles the violent feud between two families, the Stetsons and the Lewallens, against the backdrop of the rugged wilderness. Central to the narrative are Rome Stetson, a conflicted young man torn between family loyalty and personal feelings, and Martha Lewallen, the daughter of his family's rival, who becomes a pivotal figure in the unfolding drama. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to Rome and his half-brother Isom as they navigate their daily lives in the woods. The opening chapters hint at the simmering tensions between the Stetsons and the Lewallens, touching on themes of childhood innocence, attempts to escape violence, and the complexities of familial loyalty. Martha Lewallen's entrance into the story adds a layer of personal conflict as Rome grapples with a burgeoning connection to her, even amidst the feuds and enmities that define their families. As Rome's mother anxiously awaits a chance for retribution for past wrongs, the specter of violence looms over the narrative, building a sense of impending conflict as loyalties are tested and fates intertwine.
John Fox
Hell Fer Sartain and Other Stories
"Hell Fer Sartain and Other Stories" by John Fox Jr. is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century, capturing the essence of Appalachian life and culture. The narratives explore the lives of mountain people in Kentucky, featuring themes of love, rivalry, and the complex moral fabric of rural communities. This book provides a glimpse into a world shaped by nature's challenges, human emotions, and the underlying tension of personal relationships. The stories within this collection, including the titular tale "Hell Fer Sartain," interweave various characters and their experiences in the backwoods of Kentucky. Skillfully narrated, the stories showcase the interpersonal dramas that arise from misunderstandings and the consequences of gossip, illustrated through the relationships between characters like Rich Harp, Harve Hall, and the enigmatic Abe Shivers. With vibrant descriptions and poignant dialogue, the collection delves into themes of honor, betrayal, and resilience, while painting a vivid picture of the rural Southern landscape. Throughout the narratives, Fox's use of dialect brings authenticity to the characters, capturing the unique flavor of their lives and the moral dilemmas they navigate in a sometimes unforgiving environment.
Howard R. (Howard Roscoe) Driggs
Wild Roses: A Tale of the Rockies
"Wild Roses: A Tale of the Rockies" by Howard R. Driggs is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in the scenic expanse of the Rocky Mountains, it explores the lives of cowboys and ranchers as they celebrate traditions and navigate interpersonal dynamics in a rustic environment. The story follows characters such as Jim Hardy and Fred Benton, centering on their relationships, competitions, and the excitement of cowboy life. The opening of the novel introduces us to a vibrant cowboy celebration on the Fourth of July, highlighting a lively atmosphere filled with horse races and playful banter among ranch workers at Bar B ranch. The characters are portrayed in a humorous light, engaging in classic cowboy shenanigans, including drinking and betting on horse races. As the day unfolds, the arrival of two ranch girls, Alta Morgan and Sally Johnson, serves as a catalyst for new dynamics and potential romantic interests, notably capturing Fred's admiration. The lively spirit of the gathering contrasts with the undercurrents of rivalry and jealousy, particularly illustrated through the character of Bud Nixon, who becomes embroiled in conflicts that hint at future challenges within the story.
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