Subject
Mountain life -- Tennessee -- Fiction Books
Best books
Charles Egbert Craddock
In the clouds
"In the Clouds" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story introduces us to the lives of two herders, Ben Doaks and Mink Lorey, who navigate the desolate yet breathtaking landscape of the Great Smoky Mountains. The narrative sets up an exploration of their daily lives, punctuated by moments of absurdity, interpersonal tensions, and an undercurrent of the supernatural, particularly surrounding the mysterious figure known as the Herder from Thunderhead. The opening of the novel immerses the reader in the lonesome beauty of Piomingo Bald, where Ben Doaks often reflects on the ominous presence of the peak Thunderhead. Mink, his companion, struggles with the isolation and monotony of their environment, often engaging in mischievous antics, showcasing his restless spirit. Their conversations reveal not only their personalities but also hints of local legends regarding a spectral herder and the unknown forces that govern their lives. As they confront both the physical and metaphysical challenges of their world, the relationship between the two herders, coupled with the looming threat of the supernatural, lays the groundwork for a story rich in character development and atmospheric tension.
Charles Egbert Craddock
His vanished star
"His Vanished Star" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel written in the late 19th century. Set in the American South, the story revolves around the conflict between Kenneth Kenniston, a city-bred architect with ambitious development plans, and the rural Tems family who reside on the land he seeks to transform. The book likely explores themes of progress versus tradition, the clash of cultures, and the complexities of rural mountain life through the interactions of Kenniston, the Tems family, and the people of the surrounding community. The opening of the novel introduces Kenneth Kenniston as he surveys his large but sparsely valued mountainside property, envisioning a grand hotel that will attract summer visitors yet encountering practical and interpersonal obstacles. His chief concern is the presence of the Tems family, especially the patriarch "Cap'n Lucy" Tems, whose cabin lies in the middle of Kenniston’s planned development and who stubbornly refuses to move despite offers. Scenes inside the Tems household reveal a family marked by strong personalities and deep connection to the land. As night falls, other local characters, including the enigmatic Lorenzo Taft and a covert group of moonshiners, are introduced, demonstrating the region's insular, self-sufficient society and the potential for simmering conflict over land and change. Tensions arise between commercial progress, the defense of home and autonomy, and the hidden worlds that operate beneath the surface of rural mountain life.
Charles Egbert Craddock
In the Tennessee mountains
"In the Tennessee Mountains" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel written in the late 19th century. Set against the backdrop of the Appalachian region, the story revolves around the struggles and trials of its inhabitants, particularly focusing on Cynthia Ware and Evander Price as they navigate personal and societal conflicts within their close-knit mountain community. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Cynthia, who reflects on her life in Lost Creek Valley, feeling stagnant and purposeless. The narrative reveals her intricate dynamics with her mother and touches upon the local gossip surrounding Evander Price, a young blacksmith deemed both talented and difficult. The opening portrays Cynthia's emotional landscape, her connection to the land, and the brewing tensions in her relationships, particularly involving Evander, who is deeply affected by his trials and ambitions. As she witnesses the goings-on in her life, themes of love, loss, and fighting for justice unfold, setting the stage for a rich exploration of character and community in the Tennessee mountains.
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