Subject
Northwest, Pacific -- Fiction Books
Best books
Ada Woodruff Anderson
The Heart of the Red Firs: A Story of the Pacific Northwest
"The Heart of the Red Firs: A Story of the Pacific Northwest" by Ada Woodruff Anderson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life and experiences of characters living in the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest, revealing the dynamics between settlers and Indigenous peoples in a land rich with opportunity yet fraught with hardship. Central to the story are characters like Mose, a mixed-race boy facing challenges and cultural conflicts, along with his teacher and fellow settlers who navigate their relationships with each other and the land. The opening of the novel introduces readers to a rural schoolhouse scene where children are putting away their books amidst the scents of cedar and fir. Tensions bubble as Mose's father arrives with anger toward his son for taking a gun, but the determined teacher intervenes, demonstrating her strength and compassion, which overall hints at the unfolding theme of community involvement in the upbringing of the youth. As the narrative progresses, we also catch glimpses of other characters like the teacher, who expresses her love for the natural beauty surrounding them, and ties to a man named Paul Forrest, suggesting a developing romance amidst their trials and adventures. The stage is set for a deeply woven tale that explores the themes of identity, love, and the clash of cultures in a changing world.
Bertrand W. Sinclair
Big Timber: A Story of the Northwest
"Big Timber: A Story of the Northwest" by Bertrand W. Sinclair is a novel set in the early 20th century that delves into the rugged life of logging in the Pacific Northwest. The story primarily follows Estella Benton, a young woman from a well-off background who embarks on a journey to reunite with her brother Charlie, a lumberjack. As Estella arrives in the stark and grueling environment of a logging camp, she confronts harsh realities that challenge her previous notions of society and her own identity. The opening of the novel introduces Estella Benton on her train journey to Hopyard, bringing her to a world vastly different from her sheltered upbringing. As she arrives in the logging town, she reflects on her uncertainties about the future, feeling lonely and out of place. Estella's initial impressions of the hard, rough lifestyle are coupled with observations of the men who dominate this world, including her brother Charlie, who is now deeply immersed in the demanding business of logging. Struggling with her new reality, she grapples with self-doubt and the prospect of adapting to a life filled with toil and hardships. The stage is set for her transformation as she embraces her responsibilities and navigates the complexities of a new existence amidst challenging circumstances.
George L. Aiken
The Antelope Boy; or, Smoholler the Medicine Man A Tale of Indian Adventure and Mystery
"The Antelope Boy; or, Smoholler the Medicine Man" by George L. Aiken is a novel written in the early 19th century. The story presents a thrilling Indian adventure that unfolds in the American West, primarily following two boys, Percy Vere and Percy Cute, who are on a quest to find Vere's missing father, a rather eccentric man. They find themselves entangled in a conflict with Native Americans, led by the enigmatic Prophet Smoholler, and confront various challenges and supernatural elements in their pursuit. At the start of the novel, the surveying party, which includes two surveyors and American soldiers, is camped near the Columbia River. The two Percys, introduced as chain-bearers of the expedition, are characterized by their contrasting personalities, with Percy Vere being skilled and earnest, while Percy Cute provides comic relief and mischief. The camp is lively and infused with danger, as they receive a dire warning from an arrow message sent by Smoholler. The chapter sets the stage for a supernatural encounter, blending humor, adventure, and suspense, as the boys prepare to venture into the potential conflict with the Native Americans, quaking between their quest for the truth about Vere's father and the unpredictability of their surroundings.
Elliott Smith
The Land of Lure: A Story of the Columbia River Basin
"The Land of Lure: A Story of the Columbia River Basin" by Elliott Smith is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative focuses on the struggles and aspirations of homesteaders in the Columbia River Basin as they navigate the challenges of establishing a life in a harsh and unpredictable land. Central to this tale is Travis Gully, a family man awakened by his long-held desire for a home of his own, who embarks on a journey with his family to find their fortune. The opening of the story sets a vivid scene of the desolation and brutal conditions faced by the homesteaders who are drawn to the Columbia River Basin in search of opportunity. Travis Gully, introduced as a hardworking farmer with a stagnant existence, becomes inspired to leave his rented life after witnessing his friends depart for better prospects. As he contemplates the possibility of relocating his family to a homestead, the narrative explores the emotional and psychological toll of such a significant decision, including the challenges of abandoning their past and the allure of a hopeful future. Gully's journey symbolizes the broader trials of many who sought to carve out a new life in the unforgiving landscape of the American West.
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