Subject
Ozark Mountains -- Fiction Books
Best books
Harold Bell Wright
The Re-Creation of Brian Kent
"The Re-Creation of Brian Kent" by Harold Bell Wright is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the themes of redemption, the complexities of human nature, and the healing power of love, primarily through the experiences of the main characters, Auntie Sue and Brian Kent. The opening of the book introduces Auntie Sue, a remarkable old schoolteacher living in the picturesque Ozarks, who dedicates her life to nurturing and empowering those around her. As we dive into her world, we learn about her warmth, kindness, and the comforting atmosphere of her home. Simultaneously, the narrative shifts to Brian Kent, who is introduced amid his troubling circumstances, marked by addiction and a troubled past as a fugitive from the law. The beginning of the story captures a poignant moment as Auntie Sue finds Brian washed up in a boat and decides to protect him from the authorities, setting off a series of events that explore themes of forgiveness, identity, and the meaning of true redemption. Through the connections forged between these two unlikely characters, the narrative lays the groundwork for a profound exploration of life’s unpredictability and the hope of re-creation.
Harold Bell Wright
The Shepherd of the Hills
"The Shepherd of the Hills" by Harold Bell Wright is a novel written in 1907. Set in the Ozark Mountains, it tells the story of Dad Howitt, a mysterious elderly man who escapes city life to live among mountain people. Known as "The Shepherd of the Hills," he befriends the Matthews family while harboring secrets about his tragic past—including connections to their own family history. As hidden identities and old betrayals surface, the story explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the healing power of faith in a close-knit rural community.
Harold Bell Wright
The Calling of Dan Matthews
"The Calling of Dan Matthews" by Harold Bell Wright is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins in the fictional town of Corinth, set in the Ozark Mountains and tells the tale of Dan Matthews, a young minister who is confronted with the complexities of life, societal expectations, and his own convictions. The narrative explores themes of community, morality, and personal calling, all set against the background of a small-town dynamic. The opening portion of the book introduces Corinth as a town that has seen better days, capturing both its mundane reality and the lingering influence of a locally revered statesman. The character of the Doctor, a seasoned physician who knows the townspeople intimately, sets the stage for Dan Matthews’ arrival, whom he views as a revelation of what could have been in his own life. Dan's engaging and unassuming nature quickly becomes apparent as he interacts with a variety of characters, including Denny, a crippled boy who tends to his garden and yearns for acceptance. The Doctor also harbors a sense of protective concern for Dan as he realizes that the young minister will face challenges in merging his idealistic values with the expectations of the community. The narrative hints at deeper themes of personal sacrifice and the true nature of calling, inviting readers to ponder the implications of ambition and faith within the context of everyday life.
Manly Wade Wellman
Fearful Rock
"Fearful Rock" by Manly Wade Wellman is a fiction novel written in the late 1930s. This eerie tale unfolds during the American Civil War, centering on the strange and malevolent character of Persil Mandifer and his adoptive daughter, Enid, who discovers unsettling truths about her origins and her intended fate. The narrative promises themes of dark powers and supernatural elements interwoven with the historical backdrop of the war, raising questions about identity and sacrifice. The opening of the novel introduces us to Enid Mandifer, who is shocked to learn that Persil is not her biological father. As she grapples with this revelation, Persil explains that her marriage has been predetermined to a mysterious force known as the Nameless One, which requires the offering of a bride. Meanwhile, the story’s tense atmosphere thickens with the presence of her enormous and unsettling brother, Larue. The setting forms a blend of personal drama and supernatural dread, as Enid's life becomes entwined with ancient evil and the ominous expectations of her adoptive family. The narrative quickly shifts to Lieutenant Kane Lanark, who is patrolling during the war, and will likely intersect with Enid's fate in unexpected ways.
Jim Harmon
Dangerous Quarry
"Dangerous Quarry" by Jim Harmon is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 1960s. The story follows an insurance adjuster named Madison, who is sent to investigate a concerning spike in accident claims from a peculiar village called Granite City. The narrative delves into themes of automation, community conspiracy, and the mysterious effects of the local granite on its inhabitants. As Madison embarks on his investigation, he discovers that the residents of Granite City may be partaking in an elaborate scheme to defraud his insurance company. However, the truth behind the town's peculiar accident rate reveals something more sinister: the granite itself is linked to a loss of psionic abilities among the townsfolk, rendering them incapable of basic foresight and awareness. With the help of a captive professor who has been studying these anomalies, Madison navigates a dangerous confrontation with the townspeople, ultimately leading to revelations that show the granite's impact extends far beyond individual claims, threatening broader societal implications. The story concludes with hints of a larger crisis as the implications of their psionic sterilization unfold.
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