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Hell Fer Sartain and Other Stories   By: (1863-1919)

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Hell Fer Sartain and Other Stories by John Fox is a collection of captivating tales that transport readers to the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Set in the early 20th century, these stories are filled with rich descriptions of the landscape, vivid characters, and intriguing plotlines.

One of the standout stories in this collection is the titular "Hell Fer Sartain." It follows the life of Sartain, a simple mountain man with a knack for storytelling. Through his tales, readers gain insight into the cultural traditions, superstitions, and values of the Appalachian people. The story delves into themes of love, revenge, and personal growth, offering a poignant portrayal of human nature.

Another noteworthy story is "The Last Stetson." It centers around a young man named Jim Stetson whose prized possession, a hat, becomes the symbol of his identity and pride. As the story unfolds, readers witness the power dynamics and rivalries that exist within small Appalachian communities. The narrative touches upon themes of masculinity, honor, and the desperate desire to protect what one holds dear.

Throughout the collection, John Fox masterfully brings the Appalachian region to life. His writing style is immersive, painting vivid pictures of the mountains, valleys, and forests. The dialogue is authentic and perfectly captures the dialect of the region, providing a genuine glimpse into the daily lives and struggles of the characters.

Furthermore, Fox's character development is truly impressive. Each story introduces a new set of intriguing characters, and the author skillfully crafts their personalities, motivations, and conflicts. From lovable and relatable protagonists to devious antagonists, the characters are flawed and multi-dimensional, drawing readers into their lives and experiences.

One strength of Hell Fer Sartain and Other Stories is the range of themes explored within the collection. Fox masterfully tackles complex subjects such as friendship, love, revenge, and the human condition. Each story presents a different facet of life in the Appalachian Mountains, allowing readers to understand the diversity and complexity of the region from various perspectives.

However, the collection does have its weaknesses. At times, the pacing feels uneven, with certain stories taking longer to develop than others. Additionally, while the stories individually shine, the overall structure of the collection feels disjointed, lacking a cohesive narrative or thematic thread to tie the tales together.

Nonetheless, Hell Fer Sartain and Other Stories is an engaging collection that provides an insightful glimpse into the lives of Appalachian people. John Fox's masterful storytelling, rich descriptions, and well-developed characters make this collection a worthwhile read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience within the context of the Appalachian Mountains.

First Page:

'Hell fer Sartain'

and

Other Stories

by

JOHN FOX, JR.

TO MY BROTHER JAMES

AUTHOR'S NOTE

CONTENTS

ON HELL FER SARTAIN CREEK THROUGH THE GAP A TRICK O' TRADE GRAYSON'S BABY COURTIN' ON CUTSHIN THE MESSAGE IN THE SAND THE SENATOR'S LAST TRADE PREACHIN' ON KINGDOM COME THE PASSING OF ABRAHAM SHIVERS A PURPLE RHODODENDRON

ON HELL FER SARTAIN CREEK

Thar was a dancin' party Christmas night on "Hell fer Sartain." Jes tu'n up the fust crick beyond the bend thar, an' climb onto a stump, an' holler about ONCE, an' you'll see how the name come. Stranger, hit's HELL fer sartain! Well, Rich Harp was thar from the head waters, an' Harve Hall toted Nance Osborn clean across the Cumberlan'. Fust one ud swing Nance, an' then t'other. Then they'd take a pull out'n the same bottle o' moonshine, an' fust one an' then t'other they'd swing her agin. An' Abe Shivers a settin' thar by the fire a bitin' his thumbs!

Well, things was sorter whoopin', when somebody ups an' tells Harve that Rich had said somep'n' agin Nance an' him, an' somebody ups an' tells Rich that Harve had said somep'n' agin Nance an' HIM. In a minute, stranger, hit was like two wild cats in thar. Folks got 'em parted, though, but thar was no more a swingin' of Nance that night... Continue reading book >>




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