Mountain Blood A Novel   By: Joseph Hergesheimer (1880-1954)

In "Mountain Blood," Joseph Hergesheimer paints a vivid and haunting portrait of a waning era filled with love, tragedy, and familial complexities. Set against the backdrop of the American South at the turn of the 20th century, Hergesheimer weaves a deeply atmospheric tale that explores the transcendent power of nature and the extensive impact it has on human lives.

The novel revolves around the Redfearn family, who reside in the remote mountainous region of Virginia. The patriarch, Felix, becomes the embodiment of the untamed wilderness that surrounds him, maintaining a unique connection with the elemental forces of the land. Hergesheimer carefully constructs Felix's character, using him as a symbol that showcases both the allure and detrimental consequences of living in harmony with nature.

The narrative seamlessly unfolds through the eyes of Felix's three children as they navigate their way through love, societal pressures, and the innate call of the mountains. Hergesheimer's prose, though dense and intricate, is beautifully crafted, deftly capturing the ethos of the time period and the idiosyncrasies of each character. The author's deep understanding of human nature is evident in the complexity of his creations, ensuring that readers will form strong emotional connections to the individuals that populate this captivating story.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in Hergesheimer's ability to create a palpable sense of place. The mountains, with their rugged beauty and underlying dangers, become central characters in their own right. Through his impeccable descriptions, the author allows readers to experience the awe-inspiring landscapes and the layers of history embedded within them. The immersive quality of the setting enhances the overall reading experience and adds an element of mysticism to the narrative.

However, "Mountain Blood" is not without its flaws. The pacing occasionally becomes sluggish, and some scenes could have benefited from tighter editing. Additionally, Hergesheimer's characterizations can sometimes border on caricature, particularly when portraying certain societal archetypes. Despite these minor shortcomings, the novel's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, captivating readers with its richness and depth.

Overall, "Mountain Blood" is a compelling exploration of the human spirit's profound interconnectedness with the natural world. Hergesheimer's prose, though occasionally challenging, creates an intimate and immersive reading experience. With its vast landscapes, complex characters, and timeless themes, this novel is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.

First Page:

The fiery disk of the sun was just lifting above the shoulder of hills that held the city of Stenton when the Greenstream stage rolled briskly from its depot, a dingy frame tavern, and commenced the long journey to its high destination. The tavern was on the outskirts of town; beyond, a broad, level plain reached to a shimmering blue silhouette of mountains printed on a silvery sky; and the stage immediately left the paved street for the soft, dusty country road. Stenton was not yet astir; except for an occasional maid sleepily removing the milk from gleaming marble steps, or early workmen with swollen, sullen countenances, the streets were deserted. The dewy freshness of morning was already lost in the rapidly mounting heat of the June day. Above the blackened willows that half hid the waterworks an oily column of smoke wavered upward in slow, thick coils, mingling with the acid odor of ammonia from a neighboring ice manufacturing plant; a locomotive whistled harsh and persistent; the heat vibrated in visible fans above the pavement... Continue reading book >>