The Rainy Day Railroad War By: Holman Day (1865-1935)
The Rainy Day Railroad War by Holman Day is a captivating tale set in the small-town of Wade, Maine in the early 1900s. Centered around the controversial arrival of the Maine Central Railroad, the author skillfully weaves together a story of love, conflict, and community. Day's writing style is engaging and vivid, beautifully describing the landscape and the impact the railroad has on the once quiet and idyllic town. The characters come to life on the pages, each with their unique personalities and motives. From the ambitious railroad tycoon to the resilient townspeople, their individual stories intertwine throughout the narrative, drawing the reader further into the plot. What is most striking about this novel is Day's ability to capture the essence of small-town life and the tensions that arise from the clash of progress and tradition. It explores timeless themes such as the balance between progress and preservation, the struggle for power, and the sacrifices made in the name of progress. The author does not shy away from showcasing the hardships and heartaches experienced by the townspeople as they grapple with the changes brought about by the railroad. In addition to the historical backdrop, The Rainy Day Railroad War delves into the complexities of human relationships. Love, loyalty, and betrayal are all explored throughout the story, adding depth and dimension to the characters. Day masterfully creates a web of emotions that keeps the readers engrossed, eager to see how each character's journey unfolds. While at times the plot may seem predictable, the author's attention to detail and the intricate development of each character keeps the story fresh and engaging. There are moments of suspense, heartache, and triumph that keep the readers on their toes. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the world Day has created. Overall, The Rainy Day Railroad War is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel that explores the intricacies of human nature and the power struggles that arise during times of change. Day's writing is immersive and entertaining, making it a worthwhile read for both history enthusiasts and fans of character-driven stories. First Page: THE RAINY DAY RAILROAD WAR By Holman Day 1906 [Illustration: Cover] [Illustration: Frontispiece] THE RAINY DAY RAILROAD WAR CHAPTER ONE THE TRYING OUT OF ONE RODNEY PARKER, ASSISTANT ENGINEER All at once the stump dotted, rocky hillside became clamorous and animated. From the little shacks sheathed with tarred paper, from the sodded huts, from burrows sunk into the hillside men suddenly came popping out with shrill cries. Three men, shouldering surveying instruments, stopped in their tracks on the freshly heaped soil of a new railroad embankment, and gazed up at the hillside. The railroad skirted its foot and the sudden activity on the slope was in full view. "Your lambs seem to be blatting around the fodder rack once more, Parker," observed the man who lugged the transit. He was a thin, elderly man and his tone was somewhat satirical. The men were running toward a common center, uttering cries in shrill staccato and sounding like yelping dogs. Parker drove the spurs of his tripod into the soft soil and stared up at the hillside, his tanned brow puckering with apprehension. "I don't think there's much of the lamb to that rush," observed the third man; "they sound to me more like hyenas after raw meat." "It will be Dominick they'll eat, then," said the elderly man... Continue reading book >>

The Rainy Day Railroad War By: Holman Day (1865-1935)

The Rainy Day Railroad War by Holman Day is a captivating tale set in the small-town of Wade, Maine in the early 1900s. Centered around the controversial arrival of the Maine Central Railroad, the author skillfully weaves together a story of love, conflict, and community.

Day's writing style is engaging and vivid, beautifully describing the landscape and the impact the railroad has on the once quiet and idyllic town. The characters come to life on the pages, each with their unique personalities and motives. From the ambitious railroad tycoon to the resilient townspeople, their individual stories intertwine throughout the narrative, drawing the reader further into the plot.

What is most striking about this novel is Day's ability to capture the essence of small-town life and the tensions that arise from the clash of progress and tradition. It explores timeless themes such as the balance between progress and preservation, the struggle for power, and the sacrifices made in the name of progress. The author does not shy away from showcasing the hardships and heartaches experienced by the townspeople as they grapple with the changes brought about by the railroad.

In addition to the historical backdrop, The Rainy Day Railroad War delves into the complexities of human relationships. Love, loyalty, and betrayal are all explored throughout the story, adding depth and dimension to the characters. Day masterfully creates a web of emotions that keeps the readers engrossed, eager to see how each character's journey unfolds.

While at times the plot may seem predictable, the author's attention to detail and the intricate development of each character keeps the story fresh and engaging. There are moments of suspense, heartache, and triumph that keep the readers on their toes. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the world Day has created.

Overall, The Rainy Day Railroad War is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel that explores the intricacies of human nature and the power struggles that arise during times of change. Day's writing is immersive and entertaining, making it a worthwhile read for both history enthusiasts and fans of character-driven stories.

First Page:

THE RAINY DAY RAILROAD WAR

By Holman Day

1906

[Illustration: Cover]

[Illustration: Frontispiece]

THE RAINY DAY RAILROAD WAR

CHAPTER ONE THE TRYING OUT OF ONE RODNEY PARKER, ASSISTANT ENGINEER

All at once the stump dotted, rocky hillside became clamorous and animated. From the little shacks sheathed with tarred paper, from the sodded huts, from burrows sunk into the hillside men suddenly came popping out with shrill cries.

Three men, shouldering surveying instruments, stopped in their tracks on the freshly heaped soil of a new railroad embankment, and gazed up at the hillside. The railroad skirted its foot and the sudden activity on the slope was in full view. "Your lambs seem to be blatting around the fodder rack once more, Parker," observed the man who lugged the transit. He was a thin, elderly man and his tone was somewhat satirical.

The men were running toward a common center, uttering cries in shrill staccato and sounding like yelping dogs.

Parker drove the spurs of his tripod into the soft soil and stared up at the hillside, his tanned brow puckering with apprehension.

"I don't think there's much of the lamb to that rush," observed the third man; "they sound to me more like hyenas after raw meat."

"It will be Dominick they'll eat, then," said the elderly man... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

eBook links
Wikipedia – Holman Day
Wikipedia – The Rainy Day Railroad War

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