The Trapper's Son By: William Henry Giles Kingston (1814-1880)
In William Henry Giles Kingston's gripping novel, The Trapper's Son, readers are transported to the vast wilderness of 19th century North America. The author effortlessly weaves a tale of adventure, family bonds, and resilience that captivates from the very first page. The story follows the life of young Jack Marline, the son of a renowned hunter and trapper. Jack's upbringing in the rugged, untamed wilderness shapes him into a daring and skilled trapper himself, with an intimate knowledge of the land and its inhabitants. However, his world is turned upside down when tragedy strikes and he is forced to embark on a perilous journey of self-discovery. One of the greatest strengths of The Trapper's Son lies in Kingston's vivid and meticulous descriptions of the natural environment. Whether depicting the dense forests, treacherous rivers, or snow-capped mountains, the author's attention to detail transports readers directly into the heart of the wilderness. The landscape becomes a character in its own right, enhancing the overall atmosphere and sense of adventure. The core of the narrative, however, lies in the complex relationships that develop between the characters. Kingston skillfully explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and the power of the bond between father and son. Jack's journey is not only a physical one but also an emotional and psychological quest to come to terms with his own identity and reckon with the past. Furthermore, Kingston's ability to create multi-dimensional characters adds depth and authenticity to the story. Each character, whether heroic or flawed, is finely crafted and possesses a unique voice, making it easy for readers to become emotionally invested in their fates. The Trapper's Son is a timeless coming-of-age story that transcends its historical setting. Its exploration of universal themes and its message of perseverance resonate with readers of all ages. Kingston's elegant prose and compelling storytelling make this novel a must-read for those seeking an escape to a bygone era and an unforgettable adventure. First Page: The Trapper's Son, by W.H.G. Kingston. A very short book, set in North America some time in the nineteenth century, at a time when Indian tribes were still hunting over the land Crees, Dacotahs, Peigans. An old trapper and his son are preparing for the winter, when their horses are found dead, killed either by wolves or by Indians. So they have to cache most of the skins they were planning to take to a nearby fort, and set off on their journey there. Michael Moggs, the trapper, had fathered the boy, Laurence, with an Indian woman, who had brought Laurence up to the point where Michael comes to collect him. The boy had never been taught the principles of Christianity, and his father never knew them either. So most of the book deals with the conversion of the boy and his father to true religion, by people they meet at the fort. THE TRAPPER'S SON, BY W.H.G. KINGSTON. CHAPTER ONE. THE TRAPPER'S CAMP BEAVERS CAUGHT THE HORSES KILLED BY WOLVES TRAPS TO CATCH THE WOLVES. In the far western wilds of North America, over which the untutored red skinned savage roams at liberty, engaged throughout life in war or the chase, by the side of a broad stream which made its way towards a distant lake, an old man and a boy reclined at length beneath a wigwam, roughly formed of sheets of birch bark placed against several poles stuck in the ground in a circular form, and fastened together at the top... Continue reading book >>

The Trapper's Son By: William Henry Giles Kingston (1814-1880)

In William Henry Giles Kingston's gripping novel, The Trapper's Son, readers are transported to the vast wilderness of 19th century North America. The author effortlessly weaves a tale of adventure, family bonds, and resilience that captivates from the very first page.

The story follows the life of young Jack Marline, the son of a renowned hunter and trapper. Jack's upbringing in the rugged, untamed wilderness shapes him into a daring and skilled trapper himself, with an intimate knowledge of the land and its inhabitants. However, his world is turned upside down when tragedy strikes and he is forced to embark on a perilous journey of self-discovery.

One of the greatest strengths of The Trapper's Son lies in Kingston's vivid and meticulous descriptions of the natural environment. Whether depicting the dense forests, treacherous rivers, or snow-capped mountains, the author's attention to detail transports readers directly into the heart of the wilderness. The landscape becomes a character in its own right, enhancing the overall atmosphere and sense of adventure.

The core of the narrative, however, lies in the complex relationships that develop between the characters. Kingston skillfully explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and the power of the bond between father and son. Jack's journey is not only a physical one but also an emotional and psychological quest to come to terms with his own identity and reckon with the past.

Furthermore, Kingston's ability to create multi-dimensional characters adds depth and authenticity to the story. Each character, whether heroic or flawed, is finely crafted and possesses a unique voice, making it easy for readers to become emotionally invested in their fates.

The Trapper's Son is a timeless coming-of-age story that transcends its historical setting. Its exploration of universal themes and its message of perseverance resonate with readers of all ages. Kingston's elegant prose and compelling storytelling make this novel a must-read for those seeking an escape to a bygone era and an unforgettable adventure.

First Page:

The Trapper's Son, by W.H.G. Kingston.

A very short book, set in North America some time in the nineteenth century, at a time when Indian tribes were still hunting over the land Crees, Dacotahs, Peigans. An old trapper and his son are preparing for the winter, when their horses are found dead, killed either by wolves or by Indians. So they have to cache most of the skins they were planning to take to a nearby fort, and set off on their journey there.

Michael Moggs, the trapper, had fathered the boy, Laurence, with an Indian woman, who had brought Laurence up to the point where Michael comes to collect him. The boy had never been taught the principles of Christianity, and his father never knew them either. So most of the book deals with the conversion of the boy and his father to true religion, by people they meet at the fort.

THE TRAPPER'S SON, BY W.H.G. KINGSTON.

CHAPTER ONE.

THE TRAPPER'S CAMP BEAVERS CAUGHT THE HORSES KILLED BY WOLVES TRAPS TO CATCH THE WOLVES.

In the far western wilds of North America, over which the untutored red skinned savage roams at liberty, engaged throughout life in war or the chase, by the side of a broad stream which made its way towards a distant lake, an old man and a boy reclined at length beneath a wigwam, roughly formed of sheets of birch bark placed against several poles stuck in the ground in a circular form, and fastened together at the top... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Adventure
Animals
Fiction
Religion
Teen/Young adult

eBook links
Wikipedia – William Henry Giles Kingston
Wikipedia – The Trapper's Son

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