The Bark Covered House By: William Nowlin (1821-1884)
In William Nowlin's historical fiction novel, readers are transported to the untamed wilderness of 19th century America. "The Bark Covered House" tells the captivating story of a family's struggles and triumphs as they navigate the challenges of survival in a harsh environment. Set amidst the backdrop of the Michigan Territory, the book vividly portrays the harsh realities of pioneer life. The author masterfully captures the essence of the American frontier, providing readers with a vivid and immersive experience. Through his well-researched writing, Nowlin effortlessly brings to life the sights, sounds, and hardships faced by the early settlers. The heart of the narrative lies in the protagonist, a young woman named Kate Clearman. As the story unfolds, readers observe Kate's growth from an innocent girl into a resilient and capable woman. Her determination, resilience, and unwavering spirit make her a character that readers can easily root for and empathize with. Furthermore, Nowlin expertly explores and challenges the traditional gender roles of the time, highlighting the strength and agency of women in the face of adversity. The exploration of family dynamics is another standout aspect of this novel. Nowlin delves into the complexities of familial relationships, portraying the bonds of love and loyalty that sustain the characters through their trials. The Clearman family's enduring love and support for one another provide a heartwarming and relatable backdrop to the harsh realities of frontier life. Nowlin's writing style is both lyrical and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the natural beauty and danger that surrounds the Clearman family. Descriptive prose paints the landscape in such detail that readers can almost smell the pine trees and feel the biting cold. Through effective pacing, the author builds tension and suspense, making it difficult to put the book down. However, despite these strengths, some readers may find the plot predictable at times. While the story is engaging and well-crafted, it occasionally relies on familiar tropes of the genre. Nonetheless, Nowlin's strong character development and skillful storytelling compensate for any minor weaknesses in the plot. Overall, "The Bark Covered House" is a captivating tale of love, survival, and resilience. William Nowlin's meticulous research and engaging storytelling create a vivid and immersive reading experience. This book will undoubtedly resonate with history enthusiasts and fans of frontier narratives, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who carved a path through the wilderness to build a home and a future. First Page: THE BARK COVERED HOUSE, OR or, BACK IN THE WOODS AGAIN; BEING A GRAPHIC AND THRILLING DESCRIPTION OF REAL PIONEER LIFE IN THE WILDERNESS OF MICHIGAN BY WILLIAM NOWLIN, ESQ. 1876 PREFATORY NOTE. I little thought when I left my farm yards, horses and cattle in the care of other men, and began to write, that I should spend nearly all the winter of 1875 in writing; much less, that I should offer the product of such labor to the public, in the Centennial Year. But I have been urged to do so by many friends, both learned and unlearned, who have read the manuscript, or listened to parts of it. They think the work, although written by a farmer, should see the light and live for the information of others. One of these is Levi Bishop, of Detroit, who was long a personal friend of my father and his family, and has recently read the manuscript. He is now President of the "Wayne County Pioneer Society," and is widely known as a literary man, poet and author. W.N. KEY. Sketch of the lives of John and Melinda Nowlin; of their journeying and settlement in Michigan. Thrilling scenes and incidents of pioneer life, of hopes and fears, of ups and downs, of a life in the woods; continuing until the gloom and darkness of the forest were chased away, by the light of civilization, and the long battle for a home had been fought by the pioneer soldiers and they had gained a signal victory over nature herself... Continue reading book >>

The Bark Covered House By: William Nowlin (1821-1884)

In William Nowlin's historical fiction novel, readers are transported to the untamed wilderness of 19th century America. "The Bark Covered House" tells the captivating story of a family's struggles and triumphs as they navigate the challenges of survival in a harsh environment.

Set amidst the backdrop of the Michigan Territory, the book vividly portrays the harsh realities of pioneer life. The author masterfully captures the essence of the American frontier, providing readers with a vivid and immersive experience. Through his well-researched writing, Nowlin effortlessly brings to life the sights, sounds, and hardships faced by the early settlers.

The heart of the narrative lies in the protagonist, a young woman named Kate Clearman. As the story unfolds, readers observe Kate's growth from an innocent girl into a resilient and capable woman. Her determination, resilience, and unwavering spirit make her a character that readers can easily root for and empathize with. Furthermore, Nowlin expertly explores and challenges the traditional gender roles of the time, highlighting the strength and agency of women in the face of adversity.

The exploration of family dynamics is another standout aspect of this novel. Nowlin delves into the complexities of familial relationships, portraying the bonds of love and loyalty that sustain the characters through their trials. The Clearman family's enduring love and support for one another provide a heartwarming and relatable backdrop to the harsh realities of frontier life.

Nowlin's writing style is both lyrical and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the natural beauty and danger that surrounds the Clearman family. Descriptive prose paints the landscape in such detail that readers can almost smell the pine trees and feel the biting cold. Through effective pacing, the author builds tension and suspense, making it difficult to put the book down.

However, despite these strengths, some readers may find the plot predictable at times. While the story is engaging and well-crafted, it occasionally relies on familiar tropes of the genre. Nonetheless, Nowlin's strong character development and skillful storytelling compensate for any minor weaknesses in the plot.

Overall, "The Bark Covered House" is a captivating tale of love, survival, and resilience. William Nowlin's meticulous research and engaging storytelling create a vivid and immersive reading experience. This book will undoubtedly resonate with history enthusiasts and fans of frontier narratives, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who carved a path through the wilderness to build a home and a future.

First Page:

THE BARK COVERED HOUSE,

or, BACK IN THE WOODS AGAIN; BEING A GRAPHIC AND THRILLING DESCRIPTION OF REAL PIONEER LIFE IN THE WILDERNESS OF MICHIGAN

BY WILLIAM NOWLIN, ESQ.

1876

PREFATORY NOTE.

I little thought when I left my farm yards, horses and cattle in the care of other men, and began to write, that I should spend nearly all the winter of 1875 in writing; much less, that I should offer the product of such labor to the public, in the Centennial Year. But I have been urged to do so by many friends, both learned and unlearned, who have read the manuscript, or listened to parts of it. They think the work, although written by a farmer, should see the light and live for the information of others. One of these is Levi Bishop, of Detroit, who was long a personal friend of my father and his family, and has recently read the manuscript. He is now President of the "Wayne County Pioneer Society," and is widely known as a literary man, poet and author.

W.N.

KEY.

Sketch of the lives of John and Melinda Nowlin; of their journeying and settlement in Michigan.

Thrilling scenes and incidents of pioneer life, of hopes and fears, of ups and downs, of a life in the woods; continuing until the gloom and darkness of the forest were chased away, by the light of civilization, and the long battle for a home had been fought by the pioneer soldiers and they had gained a signal victory over nature herself... Continue reading book >>

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