The Desert and the Sown By: Mary Hallock Foote (1847-1938)
In "The Desert and the Sown" by Mary Hallock Foote, readers are transported to the American West in the late 19th century, where we follow the remarkable journey of a young woman named Clara. Set against the backdrop of the arid desert landscapes, Foote weaves a captivating tale that explores themes of resilience, love, and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams. From the very first page, Foote's rich descriptions paint a vivid picture of the harsh yet mesmerizing environment that Clara finds herself in. The way she effortlessly captures the barrenness of the desert alongside its innate beauty is truly remarkable. Through her prose, readers can almost feel the scorching heat, taste the thirst, and share the unrelenting determination of the characters. Clara, the protagonist, is an incredibly well-developed character whose strength and independence are inspiring. As she becomes entangled in the lives of the diverse inhabitants of the American West, Foote skillfully presents their stories with depth and authenticity. From the mysterious Arab trader to the hardened pioneer settlers, each character feels distinct and brings a unique perspective to the narrative. Foote's exploration of love within the story is equally compelling. It is not merely a romanticized notion, but rather a complex and realistic portrayal of the various forms it can take. From the tender affection shared between Clara and her brother, to the passionate romance that blossoms unexpectedly, Foote demonstrates a keen understanding of human emotions and relationships. One aspect that sets this novel apart is Foote's meticulous attention to historical detail. She seamlessly incorporates real events and cultural nuances of the time period, effectively transporting readers to the late 19th century. It is evident that Foote conducted extensive research, lending an authenticity that enhances the immersion in the story. However, while Foote's ability to describe the surroundings and convey the emotions of her characters is unparalleled, there are moments when the pacing of the story becomes slow. Certain sections may feel overly detailed, which can occasionally detract from the overall momentum of the narrative. Nevertheless, "The Desert and the Sown" is a beautifully written novel filled with stunning imagery and an engaging storyline. Foote's masterful portrayal of the American West evokes a sense of wonder and nostalgia, making this book a must-read for fans of historical fiction. Through Clara's journey, readers will discover the power of determination, the resilience of the human spirit, and the overwhelming beauty hidden within the harshest of landscapes. First Page: The Desert and The Sown MARY HALLOCK FOOTE CONTENTS I. A COUNCIL OF THE ELDERS II. INTRODUCING A SON IN LAW III. THE INITIAL LOVE IV. "A MAN THAT HAD A WELL IN HIS OWN COURT" V. DISINHERITED VI. AN APPEAL TO NATURE VII. MARKING TIME VIII. A HUNTER'S DIARY IX. THE POWER OF WEAKNESS X. THE WHITE PERIL XI. A SEARCHING OF HEARTS XII. THE BLOOD WITE XIII. CURTAIN XIV. KIND INQUIRIES XV. A BRIDEGROOM OF SNOW XVI. THE NATURE OF AN OATH XVII. THE HIDDEN TRAIL XVIII.THE STAR IN THE EAST XIX. PILGRIMS AND STRANGERS XX. A STATION IN THE DESERT XXI. INJURIOUS REPORTS CONCERNING AN OLD HOUSE XXII. THE CASE STRIKES IN XXIII.RESTIVENESS XXIV. INDIAN SUMMER XXV. THE FELL FROST XXVI. PEACE TO THIS HOUSE I A COUNCIL OF THE ELDERS It was an evening of sudden mildness following a dry October gale. The colonel had miscalculated the temperature by one log only one, he declared, but that had proved a pitchy one, and the chimney bellowed with flame. From end to end the room was alight with it, as if the stored up energies of a whole pine tree had been sacrificed in the consumption of that four foot stick. The young persons of the house had escaped, laughing, into the fresh night air, but the colonel was hemmed in on every side; deserted by his daughter, mocked by the work of his own hands, and torn between the duties of a host and the host's helpless craving for his after dinner cigar... Continue reading book >>

The Desert and the Sown By: Mary Hallock Foote (1847-1938)

In "The Desert and the Sown" by Mary Hallock Foote, readers are transported to the American West in the late 19th century, where we follow the remarkable journey of a young woman named Clara. Set against the backdrop of the arid desert landscapes, Foote weaves a captivating tale that explores themes of resilience, love, and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams.

From the very first page, Foote's rich descriptions paint a vivid picture of the harsh yet mesmerizing environment that Clara finds herself in. The way she effortlessly captures the barrenness of the desert alongside its innate beauty is truly remarkable. Through her prose, readers can almost feel the scorching heat, taste the thirst, and share the unrelenting determination of the characters.

Clara, the protagonist, is an incredibly well-developed character whose strength and independence are inspiring. As she becomes entangled in the lives of the diverse inhabitants of the American West, Foote skillfully presents their stories with depth and authenticity. From the mysterious Arab trader to the hardened pioneer settlers, each character feels distinct and brings a unique perspective to the narrative.

Foote's exploration of love within the story is equally compelling. It is not merely a romanticized notion, but rather a complex and realistic portrayal of the various forms it can take. From the tender affection shared between Clara and her brother, to the passionate romance that blossoms unexpectedly, Foote demonstrates a keen understanding of human emotions and relationships.

One aspect that sets this novel apart is Foote's meticulous attention to historical detail. She seamlessly incorporates real events and cultural nuances of the time period, effectively transporting readers to the late 19th century. It is evident that Foote conducted extensive research, lending an authenticity that enhances the immersion in the story.

However, while Foote's ability to describe the surroundings and convey the emotions of her characters is unparalleled, there are moments when the pacing of the story becomes slow. Certain sections may feel overly detailed, which can occasionally detract from the overall momentum of the narrative.

Nevertheless, "The Desert and the Sown" is a beautifully written novel filled with stunning imagery and an engaging storyline. Foote's masterful portrayal of the American West evokes a sense of wonder and nostalgia, making this book a must-read for fans of historical fiction. Through Clara's journey, readers will discover the power of determination, the resilience of the human spirit, and the overwhelming beauty hidden within the harshest of landscapes.

First Page:

The Desert and The Sown

MARY HALLOCK FOOTE

CONTENTS

I. A COUNCIL OF THE ELDERS

II. INTRODUCING A SON IN LAW

III. THE INITIAL LOVE

IV. "A MAN THAT HAD A WELL IN HIS OWN COURT"

V. DISINHERITED

VI. AN APPEAL TO NATURE

VII. MARKING TIME

VIII. A HUNTER'S DIARY

IX. THE POWER OF WEAKNESS

X. THE WHITE PERIL

XI. A SEARCHING OF HEARTS

XII. THE BLOOD WITE

XIII. CURTAIN

XIV. KIND INQUIRIES

XV. A BRIDEGROOM OF SNOW

XVI. THE NATURE OF AN OATH

XVII. THE HIDDEN TRAIL

XVIII.THE STAR IN THE EAST

XIX. PILGRIMS AND STRANGERS

XX. A STATION IN THE DESERT

XXI. INJURIOUS REPORTS CONCERNING AN OLD HOUSE

XXII. THE CASE STRIKES IN

XXIII.RESTIVENESS

XXIV. INDIAN SUMMER

XXV. THE FELL FROST

XXVI. PEACE TO THIS HOUSE

A COUNCIL OF THE ELDERS

It was an evening of sudden mildness following a dry October gale. The colonel had miscalculated the temperature by one log only one, he declared, but that had proved a pitchy one, and the chimney bellowed with flame. From end to end the room was alight with it, as if the stored up energies of a whole pine tree had been sacrificed in the consumption of that four foot stick.

The young persons of the house had escaped, laughing, into the fresh night air, but the colonel was hemmed in on every side; deserted by his daughter, mocked by the work of his own hands, and torn between the duties of a host and the host's helpless craving for his after dinner cigar... Continue reading book >>

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