Down the Ravine By: Mary Noailles Murfree (1850-1922)
Down the Ravine by Mary Noailles Murfree is a captivating work of literature that takes readers on a journey through the beautiful and mysterious Appalachian mountains. The author's vivid descriptions of the setting truly transport the reader into this unique and enchanting world. The story follows the lives of two young siblings, Jason and Lurana, who reside in a small mountain community. Murfree skillfully portrays their everyday struggles and triumphs, allowing readers to form a deep connection with these well-developed characters. Despite their hardships, the siblings find solace and joy in their surroundings, with the ravine acting as a place of refuge and liberation. What sets this book apart is its exploration of themes such as love, family, and the resilience of the human spirit. Murfree delves into the complexities of these relationships, highlighting the sacrifices made for the ones we hold dear. Through her evocative prose, she captures the essence of familial bonds and the indomitable strength that resides within us all. One of the distinguishing aspects of Murfree's writing is her ability to weave folklore and mythology into the narrative seamlessly. The inclusion of these elements adds an air of mysticism and charm to the story, serving as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that thrives in these remote mountain communities. Furthermore, Murfree's attention to detail brings the landscape to life, engaging readers' senses and evoking a profound appreciation for the natural world. Her descriptive language allows one to almost feel the cool breeze drifting down the ravine, smell the scent of wildflowers in bloom, and hear the gentle whispers of the wind through the trees. While the pacing of the novel is at times slow, it ultimately works in favor of the story's overall atmosphere. Murfree's deliberate approach allows readers to savor every nuance and fully immerse themselves in this captivating world. The leisurely pace also emphasizes the importance of patience, a virtue that the characters themselves must cultivate in the face of adversity. In conclusion, Down the Ravine is a literary gem that transports readers to a world of natural beauty and timeless wonders. Mary Noailles Murfree's skillful storytelling, rich character development, and mesmerizing descriptions make this book a must-read for anyone seeking an escape to the Appalachian mountains. First Page: This Etext was produced by Les Bowler, St. Ives, Dorset. DOWN THE RAVINE BY CHARLES EGBERT CRADDOCK. CHAPTER I. The new moon, a gleaming scimitar, cleft the gauzy mists above a rugged spur of the Cumberland Mountains. The sky, still crimson and amber, stretched vast and lonely above the vast and lonely landscape. A fox was barking in the laurel. This was an imprudent proceeding on the part of the fox, considering the value of his head gear. A young mountaineer down the ravine was reminded, by the sharp, abrupt sound, of a premium offered by the State of Tennessee for the scalp and ears of the pestiferous red fox. All unconscious of the legislation of extermination, the animal sped nimbly along the ledge of a cliff, becoming visible from the ravine below, a tawny streak against the gray rock. Swift though he was, a jet of red light flashing out in the dusk was yet swifter. The echoing crags clamored with the report of a rifle. The tawny streak was suddenly still. Three boys appeared in the depths of the ravine and looked up. "Thar now! Ye can't git him off'n that thar ledge, Birt," said Tim Griggs. "The contrairy beastis couldn't hev fund a more ill convenient spot ter die of he hed sarched the mounting." "I ain't goin' ter leave him thar, though," stoutly declared the boy who still held the rifle... Continue reading book >>

Down the Ravine By: Mary Noailles Murfree (1850-1922)

Down the Ravine by Mary Noailles Murfree is a captivating work of literature that takes readers on a journey through the beautiful and mysterious Appalachian mountains. The author's vivid descriptions of the setting truly transport the reader into this unique and enchanting world.

The story follows the lives of two young siblings, Jason and Lurana, who reside in a small mountain community. Murfree skillfully portrays their everyday struggles and triumphs, allowing readers to form a deep connection with these well-developed characters. Despite their hardships, the siblings find solace and joy in their surroundings, with the ravine acting as a place of refuge and liberation.

What sets this book apart is its exploration of themes such as love, family, and the resilience of the human spirit. Murfree delves into the complexities of these relationships, highlighting the sacrifices made for the ones we hold dear. Through her evocative prose, she captures the essence of familial bonds and the indomitable strength that resides within us all.

One of the distinguishing aspects of Murfree's writing is her ability to weave folklore and mythology into the narrative seamlessly. The inclusion of these elements adds an air of mysticism and charm to the story, serving as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that thrives in these remote mountain communities.

Furthermore, Murfree's attention to detail brings the landscape to life, engaging readers' senses and evoking a profound appreciation for the natural world. Her descriptive language allows one to almost feel the cool breeze drifting down the ravine, smell the scent of wildflowers in bloom, and hear the gentle whispers of the wind through the trees.

While the pacing of the novel is at times slow, it ultimately works in favor of the story's overall atmosphere. Murfree's deliberate approach allows readers to savor every nuance and fully immerse themselves in this captivating world. The leisurely pace also emphasizes the importance of patience, a virtue that the characters themselves must cultivate in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Down the Ravine is a literary gem that transports readers to a world of natural beauty and timeless wonders. Mary Noailles Murfree's skillful storytelling, rich character development, and mesmerizing descriptions make this book a must-read for anyone seeking an escape to the Appalachian mountains.

First Page:

This Etext was produced by Les Bowler, St. Ives, Dorset.

DOWN THE RAVINE BY CHARLES EGBERT CRADDOCK.

CHAPTER I.

The new moon, a gleaming scimitar, cleft the gauzy mists above a rugged spur of the Cumberland Mountains. The sky, still crimson and amber, stretched vast and lonely above the vast and lonely landscape. A fox was barking in the laurel.

This was an imprudent proceeding on the part of the fox, considering the value of his head gear. A young mountaineer down the ravine was reminded, by the sharp, abrupt sound, of a premium offered by the State of Tennessee for the scalp and ears of the pestiferous red fox.

All unconscious of the legislation of extermination, the animal sped nimbly along the ledge of a cliff, becoming visible from the ravine below, a tawny streak against the gray rock. Swift though he was, a jet of red light flashing out in the dusk was yet swifter. The echoing crags clamored with the report of a rifle. The tawny streak was suddenly still. Three boys appeared in the depths of the ravine and looked up.

"Thar now! Ye can't git him off'n that thar ledge, Birt," said Tim Griggs. "The contrairy beastis couldn't hev fund a more ill convenient spot ter die of he hed sarched the mounting."

"I ain't goin' ter leave him thar, though," stoutly declared the boy who still held the rifle... Continue reading book >>

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Literature

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