The Heart of the Hills   By: John Fox (1863-1919)

The Heart of the Hills by John Fox is an enthralling novel set in the picturesque mountains of Kentucky. From the very first page, readers are transported into a world that is both enchanting and mysterious.

The story revolves around the lives of two individuals, Mary VanDyke and Wildwood Tolliver, who come from vastly different backgrounds. Mary is a refined city girl who has inherited a grand estate in the heart of the hills, while Wildwood is a rugged mountain man, known for his independence and resilience.

The author skillfully weaves together the lives of these two characters, painting a vivid portrait of the stark contrasts between urban and rural America at the turn of the century. Through his rich and evocative descriptions, readers can almost hear the rustling of leaves, smell the crisp mountain air, and feel the warmth of a crackling fire.

But beyond the beautiful setting, The Heart of the Hills delves into the deeper complexities of human relationships. As Mary and Wildwood are drawn together by circumstances beyond their control, they are forced to confront their own preconceptions and prejudices. This journey of self-discovery is a central theme throughout the novel, and John Fox handles it with great sensitivity and insight.

The characters in The Heart of the Hills are vibrant and believably flawed. Their emotional journeys are deeply affecting, and readers will find themselves rooting for their personal growth and happiness. Mary's transformation from a sheltered and privileged woman to someone who embraces the simplicity and beauty of the mountains is particularly compelling.

One aspect that sets this novel apart is Fox's mastery of dialect. Through his use of regional speech patterns and colloquialisms, he brings an authenticity to the dialogue that truly immerses readers in the world of the characters. This attention to detail creates a sense of genuine intimacy, allowing readers to connect with the story on a deeper level.

The Heart of the Hills is a beautifully written novel that captivates the imagination and touches the heart. John Fox's lyrical prose, coupled with his keen understanding of human nature, make this book a must-read for fans of literary fiction. It is a story of love, loss, and the transformative power of nature that will resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page.

First Page:

Each rose from a little log cabin clinging to the side of a little hollow at the head of a little creek. About each cabin was a rickety fence, a patch of garden, and a little cleared hill side, rocky, full of stumps, and crazily traced with thin green spears of corn. On one hill side a man was at work with a hoe, and on the other, over the spur, a boy both barefooted, and both in patched jean trousers upheld by a single suspender that made a wet line over a sweaty cotton shirt: the man, tall, lean, swarthy, grim; the boy grim and dark, too, and with a face that was prematurely aged... Continue reading book >>