A Pagan of the Hills By: Charles Neville Buck (1879-1930)
A Pagan of the Hills by Charles Neville Buck is a captivating and thought-provoking novel set in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. The author skillfully weaves together a tale of love, loss, and redemption against the backdrop of a community steeped in tradition and folklore. The story centers around the life of Jurn Shiner, a young man born into a family that has embraced their pagan beliefs for generations. Jurn's journey begins when he falls in love with Lucy Fur, a spirited and independent young woman from a different world. Their forbidden love sets the stage for an exploration of themes such as societal expectations, the clash of cultures, and the struggle between personal desires and familial duty. Buck's writing is evocative and richly descriptive, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the setting of the novel. The vivid portrayal of the hills, with its lush landscapes and mystical atmosphere, adds an element of enchantment to the story. The author's attention to detail is evident in his depiction of the pagan rituals and traditions practiced by Jurn's family and their fellow villagers, lending an air of authenticity to the narrative. Furthermore, the characters in this book are multi-dimensional and well-developed. Jurn's internal conflict between his love for Lucy and his loyalty to his family is deeply relatable, and his transformation throughout the story is both believable and satisfying. Lucy, on the other hand, represents courage and defiance, challenging societal norms and striving for her own independence. The secondary characters, such as Jurn's wise and enigmatic grandmother, add depth to the narrative and enhance the overall reading experience. While the pacing of the novel may be slow at times, it serves to mirror the unhurried rhythm of life in the hills. The exploration of pagan beliefs and customs may not appeal to all readers, but it adds a unique and intriguing layer to the narrative. Additionally, the themes of love, sacrifice, and the consequences of one's choices are universally resonant, making this book accessible to a wide range of readers. In conclusion, A Pagan of the Hills is a compelling and engaging novel that transports readers to an enchanting world filled with vivid characters and profound themes. Charles Neville Buck's masterful storytelling and evocative prose make this a book that will stay with readers long after they turn the last page. First Page: A PAGAN OF THE HILLS by CHARLES NEVILLE BUCK Author of "The Call of the Cumberlands," "The Battle Cry," "When Bearcat Went Dry," Etc., Etc. Frontispiece by George W. Gage [Frontispiece: Sometimes, in these days, she went to a crest from which the view reached far off for leagues over the valley.] New York W. J. Watt & Company Publishers Copyright, 1919, by W. J. Watt & Company A PAGAN OF THE HILLS CHAPTER I "It's plum amazin' ter heer ye norate thet ye've done been tradin' and hagglin' with old man McGivins long enough ter buy his logs offen him and yit ye hain't never met up with Alexander. I kain't hardly fathom hit noways." The shambling mountaineer stretched himself to his lean length of six feet two, and wagged an incredulous head. Out of pale eyes he studied the man before him until the newcomer from "down below" felt that, in the attitude, lay almost the force of rebuke. It was as though he stood self convicted of having visited Naples without seeing Vesuvius. "But I haven't been haggling with Mr. McGivins," he hastened to remonstrate. "On the contrary we have done business most amicably." The native of the tangled hills casually waved aside the distinction of terms as a triviality and went on: "I hain't nuver heered tell of no man's tradin' in these hyar Kentucky mountains without he haggled considerable... Continue reading book >>

A Pagan of the Hills By: Charles Neville Buck (1879-1930)

A Pagan of the Hills by Charles Neville Buck is a captivating and thought-provoking novel set in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. The author skillfully weaves together a tale of love, loss, and redemption against the backdrop of a community steeped in tradition and folklore.

The story centers around the life of Jurn Shiner, a young man born into a family that has embraced their pagan beliefs for generations. Jurn's journey begins when he falls in love with Lucy Fur, a spirited and independent young woman from a different world. Their forbidden love sets the stage for an exploration of themes such as societal expectations, the clash of cultures, and the struggle between personal desires and familial duty.

Buck's writing is evocative and richly descriptive, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the setting of the novel. The vivid portrayal of the hills, with its lush landscapes and mystical atmosphere, adds an element of enchantment to the story. The author's attention to detail is evident in his depiction of the pagan rituals and traditions practiced by Jurn's family and their fellow villagers, lending an air of authenticity to the narrative.

Furthermore, the characters in this book are multi-dimensional and well-developed. Jurn's internal conflict between his love for Lucy and his loyalty to his family is deeply relatable, and his transformation throughout the story is both believable and satisfying. Lucy, on the other hand, represents courage and defiance, challenging societal norms and striving for her own independence. The secondary characters, such as Jurn's wise and enigmatic grandmother, add depth to the narrative and enhance the overall reading experience.

While the pacing of the novel may be slow at times, it serves to mirror the unhurried rhythm of life in the hills. The exploration of pagan beliefs and customs may not appeal to all readers, but it adds a unique and intriguing layer to the narrative. Additionally, the themes of love, sacrifice, and the consequences of one's choices are universally resonant, making this book accessible to a wide range of readers.

In conclusion, A Pagan of the Hills is a compelling and engaging novel that transports readers to an enchanting world filled with vivid characters and profound themes. Charles Neville Buck's masterful storytelling and evocative prose make this a book that will stay with readers long after they turn the last page.

First Page:

A PAGAN OF THE HILLS

CHARLES NEVILLE BUCK

Author of

"The Call of the Cumberlands," "The Battle Cry," "When Bearcat Went Dry," Etc., Etc.

Frontispiece by George W. Gage

[Frontispiece: Sometimes, in these days, she went to a crest from which the view reached far off for leagues over the valley.]

New York W. J. Watt & Company Publishers Copyright, 1919, by W. J. Watt & Company

A PAGAN OF THE HILLS

CHAPTER I

"It's plum amazin' ter heer ye norate thet ye've done been tradin' and hagglin' with old man McGivins long enough ter buy his logs offen him and yit ye hain't never met up with Alexander. I kain't hardly fathom hit noways."

The shambling mountaineer stretched himself to his lean length of six feet two, and wagged an incredulous head. Out of pale eyes he studied the man before him until the newcomer from "down below" felt that, in the attitude, lay almost the force of rebuke. It was as though he stood self convicted of having visited Naples without seeing Vesuvius.

"But I haven't been haggling with Mr. McGivins," he hastened to remonstrate. "On the contrary we have done business most amicably."

The native of the tangled hills casually waved aside the distinction of terms as a triviality and went on: "I hain't nuver heered tell of no man's tradin' in these hyar Kentucky mountains without he haggled considerable... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

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