Una Of The Hill Country 1911 By: Mary Noailles Murfree (1850-1922)
Una of the Hill Country is a captivating tale set in the rural mountains of Tennessee in the early 1900s. Written by Mary Noailles Murfree, this novel delves into the lives of the Hill people, portraying their struggles, traditions, and a young girl's coming of age. The story revolves around Una, a young and spirited girl who grows up in the secluded Hill Country. As the daughter of a respected but impoverished family, Una experiences the constraints of her surroundings. She witnesses the harsh realities of a remote community, where poverty, lawlessness, and generational feuds color their existence. Despite the challenges, Una possesses a resilience and strength of character that shines throughout the narrative. She navigates the complexities of her community, forging her path while defying societal norms. Her courage and determination make her an endearing and relatable protagonist, capturing the readers' hearts. As Una's story unfolds, Murfree paints a vivid picture of life in the Tennessee mountains, immersing readers in the natural beauty and ruggedness of the landscape. The author's descriptive prose brings the surroundings to life, allowing readers to visualize the vastness of the hills and the simplicity of Hill Country life. Murfree's attention to detail extends beyond the landscape, as she masterfully describes the customs, dialect, and traditions of the Hill people. The rich characterization of supporting characters adds depth to the narrative, depicting a diverse cast of individuals with their own struggles and triumphs. One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of societal themes. Murfree seamlessly weaves in commentary on poverty, gender roles, and the clash between progress and tradition. Through Una's experiences, readers gain a profound understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities during the time period, such as the impact of modernization and the struggle to maintain their way of life. While the pacing of the story is generally steady, there are moments when the narrative feels somewhat slow. However, this more deliberate pace allows for deeper character development and the exploration of intricate relationships within the community. Una of the Hill Country offers a unique glimpse into a forgotten era, shedding light on the lives of those living in remote American regions. Mary Noailles Murfree's detailed descriptions and compelling storytelling make for an immersive reading experience. Readers interested in historical fiction, coming-of-age tales, and stories with strong female protagonists will find this book to be an enjoyable and enlightening read. First Page: UNA OF THE HILL COUNTRY By Charles Egbert Craddock 1911 The old sawmill on Headlong Creek at the water gap of Chilhowee Mountain was silent and still one day, its habit of industry suggested only in the ample expanse of sawdust spread thickly over a level open space in the woods hard by, to serve as footing for the "bran dance" that had been so long heralded and that was destined to end so strangely. A barbecue had added its attractions, unrivalled in the estimation of the rustic epicure, but even while the shoats, with the delectable flavor imparted by underground roasting and browned to a turn, were under discussion by the elder men and the sun bonneted matrons on a shady slope near the mill, where tablecloths had been spread beside a crystal spring, the dance went ceaselessly on, as if the flying figures were insensible of fatigue, impervious to hunger, immune from heat. Indeed the youths and maidens of the contiguous coves and ridges had rarely so eligible an opportunity, for it is one of the accepted tenets of the rural religionist that dancing in itself is a deadly sin, and all the pulpits of the countryside had joined in fulminations against it Nothing less than a political necessity had compassed this joyous occasion. It was said to have been devised by the "machine" to draw together the largest possible crowd, that certain candidates might present their views on burning questions of more than local importance, in order to secure vigorous and concerted action at the polls in the luke warm rural districts when these measures should go before the people, in the person of their advocates, at the approaching primary elections... Continue reading book >>

Una Of The Hill Country 1911 By: Mary Noailles Murfree (1850-1922)

Una of the Hill Country is a captivating tale set in the rural mountains of Tennessee in the early 1900s. Written by Mary Noailles Murfree, this novel delves into the lives of the Hill people, portraying their struggles, traditions, and a young girl's coming of age.

The story revolves around Una, a young and spirited girl who grows up in the secluded Hill Country. As the daughter of a respected but impoverished family, Una experiences the constraints of her surroundings. She witnesses the harsh realities of a remote community, where poverty, lawlessness, and generational feuds color their existence.

Despite the challenges, Una possesses a resilience and strength of character that shines throughout the narrative. She navigates the complexities of her community, forging her path while defying societal norms. Her courage and determination make her an endearing and relatable protagonist, capturing the readers' hearts.

As Una's story unfolds, Murfree paints a vivid picture of life in the Tennessee mountains, immersing readers in the natural beauty and ruggedness of the landscape. The author's descriptive prose brings the surroundings to life, allowing readers to visualize the vastness of the hills and the simplicity of Hill Country life.

Murfree's attention to detail extends beyond the landscape, as she masterfully describes the customs, dialect, and traditions of the Hill people. The rich characterization of supporting characters adds depth to the narrative, depicting a diverse cast of individuals with their own struggles and triumphs.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of societal themes. Murfree seamlessly weaves in commentary on poverty, gender roles, and the clash between progress and tradition. Through Una's experiences, readers gain a profound understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities during the time period, such as the impact of modernization and the struggle to maintain their way of life.

While the pacing of the story is generally steady, there are moments when the narrative feels somewhat slow. However, this more deliberate pace allows for deeper character development and the exploration of intricate relationships within the community.

Una of the Hill Country offers a unique glimpse into a forgotten era, shedding light on the lives of those living in remote American regions. Mary Noailles Murfree's detailed descriptions and compelling storytelling make for an immersive reading experience. Readers interested in historical fiction, coming-of-age tales, and stories with strong female protagonists will find this book to be an enjoyable and enlightening read.

First Page:

UNA OF THE HILL COUNTRY

By Charles Egbert Craddock

1911

The old sawmill on Headlong Creek at the water gap of Chilhowee Mountain was silent and still one day, its habit of industry suggested only in the ample expanse of sawdust spread thickly over a level open space in the woods hard by, to serve as footing for the "bran dance" that had been so long heralded and that was destined to end so strangely.

A barbecue had added its attractions, unrivalled in the estimation of the rustic epicure, but even while the shoats, with the delectable flavor imparted by underground roasting and browned to a turn, were under discussion by the elder men and the sun bonneted matrons on a shady slope near the mill, where tablecloths had been spread beside a crystal spring, the dance went ceaselessly on, as if the flying figures were insensible of fatigue, impervious to hunger, immune from heat.

Indeed the youths and maidens of the contiguous coves and ridges had rarely so eligible an opportunity, for it is one of the accepted tenets of the rural religionist that dancing in itself is a deadly sin, and all the pulpits of the countryside had joined in fulminations against it Nothing less than a political necessity had compassed this joyous occasion. It was said to have been devised by the "machine" to draw together the largest possible crowd, that certain candidates might present their views on burning questions of more than local importance, in order to secure vigorous and concerted action at the polls in the luke warm rural districts when these measures should go before the people, in the person of their advocates, at the approaching primary elections... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature
Short stories

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Wikipedia – Mary Noailles Murfree
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