'way down in Lonesome Cove 1895

"'way down in Lonesome Cove" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in the secluded setting of Lonesome Cove, portraying the rugged lives of the mountaineers through the lens of the main character, Tobe Gryce, who serves as the county ranger. The book explores themes of community, struggle, and the complexities of human relationships in a remote and often harsh environment. The narrative revolves around Tobe Gryce, a tough and somewhat gruff ranger, whose life takes a tumultuous turn following a fire that destroys the local courthouse, along with essential records, including the stray book that lists lost or found livestock. Amid mounting tensions regarding a black mare, rumored to belong to Luke Todd, old rivalries come to the forefront, testing Tobe's character and placing his family at risk. His wife, Eugenia, showcases resilience and support throughout the turmoil, even as gossip and suspicion surround her husband. As threads of jealousy and deceit weave through the community, a dramatic climax emerges on Christmas Eve, ultimately leading to redemption and reconciliation among the characters, emphasizing themes of loyalty, trust, and the significance of compassion amidst conflict. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Mary Noailles Murfree was an American author of novels and short stories who wrote under the pen name Charles Egbert Craddock. She is considered by many to be Appalachia's first significant female writer and her work a necessity for the study of Appalachian literature, although a number of characters in her work reinforce negative stereotypes about the region. She has been favorably compared to Bret Harte and Sarah Orne Jewett, creating post-Civil War American local-color literature.