John Ehle vangt meesterlijk de ruige schoonheid en de complexe levens van de bewoners van de bergen van North Carolina, een landschap dat als achtergrond dient voor een groot deel van zijn fictie. Zijn werken duiken diep in de menselijke geest en verkennen thema's als traditie, veerkracht en onverzettelijke wil. Ehles stijl wordt gekenmerkt door zijn sterke personages en meeslepende verhalen die lezers naar zijn levendig weergegeven werelden trekken. Zijn schrijven biedt een essentieel inkijkje in het hart van het landelijke Amerikaanse leven en biedt diepgaande inzichten in geïsoleerde gemeenschappen.
Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression in Asheville, North Carolina, the narrative follows the King family, whose success as merchants is challenged by the harsh realities of trading and competition. Themes of greed, love, and power intertwine as the family's ambitions are tested. Originally published in 1961, this book is the sixth installment in John Ehle's Appalachian series, which explores the complexities of life in the region through interconnected stories.
Set in a small mountain community during late autumn, the story follows Collie Wright, who lives alone with her baby. When she spots a man approaching her cabin, she instinctively prepares for danger. However, her fears are alleviated when she discovers he is merely a lost traveler accompanied by his young daughter. This encounter sets the stage for unexpected connections and the exploration of themes such as isolation and the bonds of parenthood.
Set deep in the Appalachian wilderness between the years of 1779 and 1784, The Land Breakers is a saga like the Norse sagas or the book of Genesis, a story of first and last things, of the violence of birth and death, of inescapable sacrifice and the faltering emergence of community. Mooney and Imy Wright, twenty-one, former indentured servants, long habituated to backbreaking work but not long married, are traveling west. They arrive in a no-account settlement in North Carolina and, on impulse, part with all their savings to acquire a patch of land high in the mountains. With a little livestock and a handful of crude tools, they enter the mountain world—one of transcendent beauty and cruel necessity—and begin to make a world of their own. Mooney and Imy are the first to confront an unsettled country that is sometimes paradise and sometimes hell. They will soon be followed by others. John Ehle is a master of the American language. He has an ear for dialogue and an eye for nature and a grasp of character that have established The Land Breakers as one of the great fictional reckonings with the making of America.
Set against the backdrop of the 1963-64 civil rights protests in Chapel Hill, NC, this narrative follows the journeys of young activists from diverse backgrounds. Key figures include John Dunne and Pat Cusick, both UNC-Chapel Hill students, alongside Quinton Baker from North Carolina College. The book, originally published in 1965, explores their dedication and challenges during a pivotal time in history. Now reissued by Press 53, it features a new Afterword by journalist Wayne King, reflecting on its enduring significance.
Set against the backdrop of former Cherokee hunting grounds, the narrative weaves a poignant tragedy steeped in historical detail. The author, John Ehle, a sixth-generation North Carolinian, draws on his deep roots and extensive research to craft a compelling story that reflects the complexities of the region's past. His acclaimed writing offers a unique perspective on the intertwining of personal and cultural histories.
Set against the backdrop of Western North Carolina, this novel concludes the King family's journey from early settlement in 1779 through the struggles of the Great Depression. Renowned for his historical fiction, John Ehle captures the essence of Appalachian life with rich detail, vibrant language, and well-crafted characters. The narrative blends humor and warmth, showcasing the resilience and spirit of the family, making it a poignant and memorable read.
The narrative explores personal and social struggles, offering a groundbreaking portrayal of African-Americans without stereotypes, a notable achievement for its time. Initially published in 1957, it garnered acclaim from major publications but faced rejection from segregated bookstores. The author, John Ehle, demonstrated profound knowledge of his subject matter and a remarkable writing technique for a debut novelist, as noted by the New York Times. The book saw limited availability, with only one US printing before its release in London.
Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, this novel explores the complexities of loyalty and the brutal realities of conflict through the lens of the Wright family saga. John Ehle's narrative delves into the personal struggles of men caught in a tumultuous era, providing a gritty portrayal of war that resonates with authenticity. As the third installment in a seven-book Appalachian series, it builds upon the themes established in The Land Breakers, promising to evolve into a significant fictional chronicle of American history.
Discovering Analees Williamsburg, a fifteen-year-old runaway slave in 1810, August King faces a moral dilemma in which he must decide between turning the girl in for a reward or risking his life to help her. Reprint. Movie tie-in.
