The Barrier By: Rex Ellingwood Beach (1877-1949)
In Rex Ellingwood Beach's novel, The Barrier, readers are transported to the remote and treacherous Alaskan wilderness, where a relentless struggle between man and nature unfolds. Set during the Klondike Gold Rush, the story follows the incredible journey of a group of prospectors who venture into the Alaskan interior in search of riches. Led by the charismatic and determined Basil Duke Lee, this diverse group of men faces not only the raw power of nature but also the inherent dangers associated with the harsh climate. Throughout the novel, Beach skillfully depicts the unforgiving landscapes, giving readers a vivid sense of the overwhelming isolation and constant threat of death that hovers over the characters. The author's descriptions of the icy rivers, dense forests, and towering mountains create an almost palpable atmosphere of tension, effectively immersing the reader in this cruel and unfathomable frontier. However, what truly stands out in The Barrier is Beach's portrayal of the intricate dynamics between the characters. Lee's leadership and unwavering determination to protect his men form the backbone of the narrative. Each character brings their unique strengths and flaws to the table, and their conflicts add a layer of depth and complexity to the story. From the enigmatic and brooding mountaineer, Steve Jarrott, to the reckless gambler, Matthew Edge, the interactions and evolving relationships between the men showcase the complexities of human nature when pushed to the limit. Beach's writing style is at times meticulous, taking the time to delve into minute details to enhance the reader's understanding of the characters and their surroundings. While this attention to detail allows the reader to feel fully immersed in the world of The Barrier, it may occasionally slow down the pace of the story. With its mix of adventure, survival, and intricate character dynamics, The Barrier is a thrilling and engaging tale that captures the essence of the Alaskan wilderness and the relentless struggle between man and nature. Rex Ellingwood Beach has created a harrowing and compelling narrative that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. First Page: THE BARRIER BY REX BEACH AUTHOR OF "THE SPOILERS" ILLUSTRATED BY DENMAN FINK CONTENTS I. THE LAST FRONTIER II. POLEON DORET'S HAND IS QUICKER THAN HIS TONGUE III. WITHOUT BENEFIT OF CLERGY IV. THE SOLDIER FINDS AN UNTRODDEN VALLEY V. A STORY IS BEGUN VI. THE BURRELL CODE VII. THE MAGIC OF BEN STARK VIII. THE KNIFE IX. THE AWAKENING X. MEADE BURRELL FINDS A PATH IN THE MOONLIGHT XI. WHERE THE PATH LED XII. A TANGLED SKEIN XIII. STARK TAKES A HAND IN THE GAME XIV. A MYSTERY IS UNRAVELLED XV. AND A KNOT TIGHTENED XVI. JOHN GALE'S HOUR XVII. THE LOVE OF POLEON DORET XVIII. RUNNION FINDS THE SINGING PEOPLE XIX. THE CALL OF THE OREADS ILLUSTRATIONS "GREAT LOVELY DOVE!" EJACULATED BURRELL, FERVENTLY ... WONDERING IF THIS GLORIOUS THING COULD BE THE QUAINT HALF BREED GIRL OF YESTERDAY "I MISSED YOU DREADFULLY, DADDY," SAID NECIA. "THERE WASN'T ANY FUN IN THINGS WITHOUT YOU" POLEON FOLLOWED HER WITH HIS EYES. "AN' DAT'S DE END OF IT ALL," HE MUSED. "FIVE YEAR I'VE WAIT AN' JUS' FOR DIS" "LET ME OUT OF HERE!" THE GIRL DEMANDED, IMPERIOUSLY THE COMBATANTS WERE DRAGGED APART ... "I GOT YOU, BENNETT!" CRIED THE TRADER, HOARSELY. "YOUR MAGIC IS NO GOOD" NECIA SAW RUNNION RAISE HIS GUN, AND WITHOUT THOUGHT OF HER OWN SAFETY, THREW HERSELF UPON HIM THE BARRIER CHAPTER I THE LAST FRONTIER Many men were in debt to the trader at Flambeau, and many counted him as a friend... Continue reading book >>

The Barrier By: Rex Ellingwood Beach (1877-1949)

In Rex Ellingwood Beach's novel, The Barrier, readers are transported to the remote and treacherous Alaskan wilderness, where a relentless struggle between man and nature unfolds.

Set during the Klondike Gold Rush, the story follows the incredible journey of a group of prospectors who venture into the Alaskan interior in search of riches. Led by the charismatic and determined Basil Duke Lee, this diverse group of men faces not only the raw power of nature but also the inherent dangers associated with the harsh climate.

Throughout the novel, Beach skillfully depicts the unforgiving landscapes, giving readers a vivid sense of the overwhelming isolation and constant threat of death that hovers over the characters. The author's descriptions of the icy rivers, dense forests, and towering mountains create an almost palpable atmosphere of tension, effectively immersing the reader in this cruel and unfathomable frontier.

However, what truly stands out in The Barrier is Beach's portrayal of the intricate dynamics between the characters. Lee's leadership and unwavering determination to protect his men form the backbone of the narrative. Each character brings their unique strengths and flaws to the table, and their conflicts add a layer of depth and complexity to the story. From the enigmatic and brooding mountaineer, Steve Jarrott, to the reckless gambler, Matthew Edge, the interactions and evolving relationships between the men showcase the complexities of human nature when pushed to the limit.

Beach's writing style is at times meticulous, taking the time to delve into minute details to enhance the reader's understanding of the characters and their surroundings. While this attention to detail allows the reader to feel fully immersed in the world of The Barrier, it may occasionally slow down the pace of the story.

With its mix of adventure, survival, and intricate character dynamics, The Barrier is a thrilling and engaging tale that captures the essence of the Alaskan wilderness and the relentless struggle between man and nature. Rex Ellingwood Beach has created a harrowing and compelling narrative that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

First Page:

THE BARRIER

REX BEACH

AUTHOR OF "THE SPOILERS"

ILLUSTRATED BY DENMAN FINK

CONTENTS

I. THE LAST FRONTIER II. POLEON DORET'S HAND IS QUICKER THAN HIS TONGUE III. WITHOUT BENEFIT OF CLERGY IV. THE SOLDIER FINDS AN UNTRODDEN VALLEY V. A STORY IS BEGUN VI. THE BURRELL CODE VII. THE MAGIC OF BEN STARK VIII. THE KNIFE IX. THE AWAKENING X. MEADE BURRELL FINDS A PATH IN THE MOONLIGHT XI. WHERE THE PATH LED XII. A TANGLED SKEIN XIII. STARK TAKES A HAND IN THE GAME XIV. A MYSTERY IS UNRAVELLED XV. AND A KNOT TIGHTENED XVI. JOHN GALE'S HOUR XVII. THE LOVE OF POLEON DORET XVIII. RUNNION FINDS THE SINGING PEOPLE XIX. THE CALL OF THE OREADS

ILLUSTRATIONS

"GREAT LOVELY DOVE!" EJACULATED BURRELL, FERVENTLY ... WONDERING IF THIS GLORIOUS THING COULD BE THE QUAINT HALF BREED GIRL OF YESTERDAY

"I MISSED YOU DREADFULLY, DADDY," SAID NECIA. "THERE WASN'T ANY FUN IN THINGS WITHOUT YOU"

POLEON FOLLOWED HER WITH HIS EYES. "AN' DAT'S DE END OF IT ALL," HE MUSED. "FIVE YEAR I'VE WAIT AN' JUS' FOR DIS"

"LET ME OUT OF HERE!" THE GIRL DEMANDED, IMPERIOUSLY

THE COMBATANTS WERE DRAGGED APART ... "I GOT YOU, BENNETT!" CRIED THE TRADER, HOARSELY. "YOUR MAGIC IS NO GOOD"

NECIA SAW RUNNION RAISE HIS GUN, AND WITHOUT THOUGHT OF HER OWN SAFETY, THREW HERSELF UPON HIM

THE BARRIER

CHAPTER I

THE LAST FRONTIER

Many men were in debt to the trader at Flambeau, and many counted him as a friend... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Westerns

eBook links
Wikipedia – Rex Ellingwood Beach
Wikipedia – The Barrier

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