In a Hollow of the Hills By: Bret Harte (1836-1902)
In Bret Harte's gripping novel, readers are transported to the charming but treacherous Wild West, where the story unfolds in a small mining camp nestled in the hills. "In a Hollow of the Hills" takes us on a journey through the rugged landscapes of California during the gold rush era, revealing the complexities of human nature and the power of redemption. The book introduces us to Whisky Dick, a lovable and yet troubled character who has fallen victim to his own weaknesses. Harte masterfully portrays Whiskey Dick's internal struggle as he battles his addiction and grapples with his past choices. Through his vivid descriptions and character development, the author draws out empathy from readers, making Whisky Dick's redemption a deeply satisfying and emotional journey. The mining camp itself becomes a vibrant character in the book, serving as a microcosm of society. Harte effectively captures the spirit of the gold rush era, showcasing the hope, despair, and greed that permeate the lives of the camp's inhabitants. The author's attention to detail transports readers to the dusty streets of the camp, allowing them to experience the sights, sounds, and even the hardships of life in this frontier town. One of the book's greatest strengths lies in Harte's ability to create a diverse array of characters, each with their own unique stories and struggles. From the energetic and ambitious heroine, Jessie Carr, to the enigmatic and mysterious gambler, McGill, the cast of characters adds depth and complexity to the narrative. Harte skillfully weaves their stories together, creating a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences. The plot unfolds at a steady pace, blending moments of suspense, dramatic tension, and unexpected turns. Harte's narrative is both engaging and thought-provoking, evoking a range of emotions from the readers. As the story progresses, we are forced to confront the consequences of our actions and the potential for redemption in even the most flawed individuals. "In a Hollow of the Hills" is a timeless tale that delves into the depths of human nature, showcasing the power of second chances and the capacity for transformation. Bret Harte's beautiful prose and vivid descriptions bring the Wild West to life, painting a captivating picture of a bygone era. This book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those seeking a gripping, character-driven story that explores the complexities of the human soul. First Page: IN A HOLLOW OF THE HILLS by Bret Bret Harte CHAPTER I. It was very dark, and the wind was increasing. The last gust had been preceded by an ominous roaring down the whole mountain side, which continued for some time after the trees in the little valley had lapsed into silence. The air was filled with a faint, cool, sodden odor, as of stirred forest depths. In those intervals of silence the darkness seemed to increase in proportion and grow almost palpable. Yet out of this sightless and soundless void now came the tinkle of a spur's rowels, the dry crackling of saddle leathers, and the muffled plunge of a hoof in the thick carpet of dust and desiccated leaves. Then a voice, which in spite of its matter of fact reality the obscurity lent a certain mystery to, said: "I can't make out anything! Where the devil have we got to, anyway? It's as black as Tophet, here ahead!" "Strike a light and make a flare with something," returned a second voice. "Look where you're shoving to now keep your horse off, will ye." There was more muffled plunging, a silence, the rustle of paper, the quick spurt of a match, and then the uplifting of a flickering flame. But it revealed only the heads and shoulders of three horsemen, framed within a nebulous ring of light, that still left their horses and even their lower figures in impenetrable shadow... Continue reading book >>

In a Hollow of the Hills By: Bret Harte (1836-1902)

In Bret Harte's gripping novel, readers are transported to the charming but treacherous Wild West, where the story unfolds in a small mining camp nestled in the hills. "In a Hollow of the Hills" takes us on a journey through the rugged landscapes of California during the gold rush era, revealing the complexities of human nature and the power of redemption.

The book introduces us to Whisky Dick, a lovable and yet troubled character who has fallen victim to his own weaknesses. Harte masterfully portrays Whiskey Dick's internal struggle as he battles his addiction and grapples with his past choices. Through his vivid descriptions and character development, the author draws out empathy from readers, making Whisky Dick's redemption a deeply satisfying and emotional journey.

The mining camp itself becomes a vibrant character in the book, serving as a microcosm of society. Harte effectively captures the spirit of the gold rush era, showcasing the hope, despair, and greed that permeate the lives of the camp's inhabitants. The author's attention to detail transports readers to the dusty streets of the camp, allowing them to experience the sights, sounds, and even the hardships of life in this frontier town.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in Harte's ability to create a diverse array of characters, each with their own unique stories and struggles. From the energetic and ambitious heroine, Jessie Carr, to the enigmatic and mysterious gambler, McGill, the cast of characters adds depth and complexity to the narrative. Harte skillfully weaves their stories together, creating a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences.

The plot unfolds at a steady pace, blending moments of suspense, dramatic tension, and unexpected turns. Harte's narrative is both engaging and thought-provoking, evoking a range of emotions from the readers. As the story progresses, we are forced to confront the consequences of our actions and the potential for redemption in even the most flawed individuals.

"In a Hollow of the Hills" is a timeless tale that delves into the depths of human nature, showcasing the power of second chances and the capacity for transformation. Bret Harte's beautiful prose and vivid descriptions bring the Wild West to life, painting a captivating picture of a bygone era. This book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those seeking a gripping, character-driven story that explores the complexities of the human soul.

First Page:

IN A HOLLOW OF THE HILLS

Bret Bret Harte

CHAPTER I.

It was very dark, and the wind was increasing. The last gust had been preceded by an ominous roaring down the whole mountain side, which continued for some time after the trees in the little valley had lapsed into silence. The air was filled with a faint, cool, sodden odor, as of stirred forest depths. In those intervals of silence the darkness seemed to increase in proportion and grow almost palpable. Yet out of this sightless and soundless void now came the tinkle of a spur's rowels, the dry crackling of saddle leathers, and the muffled plunge of a hoof in the thick carpet of dust and desiccated leaves. Then a voice, which in spite of its matter of fact reality the obscurity lent a certain mystery to, said:

"I can't make out anything! Where the devil have we got to, anyway? It's as black as Tophet, here ahead!"

"Strike a light and make a flare with something," returned a second voice. "Look where you're shoving to now keep your horse off, will ye."

There was more muffled plunging, a silence, the rustle of paper, the quick spurt of a match, and then the uplifting of a flickering flame. But it revealed only the heads and shoulders of three horsemen, framed within a nebulous ring of light, that still left their horses and even their lower figures in impenetrable shadow... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature
Westerns

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Wikipedia – Bret Harte
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