The Moonshiners At Hoho-Hebee Falls 1895   By: Mary Noailles Murfree (1850-1922)

The Moonshiners At Hoho-Hebee Falls 1895 by Mary Noailles Murfree is an enchanting tale set in the rugged Appalachian mountains of the late 19th century. The story follows the lives of a group of moonshiners residing near the fictional Hoho-Hebee Falls, renowned for its breathtaking beauty and treacherous paths.

Murfree's vivid and descriptive writing transports readers to a bygone era, capturing the essence of the Appalachian way of life with remarkable authenticity. Through her skilled storytelling, the author brings to life a colorful cast of characters, each with their own quirks and secrets. From the cunning old moonshiner to the vibrant widow with a mysterious past, the residents of Hoho-Hebee Falls are complex and relatable, making the readers invested in their triumphs and tribulations.

At the heart of the narrative lies the age-old conflict between law enforcement and the moonshiners. Murfree skillfully navigates this theme, exploring the dynamics between the two groups with nuance and sensitivity. The tension that builds up throughout the story keeps readers on the edge of their seats, wondering how the clash between these opposing forces will ultimately unfold.

Moreover, Murfree's ability to depict the breathtaking beauty of the Appalachian landscape is truly remarkable. From the dense forests to the majestic waterfalls, her lyrical prose paints a vivid picture of the untamed wilderness, enticing readers to explore this captivating world alongside the characters. The setting becomes almost a character in itself, impacting the decisions and actions of those who inhabit it.

While the plot is intriguing and keeps readers engaged, there are moments where the pacing falters slightly. Some scenes feel drawn out and could benefit from tighter editing. Nonetheless, the strength of Murfree's characterization and her ability to create a rich sense of place compensate for these minor shortcomings.

The Moonshiners At Hoho-Hebee Falls 1895 is a captivating tale that combines adventure, mystery, and an exploration of human nature with a deep appreciation for the beauty of the Appalachian region. Mary Noailles Murfree's elegant prose and profound understanding of her characters make this book a worthwhile read for anyone seeking a glimpse into a forgotten era of American history.

First Page:

If the mission of the little school house in Holly Cove was to impress upon the youthful mind a comprehension and appreciation of the eternal verities of nature, its site could hardly have been better chosen. All along the eastern horizon deployed the endless files of the Great Smoky Mountains blue and sunlit, with now and again the apparition of an unfamiliar peak, hovering like a straggler in the far distant rear, and made visible for the nonce by some exceptional clarification of the atmosphere; or lowering, gray, stern; or with ranks of clouds hanging on their flanks, while all the artillery of heaven whirled about them, and the whole world quaked beneath the flash and roar of its volleys. The seasons successively painted the great landscape spring, with its timorous touch, its illumined haze, its tender, tentative green and gray and yellow; summer, with its flush of completion, its deep, luscious, definite verdure, and the golden richness of fruition; autumn, with a full brush and all chromatic splendors; winter, in melancholy sepia tones, black and brown and many sad variations of the pallors of white. So high was the little structure on the side of a transverse ridge that it commanded a vast field of sky above the wooded ranges; and in the immediate foreground, down between the slopes which were cleft to the heart, was the river, resplendent with the reflected moods of the heavens... Continue reading book >>