Old Caravan Days By: Mary Hartwell Catherwood (1847-1902)
Old Caravan Days by Mary Hartwell Catherwood is a captivating historical fiction novel that takes readers on a journey through the forgotten world of the Latin Quarter in old St. Louis. Set in the early 19th century, this book brings to life the adventurous spirit and vibrant atmosphere of a bygone era. The story revolves around Pierre Baron and his beloved caravan, which holds the key to memories of his gypsy upbringing. When Pierre falls in love with the spirited and independent Claire Fontaine, their lives become intertwined, and together they set off on a dangerous quest to uncover the secrets of his caravan's past. Catherwood's writing style is rich in detail and paints a vivid picture of the bustling streets, the grand houses, and the lively characters that inhabit this world. The author masterfully weaves together historical events with fictional elements, creating a seamless narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The characters in Old Caravan Days are both complex and relatable. Pierre is a compelling protagonist, torn between his desire for adventure and the stability of a settled life. Claire, on the other hand, is a strong-willed and independent woman ahead of her time. Their dynamic is filled with tension and passion, making their love story all the more intriguing. One of the highlights of this novel is Catherwood's impeccable attention to historical accuracy. Through her meticulous research, she brings to life the customs, traditions, and social dynamics of the time period. Readers will find themselves immersed in the colorful world of the Latin Quarter, as they witness the clash of cultures and the struggles of those living on the fringes of society. While the pacing of the story might seem slow at times, Catherwood's beautiful prose and thorough character development make up for it. Her descriptive language and vivid imagery transport readers back in time and offer a unique glimpse into a forgotten era. Old Caravan Days is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those who enjoy a well-crafted love story with a touch of adventure. Mary Hartwell Catherwood's writing is captivating, her characters are memorable, and her attention to detail is commendable. This novel is a true gem that deserves a place on every book lover's shelf. First Page: OLD CARAVAN DAYS BY MARY HARTWELL CATHERWOOD CONTENTS. I. THE START II. THE LITTLE OLD MAN WITH A BAG ON HIS BACK III. THE TAVERN IV. THE SUSAN HOUSE V. THE SUSAN HOUSE CELLAR VI. MR. MATTHEWS VII. ZENE'S MAN AND WOMAN VIII. LITTLE ANT RED AND BIG ANT BLACK IX. THE GREAT CAMP MEETING X. THE CRY OF A CHILD IN THE NIGHT XI. THE DARKENED WAGON XII. JONATHAN AND THRUSTY ELLEN XIII. FAIRY CARRIE AND THE PIG HEADED MAN XIV. SEARCHING XV. THE SPROUTING XVI. THE MINSTREL XVII. THE HOUSE WITH LOG STEPS XVIII. "COME TO MAMMA!" XIX. FAIRY CARRIE DEPARTS XX. SUNDAY ON THE ROAD XXI. HER MOTHER ARRIVES XXII. A COUNTRY SUNDAY SCHOOL XXIII. FORWARD XXIV. THE TOLL WOMAN XXV. THE ROBBERS XXVI. THE FAIR AND THE FIERCE BANDIT XXVII. A NIGHT PICTURE OF HOME OLD CARAVAN DAYS. CHAPTER I. THE START. In the year eighteen hundred and fifty seven, on the fifth day of June, the Padgett carriage horses faced the west, and their mistress gathered the lines into her mitted hands. The moving wagon was ready in front of the carriage. It was to be driven by Zene, the lame hired man. Zene was taking a last drink from that well at the edge of the garden, which lay so deep that your face looked like a star in it... Continue reading book >>

Old Caravan Days By: Mary Hartwell Catherwood (1847-1902)

Old Caravan Days by Mary Hartwell Catherwood is a captivating historical fiction novel that takes readers on a journey through the forgotten world of the Latin Quarter in old St. Louis. Set in the early 19th century, this book brings to life the adventurous spirit and vibrant atmosphere of a bygone era.

The story revolves around Pierre Baron and his beloved caravan, which holds the key to memories of his gypsy upbringing. When Pierre falls in love with the spirited and independent Claire Fontaine, their lives become intertwined, and together they set off on a dangerous quest to uncover the secrets of his caravan's past.

Catherwood's writing style is rich in detail and paints a vivid picture of the bustling streets, the grand houses, and the lively characters that inhabit this world. The author masterfully weaves together historical events with fictional elements, creating a seamless narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

The characters in Old Caravan Days are both complex and relatable. Pierre is a compelling protagonist, torn between his desire for adventure and the stability of a settled life. Claire, on the other hand, is a strong-willed and independent woman ahead of her time. Their dynamic is filled with tension and passion, making their love story all the more intriguing.

One of the highlights of this novel is Catherwood's impeccable attention to historical accuracy. Through her meticulous research, she brings to life the customs, traditions, and social dynamics of the time period. Readers will find themselves immersed in the colorful world of the Latin Quarter, as they witness the clash of cultures and the struggles of those living on the fringes of society.

While the pacing of the story might seem slow at times, Catherwood's beautiful prose and thorough character development make up for it. Her descriptive language and vivid imagery transport readers back in time and offer a unique glimpse into a forgotten era.

Old Caravan Days is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those who enjoy a well-crafted love story with a touch of adventure. Mary Hartwell Catherwood's writing is captivating, her characters are memorable, and her attention to detail is commendable. This novel is a true gem that deserves a place on every book lover's shelf.

First Page:

OLD CARAVAN DAYS

MARY HARTWELL CATHERWOOD

CONTENTS.

I. THE START

II. THE LITTLE OLD MAN WITH A BAG ON HIS BACK

III. THE TAVERN

IV. THE SUSAN HOUSE

V. THE SUSAN HOUSE CELLAR

VI. MR. MATTHEWS

VII. ZENE'S MAN AND WOMAN

VIII. LITTLE ANT RED AND BIG ANT BLACK

IX. THE GREAT CAMP MEETING

X. THE CRY OF A CHILD IN THE NIGHT

XI. THE DARKENED WAGON

XII. JONATHAN AND THRUSTY ELLEN

XIII. FAIRY CARRIE AND THE PIG HEADED MAN

XIV. SEARCHING

XV. THE SPROUTING

XVI. THE MINSTREL

XVII. THE HOUSE WITH LOG STEPS

XVIII. "COME TO MAMMA!"

XIX. FAIRY CARRIE DEPARTS

XX. SUNDAY ON THE ROAD

XXI. HER MOTHER ARRIVES

XXII. A COUNTRY SUNDAY SCHOOL

XXIII. FORWARD

XXIV. THE TOLL WOMAN

XXV. THE ROBBERS

XXVI. THE FAIR AND THE FIERCE BANDIT

XXVII. A NIGHT PICTURE OF HOME

OLD CARAVAN DAYS.

CHAPTER I.

THE START.

In the year eighteen hundred and fifty seven, on the fifth day of June, the Padgett carriage horses faced the west, and their mistress gathered the lines into her mitted hands.

The moving wagon was ready in front of the carriage. It was to be driven by Zene, the lame hired man. Zene was taking a last drink from that well at the edge of the garden, which lay so deep that your face looked like a star in it... Continue reading book >>

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