Wild Oranges By: Joseph Hergesheimer (1880-1954)
Wild Oranges by Joseph Hergesheimer is a captivating novel that takes readers on an entrancing journey into the depths of Florida's wild landscape. Set in the early 20th century, this book delves into the life of the protagonist, a young man named John who finds himself entangled in a series of exhilarating and unpredictable events. From the very beginning, Hergesheimer's stunning prose transports readers to a time and place where untamed nature and human desires collide. The author skillfully paints vivid pictures of Florida's enchanting scenery, using lush descriptions that ignite the senses and evoke a strong sense of place. With every page, readers can imagine themselves amidst the wild oranges and thick foliage, feeling the humidity and hearing the sounds of the swamps and rivers. The character development in this novel is truly exceptional. John, in particular, undergoes a profound transformation as he confronts his own inner conflicts and navigates a world filled with complex individuals. Hergesheimer's exploration of John's growth is truly captivating, as readers witness his evolution from a somewhat reserved young man to someone who is willing to embrace life's uncertainties and confront his own desires. Another striking aspect of the novel is its ability to examine the complexities of human relationships. Hergesheimer delves into themes of love, friendship, and betrayal with finesse, expertly capturing the intricacies of human emotions. The various characters in Wild Oranges are multi-dimensional and intriguing, each with their own flaws and motivations that add depth and richness to the story. The pacing of the book is steady, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the narrative without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Hergesheimer's prose flows effortlessly, making the story engrossing and easy to follow. Additionally, the plot twists and turns add a layer of suspense, keeping readers engaged and eager to discover what lies ahead. While some readers may find the ending open-ended, the ambiguity serves a purpose, leaving room for personal interpretation and reflection. This open-endedness also aligns with the overall theme of embracing the unpredictable nature of life. In conclusion, Wild Oranges is a masterfully written novel that showcases Hergesheimer's talent for storytelling. Through his beautiful prose, well-developed characters, and exploration of human emotions, the author transports readers to a bygone era and immerses them in a world that is both captivating and thought-provoking. First Page: WILD ORANGES WILD ORANGES BY JOSEPH HERGESHEIMER ILLUSTRATED WITH SCENES FROM KING VIDOR'S PHOTOPLAY A GOLDWYN PICTURE GROSSET & DUNLAP PUBLISHERS NEW YORK Made in the United States of America COPYRIGHT, 1918, BY ALFRED A. KNOPF, Inc. Published, April, 1918, in a volume now out of print, entitled "Gold and Iron," and then reprinted twice. First published separately, March, 1922 TO GEORGE HORACE LORIMER WILD ORANGES I The ketch drifted into the serene inclosure of the bay as silently as the reflections moving over the mirrorlike surface of the water. Beyond a low arm of land that hid the sea the western sky was a single, clear yellow; farther on the left the pale, incalculably old limbs of cypress, their roots bare, were hung with gathering shadows as delicate as their own faint foliage. The stillness was emphasized by the ceaseless murmur of the waves breaking on the far, seaward bars. John Woolfolk brought the ketch up where he intended to anchor and called to the stooping white clad figure in the bow: "Let go!" There was an answering splash, a sudden rasp of hawser, the booms swung idle, and the yacht imperceptibly settled into her berth. The wheel turned impotently; and, absent minded, John Woolfolk locked it. He dropped his long form on a carpet covered folding chair near by... Continue reading book >>

Wild Oranges By: Joseph Hergesheimer (1880-1954)

Wild Oranges by Joseph Hergesheimer is a captivating novel that takes readers on an entrancing journey into the depths of Florida's wild landscape. Set in the early 20th century, this book delves into the life of the protagonist, a young man named John who finds himself entangled in a series of exhilarating and unpredictable events.

From the very beginning, Hergesheimer's stunning prose transports readers to a time and place where untamed nature and human desires collide. The author skillfully paints vivid pictures of Florida's enchanting scenery, using lush descriptions that ignite the senses and evoke a strong sense of place. With every page, readers can imagine themselves amidst the wild oranges and thick foliage, feeling the humidity and hearing the sounds of the swamps and rivers.

The character development in this novel is truly exceptional. John, in particular, undergoes a profound transformation as he confronts his own inner conflicts and navigates a world filled with complex individuals. Hergesheimer's exploration of John's growth is truly captivating, as readers witness his evolution from a somewhat reserved young man to someone who is willing to embrace life's uncertainties and confront his own desires.

Another striking aspect of the novel is its ability to examine the complexities of human relationships. Hergesheimer delves into themes of love, friendship, and betrayal with finesse, expertly capturing the intricacies of human emotions. The various characters in Wild Oranges are multi-dimensional and intriguing, each with their own flaws and motivations that add depth and richness to the story.

The pacing of the book is steady, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the narrative without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Hergesheimer's prose flows effortlessly, making the story engrossing and easy to follow. Additionally, the plot twists and turns add a layer of suspense, keeping readers engaged and eager to discover what lies ahead.

While some readers may find the ending open-ended, the ambiguity serves a purpose, leaving room for personal interpretation and reflection. This open-endedness also aligns with the overall theme of embracing the unpredictable nature of life.

In conclusion, Wild Oranges is a masterfully written novel that showcases Hergesheimer's talent for storytelling. Through his beautiful prose, well-developed characters, and exploration of human emotions, the author transports readers to a bygone era and immerses them in a world that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

First Page:

WILD ORANGES

JOSEPH HERGESHEIMER

ILLUSTRATED WITH SCENES FROM

KING VIDOR'S PHOTOPLAY

A GOLDWYN PICTURE

GROSSET & DUNLAP

PUBLISHERS NEW YORK

Made in the United States of America

Published, April, 1918, in a volume now out of print, entitled "Gold and Iron," and then reprinted twice.

First published separately, March, 1922

TO GEORGE HORACE LORIMER

WILD ORANGES

The ketch drifted into the serene inclosure of the bay as silently as the reflections moving over the mirrorlike surface of the water. Beyond a low arm of land that hid the sea the western sky was a single, clear yellow; farther on the left the pale, incalculably old limbs of cypress, their roots bare, were hung with gathering shadows as delicate as their own faint foliage. The stillness was emphasized by the ceaseless murmur of the waves breaking on the far, seaward bars.

John Woolfolk brought the ketch up where he intended to anchor and called to the stooping white clad figure in the bow: "Let go!" There was an answering splash, a sudden rasp of hawser, the booms swung idle, and the yacht imperceptibly settled into her berth. The wheel turned impotently; and, absent minded, John Woolfolk locked it. He dropped his long form on a carpet covered folding chair near by... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

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Wikipedia – Wild Oranges

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