'Smiles': A Rose of the Cumberlands

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22287

Title

'Smiles': A Rose of the Cumberlands

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A heartwarming tale of resilience and compassion set in the rugged Cumberlands, 'Smiles' follows a spirited young girl who, despite poverty and tragedy, finds joy in nursing children. Dr. Donald MacDonald's journey from city specialist to mountain friend highlights themes of service, love, and the transformative power of a simple smile.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in the rugged, primitive dwellings of the border Cumberlands, Eliot H. Robinson's 'Smiles: A Rose of the Cumberlands' introduces Donald MacDonald, a robust pediatric surgeon from Boston. Seeking solitude in the mountains, MacDonald soon encounters Rose, a resilient orphan nicknamed 'Smiles' for her infectious optimism. Living with her grandfather, Big Jerry, Rose dreams of becoming a children's nurse despite her poverty and lack of formal education. Initially humbled by his disorientation in the wild, MacDonald is deeply moved by Rose's spirit. He promises to help her achieve her dreams, navigating the complexities of her tragic past involving her deceased parents and the local community's prejudices. The narrative weaves through medical emergencies, personal sacrifices, and the deepening bond between the city doctor and the mountain girl. As MacDonald returns to his demanding urban practice, he is constantly pulled back by his affection for Rose and her family. The story explores the contrast between the harshness of nature and life in the mountains versus the sophistication of city medicine, ultimately celebrating the 'keynote of life' as love and service. Through vicarious atonement and miraculous interventions, the tale culminates in a profound realization that true healing comes from the heart, not just surgical skill, affirming Rose's destiny as a healer regardless of her circumstances.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22287.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg22287.epub

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Categories

• Fiction