The Roof Tree

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

28683

Title

The Roof Tree

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in the Kentucky Cumberlands, this novel explores the destructive legacy of ancient feuds through the story of Kenneth Thornton, who takes the blame for his sister's murder of her abusive husband to protect her unborn child. Fleeing justice, he encounters a new generation of hatred centered on a treacherous neighbor, Bas Rowlett. The narrative culminates in a dramatic confrontation beneath a sacred 'roof tree,' where a young woman's moral courage intervenes to stop an execution, ultimately breaking the cycle...

Summary up to 500 words

In Charles Neville Buck's *The Roof Tree*, the narrative unfolds in the violent, feud-ridden Cumberlands of Kentucky and Virginia. The story begins with a grim tableau: Kenneth Thornton stands over the body of his sister Sally's husband, who has been shot. Thornton reveals that Sally acted in self-defense, but local prejudices and the influence of the dead man's powerful friends make it impossible for her to be believed. To protect Sally and her unborn child from imprisonment and a life of shame, Thornton takes the guilt upon himself. He flees across the state line, adopting the alias Cal Maggard to escape the law and the wrath of the victim's family. Upon settling in Kentucky, Thornton discovers that the ancient feud has reignited. He is hunted by Bas Rowlett, the man who orchestrated the original violence and now seeks Thornton's death. Thornton is forced into a tense confrontation with Rowlett, compelling the antagonist to sign a confession admitting he hired the hit. This act neutralizes Rowlett's claim to honor while keeping Thornton's secret safe, though Rowlett remains a dangerous threat. The tension escalates when Thornton returns to visit Dorothy, a neighbor and love interest, only to find a death threat posted on his door. Meanwhile, Rowlett is captured by Thornton's allies and prepared to be hanged from the 'Roof Tree,' a massive walnut tree that has long served as a symbol of peace and sanctuary for the family. Dorothy, the daughter of the original couple who planted the tree, is horrified by the prospect of executing a man beneath a tree dedicated to love. She argues that hanging Rowlett there would defile its sacred nature. In a climactic moment, Dorothy releases Rowlett from his bonds, allowing him to escape rather than let him die under the tree. She explains that while Rowlett deserves death, the location is holy. As Rowlett flees, the mob gives chase, firing shots into the woods. Thornton and Dorothy embrace, realizing that the tree's magic has once again prevented a tragedy. The novel concludes with the hope that this act of mercy and the intervention of a new generation will finally end the centuries-old feud, bringing lasting peace to the region.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Adventure
• Fiction