Joan of Arc of the North Woods

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22667

Title

Joan of Arc of the North Woods

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in the rugged timberlands of the Tomah country, this novel pits independent loggers against a monopolistic corporation seeking to absorb local operations. Centered on the spirited Ward Latisan and the mysterious heiress Lida Kennard, the story blends frontier adventure with themes of loyalty, family legacy, and the clash between old-fashioned independence and corporate consolidation. With crisp dialogue and vivid wilderness settings, it offers a compelling look at early 20th-century industrial conflict and personal sacrifice.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in the autumn of 1922, Holman Day's *Joan of Arc of the North Woods* dramatizes the struggle between independent loggers and the encroaching monopoly of the Comas Consolidated Paper Company in the Tomah timber region. The narrative centers on Ward Latisan, a spirited grandson of pioneer John Latisan, who has secured rights to the untouched Walpole tract. His resolve is tested by Rufus Craig, the ambitious field director for Comas, who seeks to absorb all independent operations to feed his new paper mill. Ward stands firm against corporate pressure, defending the dignity of independent labor and the rights of local families who have lived on the land for generations. Ward's personal life becomes entangled with Lida Kennard, a young woman initially mistaken for a tavern waitress. In reality, she is the granddaughter of Eck Flagg, a powerful but vitriolic figure whose family history is marred by scandal. Lida's true identity as Flagg's heir is concealed to protect her from Comas's threats. As Ward and Lida grow closer, they face external dangers from Comas's armed roughnecks and internal conflicts regarding duty, love, and family honor. When Comas sends men to seize Flagg's territory, Lida's identity is revealed in a dramatic letter from her grandfather. Despite Flagg's past bitterness, he urges Lida to return home, acknowledging the danger she faces. The story culminates in a resolution that honors both personal courage and communal responsibility. Ward must choose between returning to his logging duties with Flagg or staying with Lida, while Lida grapples with her identity and the sacrifices required to protect her family. Ultimately, the narrative celebrates the spirit of the open places and the resilience of those who defend their homes and principles against overwhelming odds. Through themes of loyalty versus profit, the novel explores the enduring strength of family bonds and the moral integrity required to stand against corporate overreach in the rugged North Woods.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22667.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg22667.epub

Removed after upload

Downloaded at

2026-07-05 01:18 UTC

Categories

• Adventure
• Fiction