A Romance of Billy-Goat Hill

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

6635

Title

A Romance of Billy-Goat Hill

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in the vibrant, Southern springtime of Kentucky, this novel follows the spirited Miss Lady Carsey as she navigates family dynamics, societal conventions, and a dramatic courtroom trial. With rich dialogue, vivid characterizations, and a blend of humor and romance, the story explores themes of love, redemption, and the clash between tradition and individuality.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in the picturesque and tradition-bound landscape of Billy-Goat Hill, Kentucky, Alice Caldwell Hegan Rice's *A Romance of Billy-Goat Hill* explores the tension between social convention and individual spirit. The story centers on Colonel Bob Carsey, a man of established order, and his spirited daughter, Miss Lady. Defying the rigid norms of early 20th-century Southern society, Miss Lady rejects formal education and conventional dress, preferring instead to roam the countryside with her loyal friends. Her life intersects with that of Donald Morley, a city gentleman who has returned to the hills to seek a farm. Despite the Colonel's disapproval of Morley's presence, Miss Lady and Donald share a deep, mutual affection rooted in their love for horses and dogs. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Morley is accused of a crime he did not commit. As the trial unfolds, Miss Lady faces a harrowing choice: defend her beloved at the risk of her own reputation and future, or adhere to societal expectations. The plot thickens with the involvement of a colorful cast of characters, including the mischievous Chick Flathers, a street-smart orphan who witnesses the crime but fears the consequences, and the enigmatic Richard Sheeley, whose memory is compromised by a past injury. Through a series of daring escapades and emotional confrontations, Miss Lady rallies her friends to uncover the truth behind the accusations. The story culminates in a climactic courtroom scene where Miss Lady's courage and unwavering love shine brightly. She risks everything to stand by Morley, challenging the jury and the court with her testimony. The narrative delivers a powerful verdict that restores justice, proving that true affection and integrity can triumph over prejudice and false evidence. Through its lively prose and engaging plot, the novel captures the essence of Southern life while delivering a timeless message about the transformative power of love and the necessity of loyalty in the face of adversity.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/6635.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg6635.epub

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Categories

• Fiction
• Regional Fiction