Mountain Blood: A Novel

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27447

Title

Mountain Blood: A Novel

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in the rugged, isolated valley of Greenstream, this novel follows Gordon Makimmon, a weary stage driver haunted by a recent accident that left him critically injured. As he struggles to survive the freezing mountain ascent alone, he reflects on his turbulent past, his strained relationship with his wealthy wife Lettice, and the volatile religious fervor of the local community. Hergesheimer crafts a gritty, atmospheric tale exploring themes of poverty, faith, and the harsh realities of mountain life.

Summary up to 500 words

In Joseph Hergesheimer's *Mountain Blood*, the narrative unfolds against the stark, unforgiving backdrop of the Greenstream valley, a Protestant stronghold isolated from the industrial city of Stenton. The story centers on Gordon Makimmon, a stagecoach driver of Scottish descent whose lineage is marked by a violent temper and a history of poverty. He navigates the valley's complex social hierarchy, serving the wealthy while remaining an outsider to the community's spiritual fervor. His journey is complicated by the presence of Father Merlier, a persistent Catholic missionary who challenges the valley's rigid religious conformity, and the passengers he transports: the reserved, wealthy Lettice Hollidew and her boisterous companion, Buckley Simmons. The plot intensifies during a chaotic camp meeting, where religious hysteria mingles with drunkenness and violence. Gordon becomes captivated by Meta Beggs, a mysterious woman whose physical scars and alluring presence contrast sharply with his emotional detachment from his own wife. Tensions reach a breaking point when Buckley Simmons, driven by malice, strikes Gordon's off-horse with a switch, causing the stagecoach to plunge down the icy slopes of Buck Mountain. Buckley escapes the scene, leaving Gordon to survive a catastrophic internal injury and the freezing cold alone. The novel transforms into a harrowing study of endurance as Gordon drags himself up the mountain, his mind drifting through memories of his life, his wife, and the woman he desires. As he nears the village, his strength wanes under the assault of hypothermia and shock. He eventually stumbles into the home of his friend Edgar Crandall, who finds him dying. In his final moments, Gordon exhibits a strange detachment, momentarily distracted by trivial news of a new bank in Greenstream before succumbing to his wounds. The story concludes with Gordon's death, leaving the reader to ponder the destructive nature of human passion, the fragility of life in isolation, and the brutal costs of the valley's social and spiritual conflicts.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Adventure
• Fiction