Join us on a literary world trip!
Add this book to bookshelf
Grey
Write a new comment Default profile 50px
Grey
Subscribe to read the full book or read the first pages for free!
All characters reduced
The Mettle of the Pasture - cover

The Mettle of the Pasture

James Lane Allen

Publisher: DigiCat

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Summary

In 'The Mettle of the Pasture,' James Lane Allen crafts a richly woven narrative set against the backdrop of rural Kentucky, blending elements of local color with profound philosophical inquiry. The novel explores themes of identity, nature, and the passage of time through the lens of its protagonist, who grapples with the weight of heritage and the promises of the future. Allen's lyrical prose and vivid descriptions bring to life the pastoral landscapes and the intricate dynamics of a close-knit community, situating the work within the regionalist tradition of late 19th-century American literature while also echoing the introspective style of contemporaries such as Mark Twain and Henry James. James Lane Allen, a seminal figure in the early American literary canon, was profoundly influenced by his Kentucky roots and the tumultuous social changes of his era. His ability to capture the essence of human experience and the natural world was honed through his upbringing in a region steeped in both beauty and hardship. Allen's scholarly pursuits and his experiences as a teacher and editor provided him with keen insights into the evolving American identity, shaping the nuanced portrait presented in this novel. 'The Mettle of the Pasture' is a compelling read for those interested in the interplay between environment and personal growth. Readers will find Allen's exploration of resilience and introspection both thought-provoking and moving, making this a noteworthy addition to the shelves of any lover of American literature.
Available since: 09/16/2022.
Print length: 190 pages.

Other books that might interest you

  • Ryūnosuke Akutagawa - A Short Story Collection - Iconic tales from the father of the Japanese short story - cover

    Ryūnosuke Akutagawa - A Short...

    Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    Ryūnosuke Niihara was born in Kyōbashi, Tokyo in Japan on the 1st March 1892.  Sadly, his mother suffered severe mental illness after his birth and so, at only eight months old, he was sent to be raised by his maternal uncle and aunt, from whom he received the Akutagawa family name.  
     
    He was fascinated by classical Chinese literature from his early years and began writing after entering what was then the Tokyo Imperial University in 1913 to study English Literature.   
     
    The following year Akutagawa and his friends revived the literary journal ‘New Currents of Thought’ which published their own works and translations of such icons as W B Yeats and Anatole France. 
     
    Akutagawa published "Rashōmon" in 1915 and whilst it was disliked by his friends everyone else knew better.  As other short stories followed so did his growing literary reputation as the father of the Japanese short story. 
     
    Much of his work reinterpreted former classical works and incidents and this, melded with his strong dislike of naturalism, produced a writer of rare and genuine quality.  His character palette featured strong and domineering women, mainly based on his mother and the aunt who helped raise him. 
     
    In 1921, he spent four months in China as a reporter.  Whilst there his health was compromised by several illnesses and both his physical and mental health spiralled downwards.  He began to suffer from hallucinations and dreaded that he might have inherited his mother’s mental disorders.  
     
    Although he survived one suicide attempt Ryūnosuke Akutagawa died on the 24th July 1927 in Tokyo from an overdose of Veronal, a barbiturate.  He was 35. 
     
    1 - Ryunosuke Akutagawa - A Short Story Collection - An Introduction 
    2 - In A Grove by Ryunosuke Akutagawa 
    3 - Rashomon by Ryunosuke Akutagawa 
    4 - The Cold by Ryunosuke Akutagawa 
    5 - The Mine Cart by Ryunosuke Akutagawa 
    6 - The Socialist by Ryunosuke Akutagawa
    Show book
  • Blood at the Whistletop - Murder on Florida's Peace River - cover

    Blood at the Whistletop - Murder...

    James D. Brewer

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    "You're the most famous railroad detective that nobody ever heard of," says railroad tycoon Henry Plant when in May of 1887 he hires Jimmy Lee "Choctaw" Parker to investigate the murder of his head surveyor and geologist Leon Skarvo. In a story that ranges from Tampa to Ybor City and along the Florida Southern Railroad line to Arcadia, Choctaw Parker and his colleagues battle deceitful politicians, bolita gamblers, and ruthless cracker cowboys to uncover the truth in this fast-paced mystery set in Florida during the Gilded Age. About the Choctaw Parker Mysteries, The Historical Novel Society says that Brewer creates "…an engaging, anchored crime tale. [He] crafts an interesting cast of many memorable, despicable, and even some semi-honorable characters within a realistic historical setting."
    Show book
  • Robert Graves' Greek Epics - The Anger of Achilles and Hercules My Shipmate - cover

    Robert Graves' Greek Epics - The...

    Robert Graves

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    Robert Graves’ Greek Epics includes the compelling war story, The Anger of Achilles, and the compelling world of Greek mythology in Hercules, My Shipmate. 
    The Anger of Achilles is a novelized interpretation of Homer’s Iliad, told by noted classicist and historical novelist Robert Graves. The war between the Greeks and the Trojans has reached a fever pitch. Offended by Agamemnon, the great Greek warrior Achilles is in his tent, refusing to fight. But then Trojan prince Hector slaughters Patroclus, Achilles’ close friend. Willing or not, Achilles must take revenge for his friend’s death, even if it will result in his own.
    
    In this innovative take on the classic tale, Achilles comes to life in all his vivid rage, bravery, passion, and lust for battle. Combining his advanced expertise in ancient Greek warfare and culture with a talent for telling a compelling story, Robert Graves is the ideal translator to bring this ancient epic of war to a modern audience.
    
    Hercules, My Shipmate is an inventive reimagining of the story of Jason and the Argonauts, this novel by renowned poet and classicist Robert Graves brings heroic figures of Hellenistic myth to life. Graves’ Jason is belligerent, energetic, and full of life, and the society Graves builds for him is outlandish and deeply invested in ancient cults.
    
    Against this primitive, religious backdrop, the charismatic Jason assembles a crew and sets out to retrieve the sacred gold-trimmed fleece that is sacred to Zeus, and that has been stolen by worshippers of the Triple Goddess. Accompanying him is Hercules, a brave warrior known more for his brawn, and his astonishingly good luck, than his brains. Robert Graves builds a compelling world that sets Hellenistic magic and mystery in a surprisingly gritty, realistic setting, a fascinating read for fans of Greek mythology.
    Show book
  • The Island - cover

    The Island

    Victoria Hislop

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    A number one bestseller in the UK, this captivating and epic tale of family ties, romance, war, disease, and history is set on the beautiful Greek Island of Crete. 
     
     
     
    On the brink of a life-changing decision, Alexis Fielding plans a trip to her mother's childhood home in Plaka, Greece hoping to unravel Sofia's hidden past. Given a letter to take to Sofia's old friend, Fotini, Alexis is promised that through Fotini, she will learn more. 
     
     
     
    Arriving in Plaka, Alexis is astonished to see that it lies a stone's throw from the tiny, deserted island of Spinalonga—Greece's former leper colony. Fotini at last reveals the story that Sofia has buried all her life: the tale of her great-grandmother Eleni and her daughters, and a family rent by tragedy, war, and passion. Alexis discovers how intimately her family is connected with the island, and how secrecy holds them all in its powerful grip. 
     
     
     
    Atmospheric and captivating, The Island transports listeners and keeps them gripped to the very last word.
    Show book
  • Molly's Letter - cover

    Molly's Letter

    Jennifer Donnelly

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Jennifer Donnelly returns to the unforgettable world of her beloved first novel, The Tea Rose. 
     
    It’s the summer of 1891, New York City, in the early days of Fiona Finnegan’s marriage to Nicholas Soames. Though their marriage is an unconventional one and the wounds of the past are not fully healed, the two best friends are happy together, consumed with chasing their  
    dreams and building a better life for themselves and their loved ones. 
     
    When Fiona senses a quiet love blossoming between her widowed uncle, Michael Finnegan, and his neighbor, Mary Munro, she’s thrilled and hopes that Michael will soon propose to Mary. 
     
    But one night, at a family supper, a surprise announcement tears these hopes asunder. 
     
    Will Mary be lost to a determined suitor? Or will Fiona and Nick find a way to unite two souls who belong together but are held apart by grief, pride, and too many words left unspoken? 
     
    Molly’s Letter is a love letter to family, friends, and the bonds that outlast loss, pain, and sometimes, even life itself.
    Show book
  • The Missing Wife - cover

    The Missing Wife

    Kerry Barrett

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    ‘I just loved everything about this book… Ticked all the boxes for the perfect read.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
    1933. Hannah Snow is fleeing her unhappy marriage when she finds herself in a small hotel on the banks of Loch Ness. But when a monster is spotted in the depths of the waters, the press descends – and Hannah finds her hiding place is discovered. Someone has been looking for Hannah, and when they find her events will take a devastating turn… 
    Present day. True crime podcaster Scarlett finds herself intrigued by the mystery of Hannah Snow, wife of a promising government minister who disappeared in 1933 – just months before her husband also went missing, presumed dead. As Scarlett works to uncover the truth, she discovers a tragic family secret, and a story as murky as the depths of the loch where Hannah and her husband were last seen… 
    From the bestselling author of The Book of Last Letters, get transported to Scotland in The Missing Wife, a gripping and emotional dual timeline historical novel, perfect for fans of Lorna Cook and Dinah Jeffries.Readers LOVE The Missing Wife! 
    ‘I absolutely loved this book… An enthralling story that kept you guessing… An unexpected gem.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
    ‘What a great book! I’ve finished it in 2 days, absolutely loved every bit of it… Beautifully written and so easy to read. I’m off to find some more from this author!’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
    ‘I read this in less than a day… A brilliant read, uplifting and just a great story.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
    ‘Enthralling and absorbing and I loved it. Definitely recommend.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
    ‘I really enjoyed this book… Gripping story, well written and researched. Highly recommended.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
    ‘A pleasure to read and incredibly engaging… Undoubtedly a “just one more chapter” type of book… Quite possibly my most favourite book of 2022.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
    ‘Kept me up way past my bedtime as I needed to know what happened… Definitely recommended for those who enjoy a mystery.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
    ‘Great fun. Tragedy, romance, and history all mixed up together… Fast paced and very absorbing.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
    In this top fiction novel, the latest in Kerry Barrett's repertoire, the life of Hannah Snow takes a turn as mysterious as the Loch Ness itself. The detective work of Scarlett, a true crime podcaster, unravels a tragic family secret that has been submerged in the murky depths of history. 
    For fans of Daisy O'Shea (The Irish Child), Natalie Meg Evans (A Gown of Thorns), Shari J Ryan (The Stolen Twins), Lucinda Riley (The Seven Sisters), and Alexandra Walsh (The Forgotten Palace). 
    HarperCollins 2022
    Show book