Dwellers in the Hills
Melville Davisson Post
Read by MaryAnn
Ward was laid up after a mysterious accident when Woodford, a rival cattleman, demanded 600 head be delivered within 3 days under a contract that the two had entered into. The price had since dropped and Woodford was counting on Ward's inability to deliver to escape a loss on the contract. Woodford had chosen his time well. The cattle were far to the south across the Valley River and Ward had no choice but to send his brother, Quiller, to fetch the stock. A lot could happen on such a long trip as Quiller leaves childhood behind and learns lessons he will never forget about the world of men.
Melville Davisson Post was a West Virginian and he set much of his work in the mountains and valleys of that state. His love of nature and horses, and his keen observations of people, show through in his over 200 novels and short stories. (Summary by MaryAnn) (5 hr 15 min)
Chapters
The October Land | 12:50 | Read by MaryAnn |
The Petticoat and the Pretender | 10:50 | Read by MaryAnn |
The Passing of an Illusion | 15:55 | Read by MaryAnn |
Concerning Hawk Rufe | 12:27 | Read by MaryAnn |
The Waggon-maker | 14:01 | Read by MaryAnn |
The Maid and the Intruders | 13:51 | Read by MaryAnn |
The Master Builders | 16:34 | Read by MaryAnn |
Some Remarks of Saint Paul | 17:47 | Read by MaryAnn |
Christian the Blacksmith | 14:18 | Read by MaryAnn |
On the Choosing of Enemies | 14:12 | Read by MaryAnn |
The Wardens of the River | 16:32 | Read by MaryAnn |
The Uses of the Moon | 17:38 | Read by MaryAnn |
The Six Hundred | 17:20 | Read by MaryAnn |
Relating To the First Liars | 18:46 | Read by MaryAnn |
When Providence Is Pagan | 15:41 | Read by MaryAnn |
Through the Big Water | 12:46 | Read by MaryAnn |
Along the Hickory Ridges | 10:55 | Read by MaryAnn |
By the Light of a Lantern | 15:26 | Read by MaryAnn |
The Orbit of the Dwarfs | 15:06 | Read by MaryAnn |
On the Art of Going To Ruin | 17:52 | Read by MaryAnn |
The Exit of the Pretender | 15:09 | Read by MaryAnn |
Reviews
Great areas
Kelhi
This was a light, fun read—similar to a western, but with an almost Appalachian feel. Great pacing and flow of events in terms of the plot. Some absolutely hilarious moments, including the narrator’s boyish understanding of the female character. I also appreciated the great number of biblical references; not all testaments to the superior theological understanding of the characters, but certainly the references provided color, characterization, and comparisons that a biblically literate reader will find humorous (Jehu’s horses!). The twist at the end didn’t surprise me, but I still think it was well-written throughout and, given the narrator’s presentation of self, very fitting. Also something I really enjoyed (and hardly expected): the detailed but not overlong technical descriptions—from shoeing horses to managing cattle on the trail. It’s obvious that the writer lived (and loved) what he wrote. I’m interested in reading another of Melville Davisson Post’s stories.
POETRY PAR EXCELLENCE
AVID READER
The story was incidental to the writing, although it was fine. The main attraction was the merging of observation and love of life which permeated the narrative. One commentator said this was as good as Zane Gray, but I think that it surpassed him insofar as descriptive eloquence is concerned. In fact, I would venture to say that Robert Frost could learn much about poetry from Post! The melodic reading by Mary Ann only enhanced the pleasure. Thank you.
kam
Kam
great descriptions of nature and surrounding countryside. The story line unusual and sometimes hard to follow. Ihowever did enjoy it and that was because of the excellent reader. Thanku.
A wonderful story that's well read.
Seven Archers
Great story, it keeps the reader enthralled. The reader did a great job and has a very lovely voice.
Debra
Love Mary Ann’s clear and melodious reading. One forgets the reader and is plunged into the story. Thank you!
wmblount
What a wonderful find! Good story, well told and beautifully read 👏🏻
Roughout
Good reader but only half a story. Could never get into it.
Poetic beauty in prose. What an insightful, rich story!
Heidi Spencer