Dwellers in the Hills


Read by MaryAnn

(4.2 stars; 48 reviews)

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


(5 stars)

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


(5 stars)

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


(3.5 stars)

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.


(4.5 stars)

Great story, it keeps the reader enthralled. The reader did a great job and has a very lovely voice.


(5 stars)

Love Mary Ann’s clear and melodious reading. One forgets the reader and is plunged into the story. Thank you!


(5 stars)

What a wonderful find! Good story, well told and beautifully read 👏🏻


(3 stars)

Good reader but only half a story. Could never get into it.

Poetic beauty in prose. What an insightful, rich story!


(5 stars)