In the "Stranger People's" Country

The story unfolds in a late-nineteenth-century Tennessee mountain community, where an archaeologist's quest to uncover ancient graves leads to cultural conflict and personal rivalries. In the Stranger People's Country captures this clash beautifully.

In the Stranger People's Country explores a fascinating intersection of cultures as it delves into the lives of a late-nineteenth-century Tennessee mountain community. The narrative centers around an amateur archaeologist, Shattuck, who is invited by a politician seeking votes to uncover the graves of the mythical 'leetle stranger people.' This endeavor threatens to disrupt the deep-rooted beliefs and traditions of the local mountaineers, who regard these graves with reverence. At the heart of the story is Adelaide Yates, a fierce mountain woman who stands ready to defend her community's heritage, even if it means resorting to violence.

As tensions rise, Felix Guthrie, a courageous local, joins the fight to protect the graves and competes for the affection of Letitia Pettingill, another mountain resident. Author Mary Noailles Murfree skillfully employs dialect and vivid imagery to bring the Appalachian landscape and its inhabitants to life, offering readers an authentic glimpse into their world. Through her respectful portrayal of Appalachian life, Murfree highlights the cultural clash that occurs when outsiders encroach upon this secluded community.

The novel not only serves as a captivating story but also sheds light on the broader social and environmental issues of the time. By examining the impact of outside influences on the mountain community, In the Stranger People's Country* acts as a precursor to the twentieth-century movements advocating for the preservation of Appalachia's natural resources. This edition includes valuable notes on dialect and archaeological references, further enriching the reader's experience.