What do you think?
Rate this book
The Middle Ground
This novel is not a true war story but is a story of people during the early Civil War period in a remote mountain area of Virginia, and is primarily an attempt to portray how the people of the area were affected by the war. The local battles are, however, included in considerable detail.
Specifically, the story deals with young Kane Tyler, son of a farmer; Claire Sommers, his girl friend; and her sister Jane. Also involved are the members of Kane's family and the other members of Claire's family; a beautiful redhead, Alice Kyne, who is a Confederate spy; young Tim Kelley whose invalid father is murdered; Kane's friend, Edward Sloane; Edward's mother Mary, and his brother Jim, who is totally unscrupulous but determined to win Claire Sommers in marriage.
Specifically, the story deals with young Kane Tyler, son of a farmer; Claire Sommers, his girl friend; and her sister Jane. Also involved are the members of Kane's family and the other members of Claire's family; a beautiful redhead, Alice Kyne, who is a Confederate spy; young Tim Kelley whose invalid father is murdered; Kane's friend, Edward Sloane; Edward's mother Mary, and his brother Jim, who is totally unscrupulous but determined to win Claire Sommers in marriage.
360 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1979
1 person is currently reading
20 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
May 10, 2015
A historical novel about an Appalachian community violently divided between North and South, and a young man caught in the middle of it all, while the earliest battles of the American Civil War are waged around them. 1979.
Full review (and other recommendations!) at Another look book
A book that I initially cracked open so I could gain a new perspective on the history of the area where I'm now working. Quickly, however, this became a book that I couldn't put down. The characterizations are varied and engaging; the plot moves along at just the right pace; and, best of all, the historical material is presented in a relatable but accurate way. Reminded me of Janice Holt Giles' novels of Kentucky Appalachia (The Middle Ground takes place in West Virginia Appalachia), although I've yet to find a Giles novel engaging enough to actually finish.
If you enjoy Civil War history, historical fiction, and wilderness adventure stories, I totally recommend this! Now good luck finding it. :-)
Full review (and other recommendations!) at Another look book
A book that I initially cracked open so I could gain a new perspective on the history of the area where I'm now working. Quickly, however, this became a book that I couldn't put down. The characterizations are varied and engaging; the plot moves along at just the right pace; and, best of all, the historical material is presented in a relatable but accurate way. Reminded me of Janice Holt Giles' novels of Kentucky Appalachia (The Middle Ground takes place in West Virginia Appalachia), although I've yet to find a Giles novel engaging enough to actually finish.
If you enjoy Civil War history, historical fiction, and wilderness adventure stories, I totally recommend this! Now good luck finding it. :-)
Displaying 1 of 1 review