Go Down the Mountain

by Meredith Battle

Bee Livingston is a nervy, teenage beauty whose beloved father’s sudden death in a snake charming accident has left her alone with her abusive mother. Her one salvation is Miles, the big-city photographer who promises escape and a life full of the adventure she craves. But when Bee is caught in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with a government man who takes her family’s land and won’t stop until he claims her too, it may be Torch, the boy she grew up with on the mountain, who becomes the man she needs. Based on the true story of the hundreds of families who were forced from their Blue Ridge Mountain homes to make way for Shenandoah National Park in the 1930s, Go Down the Mountain is a tale of dispossession, coming of age, and love.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Adult

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2019

About the author

Meredith Battle lives with her husband, son, dog and ducks in a 200-year-old house in the Virginia Piedmont, a short drive from the Blue Ridge Mountains, the setting for her debut novel. She is currently working on her second book.
"Go Down the Mountain" was inspired by the stories of the people who lost their homes to Shenandoah National Park in the 1930s. At once dramatic adventure, moving love story and recollection of a vanished life, the story follows mountain girl Bee on her harrowing journey to discover the truth about her family, living and dead.
"Go Down the Mountain" is available to preorder on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1643070134

Reviews

[Elizabeth☮ · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read of 2020. Let this be a sign of what’s to come in my reading life. This takes place in 1930’s Virginia. The families living in the hollow are moved off their land when the government decides to draw arbitrary lines to create Shenandoah National Park. This is definitely a piece of history of which I was unaware.

Bee Livingston narrates the story as a letter to her daughter. I like the many aspects of the history we get: broken deals, resettlement homes, institutionalization of women and men, sterilization of women and criminalizing the families’ actions in their effort to save their homes.

This packs a lot in a relatively small package. But the story feels fully formed and flushed out.

[Kathryn in FL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on historic fact, author, Ms. Meredith Battle creates a gorgeously written, vivid tale of the displaced people from the Shenandoah Mountains, to allow the U.S. government to create another national park, during the Great Depression. Our narrator, Bee Livingston recounts the year prior and following the eviction of her family and her neighbors from their homes, leaving many barely able to survive and others to a fate worse than death.

Bee must make choices, that no young lady (she is around 15 yrs.), should make but she must choose, those that would keep her safe. Despite these dark moments that follow, there are several humorous moments that will make the reader laugh out loud and flip the pages to learn her fate. This story has many themes that make it into an intriguing story: man vs. man (woman vs. man to be exact), coming of age, romantic love, family relationships, survival of the fittest and man vs. government bureaucracy.

We meet Bee, while she is still a carefree teen, with Torch and Red being her contemporaries and fishing companions (both are men, and a bit older than her, Red is already married and Torch fancies Bee). Bee has a close friendship with Ruth and Peter, who are like family to Bee (she has no siblings). Ruth is teaching Bee about herbal medicines and Peter likes Bee hanging around since she's the only one, who can bring Ruth out of depression. Bee falls in love with Miles and you hope she will join him as he travels the country talking pictures for a governmental agency. They write love letters to one another after his current assignment is complete.

Then a government man comes by telling folks that they need to provide proof of deed, so that they can be paid for their property and be provided a government home nearby. Few are happy about this arrangement, particularly those whose family lived for generations without a deed. There is no true equity for anyone, though it is much worse for those who have little to begin with. Turns out Bee's mother is unhappy because Bee's recently deceased father didn't have a deed to their home. Bee's mother tries to make her own deal with the devil much to Bee's outrage. Things get tense as some must be forcibly removed from homes built by hand and farms that can't be relocated. The ensuing results of which are unforeseeable and truly frightening. Thus, Bee is taken to a mental hospital along with some neighbors. Bee being a creative young woman with excellent survival manages to escape the hospital through cleverly assessing her enemies.

It's true what they say, "you can never go home". Bee returns home to her mountain but nearly everyone is gone. Soon, her deeds cause her to run away and hide. She makes a new life. A life that some night even envy, but now that you know Bee, you know that is not the life she expected, nor one she wanted. Like all those with strong survival instincts she made lemonade out of lemons.

This another story, that will make you realize that history is written by the victors and there is much we were not told back in the day, when we were given an education...

I was fortunate enough to win this in a goodreads giveaway. My views are my own opinion and were not influenced by receipt of this book. Thank you to the author and goodreads for providing me an opportunity to read this story.

[NicholeReadsWithCats · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were a few major problems with Go Down the Mountain for me. First off, it was one of those books the characters never really developed for me and I did not care about what happened to them.

I don't feel the story matched the description. It was said to be a tale inspired by families in the 1930s forced to move to form the Shenandoah National park. While Bee and her family did have to move, the majority of the book was about her going to an insane asylum, breaking out and getting pregnant.

The first chapter implies that a mother is writing this story for her three year old daughter but it seems unbelievable a mother would share this many sordid details with her daughter.

The grammatical style really bothered me. I know they should have a regional accent from Appalachia however it feels like little research was done into what that would actually sound like. Instead their "accent" seems to be made up with mostly just poor grammer, fake and hillbilly stereotypical. Also the accent was also not steady throughout, it would come and go.

[Mark Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, and an accurate portrayal

I was born and raised in the blue ridge mountains of Virginia. I can tell you from growing up in that region, and having a young lifetime of conversations with my grandparents and elderly Community residents. The author has gotten the vernacular correct! And that’s not an easy thing to do from this region of the country.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the success of Hillbilly Elegy and the increasing interest in Appalachian history, Go Down the Mountain provides an intriguing take on this unique American culture. Ms. Battle depicts early twentieth-century government abuse run rampant in a historical fiction narrative that paints a sad picture of American regionalism with undertones of class warfare and reform gone astray. Although the novel could shorten up a bit, the plot line holds the reader and maintains a level of relevance for today's evolving political landscape.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a look at what life was like for American's who were the poorest during the Great Depression. I have heard a lot of stories about the people of Appalachia and the poverty stricken conditions that they live in. This book seems to be accurately researched. I loved the main character Bee. What a strong female that she is. Having to endure so much in her life time. I enjoyed this book and learning about these based on true stories.

I received a copy of this book through the publisher, Mascot Books. All thoughts are my own.

[Robin Coppa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars more accurately. I expected more facts in this book regarding the creation of the Shenandoah National Park. It reads more like a fictitious story which I know isn’t the intent. It took me a while to actually become interested in the outcome of the characters lives, but I did eventually become invested in their well-being. I would have liked a few more details in the development of the Park to validate the events of this book.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The setting is local for me, and the events are still raw in some nearby people’s memories, with monuments to displaced families still being dedicated. Bee’s story is important, and this is a very quick read. My only quibble was with the quite uneven writing.

[Maci Aberdeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This frank and sometimes unsettling look at what life was like for America's poorest during the Great Depression in Appalachia is an adventure and tragic love story all rolled into one. It's an engaging, fast-paced summer read.

The novel's unlikely heroine, Bee, is a teenage girl who is just beginning to understand the ways her beauty can move people to help or hurt her. She is deeply connected to the natural world where she lives and to the people in her mountain community. When her abusive mother offers a government man one night with Bee in exchange for resettlement housing, Bee turns to her friends for help. But before the story is over, she grows strong enough to save herself and to become the kind of mother her beautiful, young daughter deserves.

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was completely amazing! I never knew this part of our nation's history as I'm sure most Americans do not. But this book is culturally and historically relevant. A time in history when President Roosevelt's New Deal was implemented to pull America out of a deep economic depression and put citizens back to work. Little is known about the peoples and cultures whose lives were destroyed in the process of establishing the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Small enclaves of Appalachian mountain people were run out of their homes and there way of life was destroyed! The voice in this story is a young woman who was named Ada Anabelle, but refers to herself by various other names people in her life labeled her. Usually she calls herself "Bee" .Bee's voice is authentic as she speaks in the Appalachian dialect as she tells her life story to her daughter and leaves nothing unsaid, even though she suffered a life of extreme poverty, abuse, hunger, and disappointment.
Belle and her isolated mountain community have had a way of life for centuries in the Appalachian mountains but this all changes when they are literally driven from their homes by the U.S. government. A shameful time in our country's history when little thought was given to these people and in fact they were referred to as ignorant, retarded, worthless and were even subjected to Eugenics.
Well worth the read as even thought the subject is heartbreaking the reader is able to see the love Bee has for her family and community and how even in the worse of circumstances she is hopeful and dreams of a better life for herself and her daughter.
#godownthemountain #netgalley #helpingbookssucceed

[June · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story follows Bee, a teenager who resides on the Blue Ridge Mountains with her family. They are being forced to relocate for a National Park that is being created.
It looks like I’m in the minority with this one. It was a DNF for me. I picked up this book over and over again trying to get through “one more chapter”. Unfortunately after 100 pages I decided it just wasn’t for me.
I was incredibly excited when I heard about this book. Maybe that was my first mistake. You see, I may have set the bar too high. I am from, and still reside in the area of which this book takes place. My husbands family were some of the displaced. They have a cemetery on the mountain in which his relatives are buried. I grew up hearing the stories of the mountain people and what they went through. The author did a good job portraying some of those stories. While she goes on to say that they aren’t hillbillies, she has the majority of the characters being hillbillies. I think maybe I’m just too close to the subject matter for this one.

[JoAnn Osmun · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mountain people

I really felt like you were showing how the mountain people were uneducated. They were very smart. Maybe not book smart but they knew and could out live most of us low grounders. They knew how to grow food and keep food for long periods of time. They knew they would need shelter and wood for the winters. They knew how to earn money weather it was legally or otherwise. And really food and shelter are the two things you need in life. To make a good life.
They were great craftsmen as well. Their crafts are handed down through the years. And are still used today.

[Paul Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLURB

Go Down the Mountain was inspired by the stories of the people who lost their homes to Shenandoah National Park in the 1930s. At once dramatic adventure, moving love story and recollection of a vanished life, the story follows mountain girl Bee on her harrowing journey to discover the truth about her family, living and dead.

Bee is a nervy, teenage beauty whose beloved father's sudden death in a snake charming accident has left her alone with her abusive mother. Her one salvation is Miles, the big-city photographer who promises escape and a life full of the adventure she craves. But when Bee is caught in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with a government man who takes her family's land and won't stop until he claims her too, it may be Torch, the boy she grew up with on the mountain, who becomes the man she needs.

REVIEW

An out of the blue read and review request...I suppose my small contribution to the literary world does have its perks. I was, at first, intrigued by the locale of this novel, as I drive through the region often, but have always looked upon it as a repository for Civil War story fodder - the exploits of General Thomas Jackson or General Philip Sheridan. It is, however, the stories and lives of the ordinary folk and their daily struggle for existence that captured my attention in this riveting account of Depression Era Appalachia. The main character, Bee Livingston, is a feisty, resourceful, and totally captivating young woman caught in the throes of dispossession and the harsh reality of her family life. If any of my peeps and fellow travelers have seen the old John Wayne movie, Shepherd of the Hills, you may, as I did, sort of model Bee after Sammy, the young heroine in the movie. Written in a very engaging style, the tale flows nicely through the trials and tribulations of the Hollow folk facing eviction from their homes by an unfeeling, and downright cruel government. The author captures the essence of mountain culture, and reminds us that there are periods of our country's history that aren't too reflective of our stated ideals of justice and equality. An entertaining and informative tale awaits you, dear reader.  5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Susan Keatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most memorable, poignant book I've read this year. A must-read.

Battle has found a way to reveal some of the most heartbreaking, horrific events from this time yet also leave us with an overall feeling of hope. I found myself weeping at times during this novel, but also inspired by the fight and the will of her characters. Reading this book feels like going back in time -- she has managed to capture the phrases of that time, the way people spoke, and sustain in through 200 pages. It reminded me of listening to my relatives who grew up poor during the Depression. I don't think I've come across a young, modern day author who can do this so skillfully. She also manages to do something most history books can't -- draw us in to a time in history and make it unforgettable. I had no idea about what happened to the people living in what is now Shenandoah National Park, and because of this book, I won't forget. I can't wait for Battle's next book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written and descriptive story. I enjoyed the reading of this book a bit different from my usual reading material but I had heard so much about it that I wanted to see for myself. the story is about a young girl and her life in the 1930's. Her family are part of the poorest people in the appalachian areas and were forced to relocate from there homes by the goovernment for the setting up of the Shenandoah National Park. Bee has to deal with the death of her father, the cruelty of her mother and the strain of growing up in this depression era. the details are of life in this time are written very well and it is an easy story to follow you find yourself investing in the characters life.

[Rana Southern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... I didn't realize what the government did to create our National Parks. Although it is fiction, it is based on what transpired to create a national park. People were strong armed, cheated and basically stolen from. They were made to look like unintelligent hillbillies to the American public. They were taken from there homes, some were sterilized because the government didn't think they should reproduce. The history of this is atrocious, but Meredith Battle's novel does the real history and truth justice.

[Joyce Swaim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know

I've lived in VA all my life. I've heard bits and pieces about this terrible thing that was done to these mountain folk but this book has certainly enlightened me as to the cruelty and deceit that was evident. The author has described the characters with such realism, I felt like I was right there in those mountains with them, facing the terrible struggles they endured. This is a masterpiece.

[Joni · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Book Club had the pleasure of hosting this local author on a Zoom meeting during the pandemic. We were treated to a rich conversation and greater understanding of the Virginian mountain families that were forcibly removed from their homes to create the Shenandoah National Park. It is a sad reminder that our history is chock full of reprehensible behavior. Watching the nightly news it seems we've got a long way to go. Let's hope and pray we do better.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what an amazing story

What an amazing story! It’s hard to believe the government could stoop this low but I know things like this happened in years past. I fell in love with this story. It’s hard to believe how hard things were in these mountains. I can’t wait till your next book comes out. Your an amazing writer

[Sandra Holbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

First 1/2 was a bit slow but 2nd half made up for it. Different style of writing but I learned to appreciate it. Increased my awareness of how the park came to be and the losses people endured. Sad how a government(our government) can twist things around for its own benefit under the guise of humanitarian efforts.

[Tammy Bolden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book on a horrible subject. I have read a lot of virginia fiction and non fiction about the displaced mountain people. This story vividly places you right there in the mist of the anguish. Even, if you have no connection to the mountain it is a riveting piece of historic fiction.

[TLowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! Excellent book based in facts about the taking of land and removal of the people for the building of Skyline NP. The writing was great pulling me right through the book Being from that area I have to say she has the dialect down perfectly. I read phrases I grew up hearing my grandparents say.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go down the mountain

I enjoy reading books that are about the area I live in. This book gives a you a feel for what the people who lived on the mountain went thru by using fictional characters. It also gave me the desire to read more about the establishment of Shenandoah National park.

[Tom Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful book of the struggles of families forcefully displaced to form the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Having hiked so many of the trails there, I recall seeing the ruins of many cabins.

[Ellie Syverud · Rating 5 out of 5]

storyline is thin but its well written - just loved her phrases! - and taught me about a piece of history that is not at all known (how our wonderful government stole people's land/homes to make Shenandoah NP).

[Clover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poorly written and over sensationalized. Rowler is a cartoon villain. This book does a disservice to the story of mountain family relocation to build SNP by exaggerating the violence of the government’s actions.

[Cindy Weakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disturbing

My husband is a Weakley. It was truly disturbing to read about the treatment of these mountain families. I loved the stories “Bee” leaves for her daughter. We have sent this book to our grown children hoping to make them aware of the injustice done to their ancestors.

[Jeanne Stapf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the characters are fictional, it depicts how the US Government disrupted the lives and livelihood of those living on the Blue Ridge Mountain to make way for the Shenandoah National Park. I hope one day they make a movie about it.

[Dawn M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I Could I Would Give this Six Stars

This book was so good. I may be bias because I live near the Shenandoah National Park, have a lifetime pass and visit regularly. I will never be able to visit again without thinking about the people who.once lived there.

[Donna Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt touch of history with a balance of realism.