One sentence summary
A soldier deserts the Confederate army and embarks on a perilous journey home to Cold Mountain, encountering hardships and love along the way.
Book genre
Historical fiction, romance
Main topic of the book
The struggles and experiences of a Confederate soldier during the American Civil War, as well as the enduring power of love and home.
Key ideas
- The brutalities and realities of war and its effects on individuals and society
- The human desire for love, connection, and sense of belonging
- The importance of home and the concept of homecoming
- The complexities of relationships and the sacrifices people make for love
- The resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity
Main parts of the book and a short summary
- Part One: The Shadow of a Crow – introduces Inman, a soldier wounded during the Battle of Fredericksburg, as he deserts the Confederate army in search of home and his love, Ada Monroe
- Part Two: Ada – tells the story of Ada and her struggles as a newcomer to Cold Mountain, trying to keep the farm running with help from Ruby, while she longs for Inman’s return
- Part Three: Ashes of Roses – Inman’s journey home, encountering various characters and facing hardships and dangers such as bounty hunters and deserters on the way
- Part Four: The Shadow of a Crow – Inman’s final stretch towards Cold Mountain, encountering both friends and enemies from his past as he tries to reunite with Ada
- Part Five: Exile and Memory – Inman and Ada’s reunion and the challenges they face as they try to restore their relationship and find a place to call home in a post-war world.
Key takeaways
- The horrors and realities of war affect individuals in different ways and can change them forever
- Love has the power to heal and sustain even in the darkest of times
- The idea of home and the longing for it can drive people to endure great hardships and take risks
- Relationships are complex and require sacrifice and forgiveness to thrive
- Even in times of great turmoil, the human spirit has the ability to overcome obstacles and persevere.
Author’s background and qualifications
Charles Frazier is an American novelist born in 1950. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his Ph.D. in English from the University of South Carolina. Before becoming a novelist, he taught literature and writing at the University of Colorado. Cold Mountain, his first novel, was a critically acclaimed bestseller and won numerous awards, including the National Book Award for fiction.
Target audience
The book is aimed at adult readers who are interested in historical fiction and romance, as well as those interested in the American Civil War and its impact on individuals.
Publisher and first publication date
The book was published in 1997 by Grove Press.