One sentence summary
Civil War deserter Inman navigates the dangers of the wilderness and his own inner demons while attempting to make his way back to his love Ada in Cold Mountain, North Carolina.
Book genre
Historical fiction, adventure, romance
Main topic of the book
The struggles of love and survival during the Civil War era
Key ideas
– The brutality and devastation of war
– The human desire for connection and love
– The harshness and beauty of nature
– The search for redemption and meaning in a chaotic world
Main parts of the book and a short summary
Part One: The stories of Inman and Ada are told separately, with Inman on the battlefield and Ada struggling to survive on her father’s farm.
Part Two: Inman deserts from the army and begins his treacherous journey back to Cold Mountain while facing dangers and meeting interesting characters along the way.
Part Three: Inman and Ada are reunited, but they must confront the challenges of their past and the realities of their present situation.
Part Four: Inman and Ada’s love is put to the test as they face the consequences of their actions.
Key takeaways
– Love can provide hope and motivation during the darkest times.
– War has devastating effects on both the physical and mental well-being of soldiers.
– Nature is both beautiful and harsh, and can teach important lessons.
– Personal journeys towards redemption and finding purpose are often difficult and unpredictable.
Author’s background and qualifications
Charles Frazier is a highly acclaimed American novelist, known for his powerful prose and historical fiction. He received a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and has taught at various universities. ‘Cold Mountain’ was his first novel and won the National Book Award for Fiction in 1997.
Target audience
Adult readers interested in historical fiction, adventure, and romance, particularly those with a fascination with the Civil War era.
Publisher and first publication date
Atlantic Monthly Press; June 1, 1997