Red Rock: A Chronicle of Reconstruction

"Red Rock: A Chronicle of Reconstruction" by Thomas Nelson Page is a historical novel that looks at a Southern community as it rebuilds itself after the Civil War; it follows Jacquelin Gray and his cousin Steve Allen as they grow up amid big social and political changes. The story is set on the Gray family's plantation, called “Red Rock”, and paints a clear picture of the time period through its descriptions of the land, local stories, and the characters' connections to one another. Jacquelin starts out as an enthusiastic boy who is easily led by his cousin Steve, who is always looking for adventure. As they grow, the boys learn about social classes and the history of slavery, mirroring the struggles of the South as the country deals with war and reconstruction.