A Son of the Hills

"A Son of the Hills" by Harriet T. Comstock is a story set in the post-Civil War South. It follows Sandy Morley, a determined young boy from the downtrodden Lost Hollow, who yearns to escape poverty and build a brighter future for his family, dreaming of an education in Massachusetts. We are introduced to the struggles of the inhabitants of Lost Hollow, as Sandy displays an early desire for change by earning money through small business deals. He is driven to rise above the limitations of his home, including his father's difficult relationship with Mary and the history surrounding them. The novel explores Sandy’s relationships, especially with Cynthia Walden, a girl from a more privileged background, as he navigates the pursuit of his aspirations against a backdrop of societal challenges and family discord.