Mountain: A Novel

"Mountain: A Novel" by Clement Wood is a story about people trying to make their mark on the world. It tells of the Judson family settling on a mountain and how they deal with changes in their lives and in society around them. Paul Judson, the main character, really wants to be successful and expand his influence, and this desire affects his whole family. At the start, the book paints a picture of the mountain and its surroundings, almost making the mountain itself a character in the story. We learn about the land and why it's important historically. Then we meet the Judsons, especially Paul, who has huge dreams. These dreams create problems in his family, especially with his son, Pelham. The first part of the book shows how ambition, love, and trying to find your place in the world can cause trouble, all set against the backdrop of a changing American South.