The Delectable Mountains

"The Delectable Mountains" by Arthur Colton is a tale of youthful dreams clashing with harsh realities in a rural setting. It introduces us to Aaron Bees and Silvia Kincard, two young people entangled in a difficult love, made more complicated by family expectations and societal constraints. The story begins in a place of mysterious beauty they call "Place of Abandoned Gods", featuring a hidden altar and the silent god Baal. The chance meeting between Aaron and Silvia reveals their struggles under controlling families, particularly Sylvia’s father. Their shared desire for freedom and the twists of their relationship are shown through moments of youthful hope and the difficult truths of their lives, as they face inner fears and outside pressures, promising a journey of self-discovery and rebellion.