The prior claim by Eleanor Mercein Kelly

"The Prior Claim" by Eleanor Mercein Kelly is a historical romance novel set during the early 19th century, amidst the tumult of the Indian Wars and pioneer life in Kentucky. This gripping narrative centers on themes of love, identity, and the struggles of settlers in a land fraught with conflict. The book dives into the complexities faced by its characters, particularly revolving around notions of belonging and cultural conflict between Native Americans and European settlers. The story unfolds around Polly, a young woman who was captured by Indians and later rescued by settlers. Now married to Ezra Todd, a man devoted to civilizing the untamed land, Polly finds herself grappling with the memories of her past and her dual identity. As the plot progresses, tensions rise when her husband must leave for a court meeting, leaving her in the care of her elderly grandmother and their newborn son. These circumstances culminate in a violent encounter with Indians, leading to a heart-wrenching decision for Polly as she must choose between her newfound life and the ties to her past. Ultimately, her journey reflects the harsh realities of frontier life and the sacrifices made for love and family, leaving readers to ponder the notion of belonging and the depth of human connection. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Kelly, Eleanor Mercein, 1880-1968
Illustrator Wilford, L. F. (Louis F.)
Title The prior claim
Original Publication New York: McClure Publishing Company, 1923.
Credits Roger Frank and Sue Clark
Reading Level Reading ease score: 84.1 (6th grade). Easy to read.
Language English
LoC Class PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
Subject Indians of North America -- Fiction
Subject Frontier and pioneer life -- Kentucky -- Fiction
Category Text
eBook-No. 71775
Release Date
Last Update Nov 8, 2023
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
Downloads 287 downloads in the last 30 days.

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