The Granville Hermit, an exceptional read for lovers of historical fiction/folklore. True or not, the story sets the stage for a believable and thought-provoking book. The story begins and ends in Granville a sleepy mountain community nestled in the Green Mountains of Vermont seemingly lost in time. It is undoubtable a secret, magical and mystical place.
The story is based on the real life of Carl Morse, an actual person who was referred to as the Granville Hermit. He was known as a seer, a horse whisperer and one who could read people. Through Granville’s folklore he became known as a wise mystical healer for animals and people. From his days as a young boy in Vermont, to joining the Army during WWI and stationed in France, to seclusion in later life on his beloved mountain and in the end vanishing he will never be forgotten. His best and only childhood friend Elwin was always a part of his life. His first and only love, Mamie did not turn out as he had hoped. His first encounter with a big black Catamount (cat) led to his acceptance of having a special gift which he inherited from his mother.
The author, Robert S. Foster has captured and put into words a story he has experienced and lived with for decades. You can actually visualize and put yourself in that place and period of time by the way the story was written and unfolds. From the General Store with the pot belly stove to his experiences in France to the return to the mountain and his solitude. A book to read and bring back the reality of times past and the hardships of the people which can be related to present day.
I highly recommended the book if you enjoy the fascination of history/folklore, never say it was not real and not just a tale. I would give this the book a star rating of 5 stars.
Benn Bullock
U. S. Navy Veteran, Vietnam War Era; 26 years in submarine construction, General Dynamics Electric Boat Division; 25 years as Director of Health and Safety, Veolia North America; retired in 2018.
Currently involved in the oversight of the Samuel Smith Farmstead c1685 as president of the Friends of the Samuel Smith House and Property, Inc. in East Lyme, CT.