Reviews

John Taylor’s Bookshelf
The Granville Hermit
Robert S. Foster
Synopsis: What drives a man to withdraw? What drove a quiet man named Carl L. Morse to choose a life of solitude away from people he knew and grew up with?   By early adulthood Morse had experienced betrayals, leaving only a select few he could trust. Was it the heartless acts of others? Was it lost love? Was it the atrocities of WWI? What was it that altered Carl Morse’s attitude toward society and public interaction? He was known as a seer, a horse whisperer, one who could read people, who could intuit what was going to happen…   And yet he retreated from all human contact, gong into the forest he loved, to the creatures he cherished, the place he felt safe, to reappear only twice a year.
Based on the real life of Carl L. Morse of Granville, Vermont, Morse’s life became folklore. He lived, he loved, he retreated, he vanished. But for those who new him — he is not forgotten.
Critique: Robert S. “Butch” Foster, the author of “The Granville Hermit” met Carl Morse as a child. He was fascinated by their encounter, feeling that he, too, shared the gift. In his novel based on a true life character, Morse has created an inherently fascinating, thoughtful and thought-provoking read — one that will linger in the mind and memory long after the book itself has been finished and set back upon the shelf. “The Granville Hermit” is particularly recommended as an addition to both community and academic library Contemporary Literary Fiction & Folklore collections.
John Taylor Reviewer

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.

Just finished reading the Granville Hermit by Robert Foster. This is a great book. I have been to Granville Vt many times , and this brought back many happy memories. The book is historical fiction and incorporates all the elements I love. It begins in the early years of the town and centers around the man who becomes the Granville hermit. It explores the history of the area and what happens in the deep recesses of people’s minds. You become an observer as life , and circumstances drive a man escape to a solitary existence in the mountains he loves. As in real life, disease, death, war, and greedy despicable people all gang up on a simple man who just wanted what we all want … To be loved , to love , and to help his friends and neighbors any way he can.