The Tempering

The Tempering, written by Charles Neville Buck in the early 20th century, is a novel set in the Appalachian mountains of Kentucky. It follows Boone Wellver, a young boy dissatisfied with his mundane life, who becomes entangled in local family feuds after meeting the mysterious Victor McCalloway. The story explores themes of conflict, family loyalty, and the tension between tradition and change in a society marked by deep-rooted animosities. Boone's journey reflects the struggle to break free from the constraints of his heritage while navigating the complexities of his community.