Set during the US Civil War, Charles Frazier's Cold Mountain alternates between the stories of W.P. Inman, a Confederate deserter facing numerous hardships to return home, and Ada, his love, who struggles to maintain her farm after her father's death. With help from an ingenious local girl named Ruby, Ada learns to survive, while Inman encounters various characters and perils on his arduous journey back to Cold Mountain.

Charles Frazier’s Cold Mountain is praised for its lyrical prose and vivid depiction of the Civil War era, blending historical richness with a gripping narrative. Critics commend the novel's strong character development and emotional depth. However, some find the pacing slow and the intricate details overwhelming. Overall, it’s a powerful, evocative read.

A reader who enjoys Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier is likely captivated by historical fiction set during the Civil War, appreciates lyrical prose, and values themes of survival and redemption. Fans of Michael Shaara's The Killer Angels and Geraldine Brooks’ March will find similar appeal in this poignant journey.

Melancholic / Mysterious / Bittersweet / Contemplative / Nostalgic

- Cold Mountain won the National Book Award for Fiction in 1997, marking Charles Frazier's debut novel with critical acclaim.
- Charles Frazier was inspired by the life of his great-great-uncle while writing Cold Mountain, which gives the novel a touch of personal historical context.
- The 2003 film adaptation of Cold Mountain was widely recognized during awards season, earning several Academy Award nominations and winning Best Supporting Actress for Renée Zellweger.

**Inman**  
A Confederate soldier deeply traumatized by his experiences in the Civil War, who embarks on a difficult journey to return to his home in Cold Mountain in search of personal redemption and a reunion with his love, Ada.

**Ada Monroe**  
A bookish and urban-raised woman struggling to adapt to life on a rural farm after her father's death, who learns self-reliance and independence through her friendship with Ruby.

**Ruby Thewes**  
A fiercely independent and practical woman raised in poverty, whose survival skills and knowledge of the natural world play a pivotal role in helping Ada survive and adapt to life in Cold Mountain.

**Stobrod Thewes**  
Ruby's estranged father, once a negligent figure in her life, who experiences personal growth through music and seeks to mend his relationship with Ruby.

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