"The Winter People" is a historical novel written by John Ehle, first published in 1982. The story takes place in the mountains of western North Carolina in the mid-19th century, and follows the lives of the "winter people," a group of rugged and independent mountaineers who eke out a living in the harsh winters of the Appalachian Mountains. The novel centers around the Shuler family, including James, a widower and proud mountain man, his strong-willed daughter, and his adopted son, a Cherokee boy named Jacob. As the family struggles to survive in the face of poverty, disease, and harsh weather conditions, they must also navigate the complex relationships between the mountain people and the outside world, including conflicts with wealthy landowners, tensions with the local authorities, and the looming threat of the Civil War. The novel is known for its richly drawn characters, its evocative portrayal of mountain life and culture, and its exploration of themes such as family, identity, and the struggle for independence. "The Winter People" is a powerful and moving novel that offers a glimpse into a little-known corner of American history.
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