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Cover of The quare women : $b A story of the Kentucky mountains

The quare women : $b A story of the Kentucky mountains

Written by Lucy S. Furman

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SchoolsMountain lifeKentuckyAppalachian Mountains

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About this book

"The Quare Women: A Story of the Kentucky Mountains" by Lucy S. Furman is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the Kentucky mountains and revolves around the arrival of a group of intriguing women who shake up the lives of the local residents. The main character, Aunt Ailsie Pridemore, is particularly captivated by the newcomers and their unfamiliar ways, which challenge the traditions and norms of her community. At the start of the narrative, Aunt Ailsie hears gossip about these "quare women" from her family and neighbors, who describe them as peculiar but friendly. Filled with curiosity, she longs to learn more about them. As she witnesses the women's activities, such as cooking and sewing, she becomes enchanted with their vibrant personalities and new ideas. The opening introduces hints of underlying tensions within the community, particularly between Aunt Ailsie's grandson Fult and his rival Darcy Kent, as the novel explores themes of tradition, change, and the potential for harmony in a region marked by feuds and animosities.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The quare women : $b A story of the Kentucky mountains, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • uplifting
  • cultural exploration
  • social commentary

Lucy S. Furman's "The Quare Women" is an early 20th-century novel set in the isolated Kentucky mountains, chronicling the transformative impact of a group of unconventional women on a traditional community. The narrative centers on Aunt Ailsie Pridemore, a local resident whose initial curiosity about these 'quare women' blossoms into an appreciation for their progressive ideas and vibrant personalities. Through the women's activities and interactions, the story explores the clash between entrenched traditions and the allure of change, particularly as it pertains to education, social norms, and the potential for peace in a region often defined by feuds. Ultimately, the book offers a hopeful vision of cultural exchange and the power of new perspectives to foster understanding and harmony.

“They called 'em the quare women, and quare they surely were, but not in a way that put a body off.”

Key themes

Tradition vs. Change
This is the central thematic conflict, explored through the clash between the long-established customs and isolated lifestyle of the Kentucky mountain community and the new ideas, practices, and perspectives introduced by the 'quare women'. The novel examines the resistance to change, the allure of progress, and the eventual synthesis of old and new.
Community and Belonging
The novel delves into the strong communal bonds and sense of belonging within the mountain community, as well as how the arrival of outsiders tests and potentially strengthens these ties. It explores the dynamics of acceptance, integration, and the formation of new social structures.
Education and Progress
The 'quare women' are implicitly or explicitly associated with bringing new knowledge, skills, and educational opportunities to the mountain community. This theme highlights the transformative power of learning and how it can lead to individual enlightenment and societal advancement.

Worth discussing

How do the 'quare women' challenge the traditional norms of the Kentucky mountain community, and what specific examples illustrate this?

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