Moonlight and Moonshine by Thomson Burtis
"Moonlight and Moonshine" by Thomson Burtis follows Lieutenant George Arlington Hemingwood, a carefree and adventurous pilot in the Air Service, who finds himself entangled in the complexities of Kentucky's mountainous regions. Known for his unlucky streak in flying, Hemingwood is tasked with creating a photographic mosaic of the Salters River area for the geological survey. His mission takes him into the heart of moonshine country, where he encounters the suspicious and fiercely independent mountain people. Hemingwood's journey begins with a forced landing in the Kentucky wilderness, where he meets Gail Morgan, a charming and spirited schoolteacher. Their chance encounter sparks a mutual attraction, and Hemingwood is drawn to her vivacious personality. As he navigates the challenges of his assignment, including the hostility of the local moonshiners, Hemingwood's relationship with Gail deepens. The narrative unfolds with a series of confrontations between Hemingwood and the mountain people, who are wary of his presence and suspect him of being a government agent sent to disrupt their illicit activities. Despite their attempts to sabotage his mission, Hemingwood remains undeterred, relying on his flying skills and quick wit to outmaneuver his adversaries. Throughout the story, Hemingwood's character is defined by his unflappable demeanor and his ability to find humor in the face of danger. His interactions with Gail provide a counterbalance to the tension of his mission, offering moments of levity and romance amidst the backdrop of the rugged Kentucky landscape. As the plot progresses, Hemingwood's determination to complete his task is matched by his growing affection for Gail. Their relationship is tested by the challenges they face, but ultimately, it is Gail's courage and resourcefulness that help Hemingwood navigate the treacherous terrain of both the mountains and his own emotions. In the end, Hemingwood's mission is a success, and he returns to his base with a newfound sense of purpose and a commitment to his relationship with Gail. The story concludes with Hemingwood's realization that love and adventure are not mutually exclusive, and that his future holds the promise of both. "Moonlight and Moonshine" is a tale of adventure, romance, and the clash between modernity and tradition, set against the backdrop of the Kentucky mountains. Through Hemingwood's journey, Burtis explores themes of resilience, loyalty, and the transformative power of love.
By Thomson Burtis · First published 1941 · Genre: Historical Romance, Mystery, Drama · 5 chapters · 13,675 words
First lines
GEORGE ARLINGTON HEMINGWOOD, OF THE AIR SERVICE, DIDN'T CARE WHAT THOSE KENTUCKY MOUNTAINEERS DID SO LONG AS THEY DIDN'T DO IT TO HIM. BUT WHEN A BULLET IN THE ENGINE OF HIS SOARING PLANE MADE HIM TRY TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO LAND ON TREE-TOPS AND LIVE, HE CONCLUDED THAT IT WAS TIME TO START SOMETHING
Lieutenant George Arlington Hemingwood, of the Hemingwoods of Boston, was wrestling with a problem. Having applied soothing lotions to his freshly shaved and smarting face, and put the last touches to the part in his black hair, he continued to stare into the small mirror and wonder whether he ought to do it or not.
What this Textopian page supports
Moonlight and Moonshine is listed on Textopian as a novella by Thomson Burtis, dated 1941 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Thomson Burtis
- Date: 1941 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Romance, Mystery, Drama, Adventure, Gothic
- Length: 13,675 words
- Structure: 5 chapters, 292 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Moonlight and Moonshine by Thomson Burtis
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Historical Romance — The narrative weaves a love story within a detailed historical setting, emphasizing period-specific social dynamics and emotional depth.
- Mystery — The plot employs intrigue and unexpected twists, keeping readers engaged through suspenseful narrative elements.
- Drama — Character relationships and internal conflicts drive the story, lending it a strong dramatic tone.
- Adventure — Themes of risk, exploration, and overcoming obstacles are interlaced with the central narrative.
Tags
adventure · drama · historical fiction · romance · thriller · rural · noir · mystery · action · conflict · twilight · duality