A Stranger in the Kingdom.
Howard Frank Mosher's "A Stranger in the Kingdom" unfurls in the small town of Kingdom Common, Vermont, spotlighting the nuanced landscape of rural New England life coupled with a gripping narrative steeped in themes of racism, justice, and community. When a black preacher, Reverend Walter Andrews, arrives in the primarily white, insular town, his presence becomes the catalyst for a dramatic trial that exposes the town's undercurrents of prejudice and injustice. Mosher masterfully evokes the beauty and complexities of Vermont, making it not just a backdrop but a pivotal character in the story, reflecting on the broader challenges of American society. The novel is both a compelling courtroom drama and a rich exploration of a community's soul, underscored by Mosher's deep understanding of Vermont's landscapes and legacies.