The Haunts of Drowning Creek

The Haunts of Drowning Creek by Manly Wade Wellman (1951) A pretty engaging boys’ adventure about two friends who decide to take a canoe trip along Drowning Creek—a real place, in North Carolina—real wilderness, overgrown trees, cottonmouths, all that—plus the world’s most dangerous animal—humans with gold fever. And indeed, there is a legend of hidden treasure up ahead. The story moves ahead with a deliberate pace—which I really do appreciate. You know there’s going to be some action, but I enjoy the mundane, as well—the depiction of canoeing on along the creek, camping, and making food. There’s some really great atmosphere and occasionally some pleasingly flowery writing. Of course, readers like me who saw the movie Deliverance (1972) (never read the novel!) can’t help being extra creeped out by some of the locals. But—even though there is danger—and some very bad men—the boys meet some new friends along the way—real characters, too—and as the adventure deepens, so do the rewards. And, let’s hope, some lasting friendships.

12.4.25