Cold Mountain Summary

Inman, a war-weary Confederate soldier recuperating in a Virginia hospital, yearns to return home to his love, Ada. After receiving a letter from Inman about his impending return, Ada struggles to run her farm alone after the death of her father. A local girl, Ruby, becomes her companion and helper on the farm, forging a strong bond between them. Concurrently, Inman's journey back home is fraught with peril, including run-ins with a debauched preacher, Solomon Veasey, and a dangerous encounter with the Home Guard, the military force hunting for him. Despite his narrow escape from their clutches, the journey wears heavily on Inman.

Ada adapts to her new life of laborious harmony with nature, and her bond with Ruby deepens. Her life intertwines with the war when a group of exiled pilgrims seek shelter at her farm and Inman's story continues to unfold. Encountering several unique individuals on his way, Inman shows perseverance and resilience, even when faced with despair. One day, he comes across a kind young widow named Sara, who feeds and clothes him. Following an encounter with Federal soldiers who had threatened Sara, he continues on his journey home.

Meanwhile, Ada and Ruby, prepare for autumn. Their peaceful routine is disrupted when Ruby's father and his friend are shot by Teague's Home Guard. The women leave the farm to bury the bodies in the mountains. Inman finally reaches the farm, but finds it empty. He soon reunites with Ada, and they spend a few precious days together. However, their happiness is cut short when Inman and Ruby's father are ambushed by the Home Guard, resulting in Inman's death in Ada's arms. The story concludes a decade later, with Ada, her daughter, presumably with Inman, and Ruby's family gathering for an evening meal, marking the end of their tumultuous journey.