When first published in 1957, "Move Over, Mountain" was considered to be the first book written by a white novelist that portrayed African-Americans without stereotype. It received positive reviews from several major publications, but was shunned by segregated bookstores and libraries. There was only one US printing of "Move Over, Mountain." The following year it was published by Hodder and Stoughton of London, England. A story of personal and social struggle, the New York Times said of John Ehle in 1957, "It is quite obvious that he writes from a deep knowledge of his subject, and an understanding of technique rare in a first novelist."