Palmyra: A Novel of Friendship and Faith

by Susan Evans McCloud

Esther, Josie, Phoebe, Tillie and Georgie will quickly endear themselves to readers of Palmyra, the latest novel from author Susan Evans McCloud. Set in the late 1820s and early 1830s, this novel centers around the lives of these five vibrant young girls, who find themselves working out their heartaches and shaping their lives in the midst of a community that is reacting to the teachings of a young Joseph Smith and his new religion. Told through Esther’s perspective, this story explores the individual thoughts and feelings that the young people of Palmyra were likely experiencing during the founding years of the Church. Each girl, though bound to each other, will discover that she must face her own beliefs. While one girl struggles to understand how anyone could believe Joseph’s words, another friend readily accepts his teachings and commits herself to following the Saints. This pivotal conflict, coupled with a look at the ups and downs of young adulthood, works beautifully to tell a story of lasting friendship, enduring faith, and love illuminated by the understanding and acceptance of the Spirit.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Historical Fiction, Religion

225 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I personally think the author made a mistake in trying to cover too many characters. It is fine, and I’ll continue on to read the next one in the series, but I was often confused about who was who as it jumped around which made it hard to few connected to the people or their experiences.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5: this was not what I expected, thinking there would be more about Joseph Smith than there was. It felt choppy too, jumping around a lot and not being very clear. And it just ended, not really resolved. There were a lot of issues in the text too, switching between names, missing details about what is going on.

[Charly Troff (JustaReadingMama) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a slow start for me, but I was surprised by how much I loved this one ❤️ the main character had so much depth and I grew to truly love her and her friends, and the friendships in this were so fun to read.

[Joelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! There are definitely not enough LDS historical fiction books out there, and being able to find one that was good was AMAZING! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, or wants to know more about this history of the Mormon church. I would say that the events are pretty accurately described based on what I know. The only thing that was hard for me for this book was the amount of characters! There were too many to keep track of. In the second book, they have a list of main characters in the front, but only a few of them. If you are starting to read this series, I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you keep track of the characters on a piece of paper, so that you can refer back to it! I really wish I had done this, it would have saved me a lot of confusion and looking back through the book!

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The character kind of got jumbled together a few times but overall, just wonderful.

I had never thought about all the other people, other than his family, during Joseph Smith's time. It was great to get more of an understanding.

I highly recommend this book to anyone, but will probably be more enjoyed by LDS.

[Dorry Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised that I enjoyed this book so much. It was about the lives of 5 girls that grew up together in Palmyra New York in the late 1820/30s. When a new religion & teachings of Joseph Smith come to their community it is interesting how each react. They all eventually marry, some have children but the bonds they share remain though it all.

[Connie Dickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story takes place back during Joseph Smiths time. Esther learns about Joseph Smith and is baptized. Enjoyed it. Sequel is Kirtland.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hhmmnnnnnn....Didn't really love this book! Too many characters and no depth. I couldn't wait to get it read! Not even worth an explanation. Sorry!

[Blanca Girona-castillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story. I will like to read more about the story.