The Burning

by Robert Mason

A powerful saga of Irish famine, the Civil War and Arizona pioneering. The reader will gain sweeping knowledge of history while living the story of Annie and Patrick White. As they at last realize their dreams of owning land, they are betrayed by those they trusted most, the United States Army. Based on facts, their enthralling story brushes with famous characters and events in early American history and culminates with poignant scenes of early Arizona Territory.

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Pamela Pickering]

Abandoned.

I think I would have liked this more if it was written in a non-fiction format. For some reason it just didn’t work for me. By the way it was written it had more of a 1950s rather than an 1850s feel.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to read this tale of early Arizona territory as we are presently visiting the same area. Makes the story come alive to be able to picture the land around Ft. McDowell, the Verde River, the Salt river, etc. Great empathy for the family which suffered injustice at the hands of the Army, but I was surprised at the lack of empathy by this same family for the injustice done to the Native Americans while they lived near the Fort. Guess the knife cuts both ways.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that the bones of this book are based on a true story and the meat is partially the author's imagination, but I thought it melded nicely. I enjoyed reading about the average soldier and his family's role in the shaping of the west for a change.