What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fire and the Ore
Three spirited wives in nineteenth-century Utah. One husband. A compelling novel of family, sisterhood, and survival by the Washington Post bestselling author of One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow.
1857. Three women—once strangers—come together in unpredictable Utah Territory. Hopeful, desperate, and willful, they’ll allow nothing on Earth or in Heaven to stand in their way.
Following the call of their newfound Mormon faith, Tamar Loader and her family weather a brutal pilgrimage from England to Utah, where Tamar is united with her destined husband, Thomas Ricks. Clinging to a promise for the future, she abides an unexpected surprise: Thomas is already wedded to one woman—Tabitha, a local healer—and betrothed to still another.
Orphaned by tragedy and stranded in the Salt Lake Valley, Jane Shupe struggles to provide for herself and her younger sister. She is no member of the Mormon migration, yet Jane agrees to marry Thomas. Out of necessity, with no love lost, she too must bear the trials of a sister-wife.
But when the US Army’s invasion brings the rebellious Mormon community to heel, Tamar, Jane, and Tabitha are forced to retreat into the hostile desert wilderness with little in common but the same man—and the resolve to keep themselves and their children alive. What they discover, as one, is redemption, a new definition of family, and a bond stronger than matrimony that is tested like never before.
1857. Three women—once strangers—come together in unpredictable Utah Territory. Hopeful, desperate, and willful, they’ll allow nothing on Earth or in Heaven to stand in their way.
Following the call of their newfound Mormon faith, Tamar Loader and her family weather a brutal pilgrimage from England to Utah, where Tamar is united with her destined husband, Thomas Ricks. Clinging to a promise for the future, she abides an unexpected surprise: Thomas is already wedded to one woman—Tabitha, a local healer—and betrothed to still another.
Orphaned by tragedy and stranded in the Salt Lake Valley, Jane Shupe struggles to provide for herself and her younger sister. She is no member of the Mormon migration, yet Jane agrees to marry Thomas. Out of necessity, with no love lost, she too must bear the trials of a sister-wife.
But when the US Army’s invasion brings the rebellious Mormon community to heel, Tamar, Jane, and Tabitha are forced to retreat into the hostile desert wilderness with little in common but the same man—and the resolve to keep themselves and their children alive. What they discover, as one, is redemption, a new definition of family, and a bond stronger than matrimony that is tested like never before.
Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2022
5149 people are currently reading
8191 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Hawker
9 books1,113 followersAlso publishes under Libbie Hawker, Libbie Grant, and L.M. Ironside
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 808 reviews
January 24, 2023
The Fire and the Ore by Olivia Hawker is a wonderful, well researched novel about the Mormon migration into Utah territory in the 1800s. During a time of polygamy. The story revolves around Tabitha, Jane, Tamar and Thomas Ricks. How they meet and how their lives intertwine revolving around the Mormon Church and polygamy.
August 15, 2022
The Fire and the Ore is yet another book by Olivia Hawker that teaches me more American history than I ever learned in school, and keeps me interested every step of the way.
The book covers a painful era of wagon and handcart trains of Mormon pioneers heading west to the Great Salt Lake, something I’d never read about before in or out of school. Between their shabby treatment by the US government (some of it deserved), the occasional ineptitude of their leaders, the belief that faith would sustain them, no matter the hardship, and something as simple—and lethal—as weather, it’s a wonder any of them ever made it to Utah. This makes the Donner party sound like a picnic .
From the first pages, the reader is dropped into the very disparate lives of three women: Tamar, a young, well-born Londoner whose father’s enthusiastic faith brought the family across the ocean; Jane, a teenage girl caring for her younger sister, and facing one disaster after another; and Tabitha, a healer and the wife of prominent Mormon Thomas Ricks.
How these three deal with the hardships of life on the trail and further difficulties brought upon them by weather, politics, men, and their own faith, is the structure of this novel, but the heart of it is family –the kind you are born to, the kind you choose, or the kind you come to against your will.
This was a fascinating, well-written historical novel, of the sort I expect from this author, whose books I will buy no matter the subject.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
The book covers a painful era of wagon and handcart trains of Mormon pioneers heading west to the Great Salt Lake, something I’d never read about before in or out of school. Between their shabby treatment by the US government (some of it deserved), the occasional ineptitude of their leaders, the belief that faith would sustain them, no matter the hardship, and something as simple—and lethal—as weather, it’s a wonder any of them ever made it to Utah. This makes the Donner party sound like a picnic .
From the first pages, the reader is dropped into the very disparate lives of three women: Tamar, a young, well-born Londoner whose father’s enthusiastic faith brought the family across the ocean; Jane, a teenage girl caring for her younger sister, and facing one disaster after another; and Tabitha, a healer and the wife of prominent Mormon Thomas Ricks.
How these three deal with the hardships of life on the trail and further difficulties brought upon them by weather, politics, men, and their own faith, is the structure of this novel, but the heart of it is family –the kind you are born to, the kind you choose, or the kind you come to against your will.
This was a fascinating, well-written historical novel, of the sort I expect from this author, whose books I will buy no matter the subject.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
September 12, 2022
The Authors Note afterward was the better part of the book, as it put the rest of the story in clearer perspective. After reading Jon Krakauer's Under the Banner of Heaven, it was interesting to read the non fiction source for this novel.
September 12, 2022
3.5 Stars
The Fire and the Ore is a book about something I was ignorant of: the journey of the early Mormons who traveled to Salt Lake City, their Zion. The book was written by a former Mormon, giving insight into the friendships forged by polygamy. It was interesting (and horrifying) to read about their experiences as they pulled handcarts 1,300-mile west in order to follow the route proposed by Brigham Young.
The book primarily concentrates on the lives of three women married to the same man, although their husband didn't play a large part in it. I found it to be more of a peek into what the sister-wives experienced and how they grew to love and appreciate each other.
Interestingly, three women who had those names actually existed. One was the author's foremother, Elizabeth Jane Shupe, and she'd actually had strabismus. (A crossed eye.) Another was the actual Patience, who kept extensive written records.
The Fire and the Ore is a book about something I was ignorant of: the journey of the early Mormons who traveled to Salt Lake City, their Zion. The book was written by a former Mormon, giving insight into the friendships forged by polygamy. It was interesting (and horrifying) to read about their experiences as they pulled handcarts 1,300-mile west in order to follow the route proposed by Brigham Young.
The book primarily concentrates on the lives of three women married to the same man, although their husband didn't play a large part in it. I found it to be more of a peek into what the sister-wives experienced and how they grew to love and appreciate each other.
Interestingly, three women who had those names actually existed. One was the author's foremother, Elizabeth Jane Shupe, and she'd actually had strabismus. (A crossed eye.) Another was the actual Patience, who kept extensive written records.
October 10, 2022
Gave up
September 17, 2022
I am a member of the church discussed in this book, and I have read many novels which discuss polygamy in the early days of the church. All of them, though, are targeted at people in my church, so I was interested in reading how a story about polygamy written for a more mainstream audience would turn out. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. I understand that historical fiction allows the author to take some liberties, but this just rubbed me the wrong way in so many ways. I would encourage anyone who reads this book, especially those unfamiliar with polygamy as it was practiced in the early days of the LDS (AKA Mormon) church, to do their own research concerning how polygamy (also known as plural marriage) was handled during this time. There is definitely some misinformation concerning plural marriage in this book, and where that's a major driving force behind the plot of the novel, I felt that was irresponsible writing on the part of the author.
As I got to the end of this novel, I was extremely bothered by the author's decision concerning how she portrayed polygamy and how the women in the novel felt about it. I'm not going to ruin the book, but let's just say that she portrayed even those within a polygamist relationship as being anti-polygamy. Previously, I figured she had created the characters herself, but she had instead used real people. I feel like there's a fine line that an author has to walk when he or she uses historical characters in a novel. I feel like most, if not all, of the women that she portrayed in the novel didn't quite feel the way that she made it appear that they felt.
As I got to the end of this novel, I was extremely bothered by the author's decision concerning how she portrayed polygamy and how the women in the novel felt about it. I'm not going to ruin the book, but let's just say that she portrayed even those within a polygamist relationship as being anti-polygamy. Previously, I figured she had created the characters herself, but she had instead used real people. I feel like there's a fine line that an author has to walk when he or she uses historical characters in a novel. I feel like most, if not all, of the women that she portrayed in the novel didn't quite feel the way that she made it appear that they felt.
Read
September 20, 2022I hesitate to “rate” this book because my stars would either be allocated based on writing or on enjoyment (and bias). I downloaded the book as an Amazon First Reads which meant I had access to it for free before it’s release. If I had delved deeper into the premise of the story, I likely wouldn’t have read it. I was going solely on the author and her previous book One For the Blackbird, One for the Crow.
The beginning of the book depicts the long and arduous journey of a family on the the Mormon handcart trail in the 1850’s. I almost abandoned the book at this point because of the authors intentional drawn out journey - mine included. I pressed on.
The rest of the story goes straight downhill for me into “Zion” and the settlements surrounding Salt Lake. At this point I decided once again to add this to my DNF pile - but curiosity kept me going. Surely polygamy was akin to slavery?
I won’t give away the books ending. I suppose my time invested in this book gives me a view into the interesting and complicated history of Mormons in the US, yet another of their Presidents, and the link between the Utah and Civil wars. The writing and research may warrant a 4 but the satisfaction value for me, a 2.
The beginning of the book depicts the long and arduous journey of a family on the the Mormon handcart trail in the 1850’s. I almost abandoned the book at this point because of the authors intentional drawn out journey - mine included. I pressed on.
The rest of the story goes straight downhill for me into “Zion” and the settlements surrounding Salt Lake. At this point I decided once again to add this to my DNF pile - but curiosity kept me going. Surely polygamy was akin to slavery?
I won’t give away the books ending. I suppose my time invested in this book gives me a view into the interesting and complicated history of Mormons in the US, yet another of their Presidents, and the link between the Utah and Civil wars. The writing and research may warrant a 4 but the satisfaction value for me, a 2.
February 13, 2023
★★★★/5
Dangerous. Lonely. Triumphant.
This book has everything I like. American 19th century historical fiction with women as protagonists. But I found it really hard to get into when I first started. I feel asleep every time I read it, but that might have been the Covid i had.
Three women face their own personal hardships before all becoming the wife of a high-ranking member of the Mormon Church. They battle their personal dilemmas as they face anxiety about a possible war against their religion.
Two of the wives narrated the text. Both offer a unique telling of the story as they both have such different interests and priorities.
This book truly was fantastic. None of it felt like filler - everything that happened was specially curated. It was sad, it was dramatic, it was frustrating, it was loving.
Fans of American historical fiction should read.
Dangerous. Lonely. Triumphant.
This book has everything I like. American 19th century historical fiction with women as protagonists. But I found it really hard to get into when I first started. I feel asleep every time I read it, but that might have been the Covid i had.
Three women face their own personal hardships before all becoming the wife of a high-ranking member of the Mormon Church. They battle their personal dilemmas as they face anxiety about a possible war against their religion.
Two of the wives narrated the text. Both offer a unique telling of the story as they both have such different interests and priorities.
This book truly was fantastic. None of it felt like filler - everything that happened was specially curated. It was sad, it was dramatic, it was frustrating, it was loving.
Fans of American historical fiction should read.
January 26, 2023
This type of book breaks your heart over its unrealized potential. Too much timeline is crammed into too small of a book preventing critical plot points from being resolved.
Olivia Hawker is a genuinely talented writer of detailed historical fiction based on real characters. Unfortunately, this one fell short for me based on execution, not for lack of interest. It feels so compressed that when the book ended, I was left with so many questions I was sure I had missed vast amounts of information—specifically, some detail related to what motivated each of the characters. Tabitha is vaguely sketched in, and Tom's actions, upon who this drama turns, is a total mystery beyond it being implied "he has manly lustful urges".
The author's notes shed some light on what happened next (after the ending); however, In a perfect world, it would be fantastic if the author could somehow work this into a multi-book series on this unique family and the historical events surrounding them and the complicated lives they led.
Olivia Hawker is a genuinely talented writer of detailed historical fiction based on real characters. Unfortunately, this one fell short for me based on execution, not for lack of interest. It feels so compressed that when the book ended, I was left with so many questions I was sure I had missed vast amounts of information—specifically, some detail related to what motivated each of the characters. Tabitha is vaguely sketched in, and Tom's actions, upon who this drama turns, is a total mystery beyond it being implied "he has manly lustful urges".
The author's notes shed some light on what happened next (after the ending); however, In a perfect world, it would be fantastic if the author could somehow work this into a multi-book series on this unique family and the historical events surrounding them and the complicated lives they led.
June 21, 2023
** This was my historical fiction zoom book club's pick for June 2023 **
Before this novel was chosen as a book club pick, I knew I wanted to read The Fire and the Ore based on the synopsis and also based on reading the author's other novel One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow.
In Olivia Hawker's novel, it's broken up into three sections to tell the story of the pilgrimmage from England to the ultimate destination of Utah Territory during the 1850s for converts to the Mormon faith.
The first section is titled "Come Ye Saints" and covers the years of 1854-1856. Here we learn about the historical event known as the 'Handcart Tragedy of 1856'. As well, readers are introduced Tamar Loader, one of the converts who upon the call of the Mormon missionaries took on along with her family the arduous journey to Utah to avoid religious persecution in England.
The novel also introduces readers to Tabitha Ricks and Jane Shupe. The chapters are alternated between Tamar and Jane to show their viewpoints and how each woman suffered through their own trial and tribulations. The character of Jane Shupe wasn't a "convert" to the Mormon faith, but found herself tied to Tamar and Tabitha in a very interesting way (I won't give away the book, but I recommend you to read it).
Olivia Hawker does a wonderful job of making the reader feel like they're on the Mormon Trail (which covered six states and was approximately 1300 miles in length) and in Utah Territory with her outstanding prose and vivid descriptiveness.
For an example of the descriptiveness of Utah Territory, please see below:
"The canyon was all color and movement around her, the gold and russet-red of autumn leaves blending into a harmonious blue, stirred by a gentle wind and undercut by the cool blue stone of the gulch's walls in shadow" (Parrish Canyon, Utah Territory).
In the middle section titled "In Deseret - Sweet, Peaceful Land" which covers the years of 1856-1857, readers are given a glimpse into the polygamy side of Mormonism. When it comes to this topic, you need to understand that this was part of the early church in the Mormon faith and was abolished in 1890.
This is where the three women come together more and ultimately their lives and fates are connected for better or worse.
In the final section titled "Sisters in Zion" in 1858, readers are introduced to a little known piece of history called the "Utah War", which was spurred by the US President at the time (James Buchanan) due to the whole polygamy issue.
Due to this, the three women despite their predicament are bound to each other through the good, the bad and the ugly.
As my final example of the author's vivid descriptiveness, see below when it comes to the canyon when the women are forced to flee into the Utah wilderness to protect themselves and their fellow Mormon companions from the US Army.
"The pale stone of the valley had given way to the formation of startling red, sculpted by wind and water into pillars that brought to mind a legion of angels watching over the company. The creek cut a hard, vertical cleft into the flank of the mountain. The mouth of the canyon had beckoned with purple shadows, promising coolness and security within its twisty passage".
Please be sure to read the author's notes as they're quite extensive and provide very good historical details as well as since this novel is based on family ancestry, it provides the story in the author's notes. If you're interested in historical fiction about the early Mormon faith, I highly recommend under the author's real name of Libbie Grant, The Prophet's Wife which I read before this novel and am glad I did as it helped to connect the timeline.
Before this novel was chosen as a book club pick, I knew I wanted to read The Fire and the Ore based on the synopsis and also based on reading the author's other novel One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow.
In Olivia Hawker's novel, it's broken up into three sections to tell the story of the pilgrimmage from England to the ultimate destination of Utah Territory during the 1850s for converts to the Mormon faith.
The first section is titled "Come Ye Saints" and covers the years of 1854-1856. Here we learn about the historical event known as the 'Handcart Tragedy of 1856'. As well, readers are introduced Tamar Loader, one of the converts who upon the call of the Mormon missionaries took on along with her family the arduous journey to Utah to avoid religious persecution in England.
The novel also introduces readers to Tabitha Ricks and Jane Shupe. The chapters are alternated between Tamar and Jane to show their viewpoints and how each woman suffered through their own trial and tribulations. The character of Jane Shupe wasn't a "convert" to the Mormon faith, but found herself tied to Tamar and Tabitha in a very interesting way (I won't give away the book, but I recommend you to read it).
Olivia Hawker does a wonderful job of making the reader feel like they're on the Mormon Trail (which covered six states and was approximately 1300 miles in length) and in Utah Territory with her outstanding prose and vivid descriptiveness.
For an example of the descriptiveness of Utah Territory, please see below:
"The canyon was all color and movement around her, the gold and russet-red of autumn leaves blending into a harmonious blue, stirred by a gentle wind and undercut by the cool blue stone of the gulch's walls in shadow" (Parrish Canyon, Utah Territory).
In the middle section titled "In Deseret - Sweet, Peaceful Land" which covers the years of 1856-1857, readers are given a glimpse into the polygamy side of Mormonism. When it comes to this topic, you need to understand that this was part of the early church in the Mormon faith and was abolished in 1890.
This is where the three women come together more and ultimately their lives and fates are connected for better or worse.
In the final section titled "Sisters in Zion" in 1858, readers are introduced to a little known piece of history called the "Utah War", which was spurred by the US President at the time (James Buchanan) due to the whole polygamy issue.
Due to this, the three women despite their predicament are bound to each other through the good, the bad and the ugly.
As my final example of the author's vivid descriptiveness, see below when it comes to the canyon when the women are forced to flee into the Utah wilderness to protect themselves and their fellow Mormon companions from the US Army.
"The pale stone of the valley had given way to the formation of startling red, sculpted by wind and water into pillars that brought to mind a legion of angels watching over the company. The creek cut a hard, vertical cleft into the flank of the mountain. The mouth of the canyon had beckoned with purple shadows, promising coolness and security within its twisty passage".
Please be sure to read the author's notes as they're quite extensive and provide very good historical details as well as since this novel is based on family ancestry, it provides the story in the author's notes. If you're interested in historical fiction about the early Mormon faith, I highly recommend under the author's real name of Libbie Grant, The Prophet's Wife which I read before this novel and am glad I did as it helped to connect the timeline.
September 27, 2022
A very well written story
As an agnostic, I shy away from books colored too much by the author's religion. Olivia spins a great tale and is honest and has done her homework. I enjoyed this book from the start to finish. She does a good job fleshing out her characters and making them seem true.
I became captivated from the start. I never felt she was proselytizing or trying to prove some kind of point. The book was never preachy or saccharine.
I recommend it to all people who appreciate a good historical novel, all the better because it's about real people
As an agnostic, I shy away from books colored too much by the author's religion. Olivia spins a great tale and is honest and has done her homework. I enjoyed this book from the start to finish. She does a good job fleshing out her characters and making them seem true.
I became captivated from the start. I never felt she was proselytizing or trying to prove some kind of point. The book was never preachy or saccharine.
I recommend it to all people who appreciate a good historical novel, all the better because it's about real people
February 18, 2024
This was a dnf for me. So boring.
September 23, 2022
The Fire and the Ore is gripping and complex as it tells the story of three women who were strangers, who come together out of faith, desperation, and the will to survive in the harshness of Utah Territory in the mid 1850’s. These women are not just strangers; they’ve each come to the territory for different reasons, coming from diverse backgrounds, their journeys fraught with hardship, loss, and danger. Although written in beautiful prose, the author gives us a story that is sometimes painful to read, as she explores the very complicated subject of polygamy and the women who chose this lifestyle, as well as the women who find their lives upended at the prospect of sharing their husbands and homes. This is a complicated story of faith and doubt, of right and wrong, but ultimately it is the extraordinary story of three women who struggle and love and survive, and the family they become. Not only do I highly recommend this novel, I urge everyone who reads it to make sure they read the author’s note—it adds one more layer to an amazing story.
September 26, 2022
Started out so strong … like early mormons meets little house on the prairie…lost its wind mid way through …disappointing.
October 17, 2022
I got hooked on Olivia Hawker's prose while reading One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow. The Fire and the Ore is another masterfully written book. It would have been an intriguing historical novel even if it was "only" about the very different lives of three women on the American Frontier in the 1850s, but it was so much more. I had very little knowledge of the Mormon culture, Deseret, and the early years of the Utah Territory, before reading this novel. The book got me so intrigued, that I found myself searching for images of places, as I went along. Reading about the Mormon handcart migration was horrific. What a tragic journey.
And then, the women get tricked into a plural marriage. Two of the wives had no idea what was coming, and one was blinded by her faith.
I kept viewing them through the lens of my personal privilege at first, frustrated by their choices and having serious doubts why anyone would sign up for this life, especially, as the practice was already frowned upon even in that era. Hawker threaded the story masterfully by not taking ideological sides on polygamy, and rather addressing the many complicated feelings directly. As I followed the characters' physical and emotional journeys, I got to understand their reasons.
It is a story of overcoming adversity, of female friendships, chosen family, and faith. It is also a history lesson on why gender equality matters, especially in the most vulnerable of positions.
The author's note at the end adds more authenticity to the story. I ended up searching for each character, and the importance of telling this narrative was reinforced in even more clarity, when I found long entries of the men's lives, but only names, dates of birth/death, and number of children had, for the women. Not allowing the stories of women, whose societal value was directly tied to whom they married and how many live children they birthed, is essential to understand both our past and our future.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
And then, the women get tricked into a plural marriage. Two of the wives had no idea what was coming, and one was blinded by her faith.
I kept viewing them through the lens of my personal privilege at first, frustrated by their choices and having serious doubts why anyone would sign up for this life, especially, as the practice was already frowned upon even in that era. Hawker threaded the story masterfully by not taking ideological sides on polygamy, and rather addressing the many complicated feelings directly. As I followed the characters' physical and emotional journeys, I got to understand their reasons.
It is a story of overcoming adversity, of female friendships, chosen family, and faith. It is also a history lesson on why gender equality matters, especially in the most vulnerable of positions.
The author's note at the end adds more authenticity to the story. I ended up searching for each character, and the importance of telling this narrative was reinforced in even more clarity, when I found long entries of the men's lives, but only names, dates of birth/death, and number of children had, for the women. Not allowing the stories of women, whose societal value was directly tied to whom they married and how many live children they birthed, is essential to understand both our past and our future.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2022
Started slow for me, but I loved the ending!
August 24, 2023
I love this author, she never fails to get to the heart of the characters and this book about early Mormon settlers in Utah is no exception.
February 11, 2023
Honestly I flipped pages just to get this done. I enjoyed the authors notes at the end more; finding out some of the characters were real and related to her. I really liked her book The Ragged Edge of Night so was expecting better of this one.
September 11, 2022
Hawker weaves an insightful portrayal of her Mormon ancestors, and what it meant to live the principle- polygamy. Jane and Tamar survive horrific conditions on their walking trip west, pushing a handcart, only to end up in the Utah War between LDS leaders and the federal government. But the true focus of the book and the genius of Hawker’s writing is intertwined relationships of the sister wives. Despite Hawker not being a Mormon in belief, she paints an objective and compelling picture of this slice of history. You’ll root for the victimized women to the end.
September 6, 2022
This historical novel of the people who traveled by wagon and hand cart to the area of Salt Lake City, UT is engrossing and by turns uplifting and heartbreaking. It was hard to put this one down, but also it was so demanding emotionally that I had to take breaks and catch my breath. These women were heroic and tough. They overcame so much.
October 27, 2022
Meh
Unnecessarily descriptive when it comes to landscape and weather. I get what the author was trying to convey but I got to the point of skipping over these parts.
Very mixed feelings on the characters and the whole polygamy issue. I found Tamar irritating and ridiculously naive. I was disappointed that Jane didn't leave but I get that the author was sticking with a true story but somehow it seemed a betrayal of Jane's character up to that point. Overall, the characters lacked significant flaws and this made them a bit cardboard cutouts.
Tabitha was the most interesting character but she didn't get a perspective. But the biggest problem to me, was the lack of Thomas's perspective. Without this, he came off as either a philanderer or as a naive acolyte.
Lastly, I would have liked more Mormon history in the story. I did learn that polygamy was less common than is usually supposed and that was a bit secret even in the Mormon community.
Generally, I was disappointed in the content and ending, despite the book being well written.
Unnecessarily descriptive when it comes to landscape and weather. I get what the author was trying to convey but I got to the point of skipping over these parts.
Very mixed feelings on the characters and the whole polygamy issue. I found Tamar irritating and ridiculously naive. I was disappointed that Jane didn't leave but I get that the author was sticking with a true story but somehow it seemed a betrayal of Jane's character up to that point. Overall, the characters lacked significant flaws and this made them a bit cardboard cutouts.
Tabitha was the most interesting character but she didn't get a perspective. But the biggest problem to me, was the lack of Thomas's perspective. Without this, he came off as either a philanderer or as a naive acolyte.
Lastly, I would have liked more Mormon history in the story. I did learn that polygamy was less common than is usually supposed and that was a bit secret even in the Mormon community.
Generally, I was disappointed in the content and ending, despite the book being well written.
September 3, 2022
4-4.5*
I have been waiting for this one...
I love US American western historical fiction novels...
I especially love pioneer stories of lds crossing west or settlers crossing west...the hardships and faith.
One for the blackbird one for the crow is mu favorite of Olivia Hawkers, she is an excellent author and this was a great one as well.
I have been waiting for this one...
I love US American western historical fiction novels...
I especially love pioneer stories of lds crossing west or settlers crossing west...the hardships and faith.
One for the blackbird one for the crow is mu favorite of Olivia Hawkers, she is an excellent author and this was a great one as well.
January 22, 2023
I'm going to have to abort this read. I've set it down twice when things got busy, then had to start over to remember what was happening. I don't think I want to start over a 3rd time. It just didn't stay with me. Interesting but not compelling.
October 24, 2022
I didn't realize first i'm reading something that is based on true story.. But it was very good.
Yes, it could feel at first there's too much talk about religion, but in the end, its just someone else's way to live.
Tamar is from England, but when her father is following the call for Mormon faith, all of their family life is changed. They take long lasting and not easy boat trip, where funerals had become as rote as morning prayers, to America to travel Utah to the Mormon lands.
In America had to take another journey, trail nearly fifteen hundred miles long through untamed wilderness only using handcarts. They believed their faith is helping them on their way to Utah.
But travelling becomes very heard, people are tired, getting sick and dying. But Tamar is having vision of a man faith wants her to marry.
Same time we meet Jane, who's life is very heard but she meets a woman Tabitha, who is healer and becomes like a big sister to Jane.
Tabitha is married to Thomas. Tamar believes her faith is to marry Thomas too, especially when she finds out in Mormons faith its acceptable to a man to be married with several women. Although Jane isn't mormon, she is marrying Thomas, too, in order to save her sisters life.
Three women will become attached stronger than they want to not only being married with the same man, but also simply to survive.
Its definitely good story, its strong and powerful on its own way. And also it makes me sad what women do just as they believe its right only because of religion and their faith.
Yes, it could feel at first there's too much talk about religion, but in the end, its just someone else's way to live.
Tamar is from England, but when her father is following the call for Mormon faith, all of their family life is changed. They take long lasting and not easy boat trip, where funerals had become as rote as morning prayers, to America to travel Utah to the Mormon lands.
In America had to take another journey, trail nearly fifteen hundred miles long through untamed wilderness only using handcarts. They believed their faith is helping them on their way to Utah.
But travelling becomes very heard, people are tired, getting sick and dying. But Tamar is having vision of a man faith wants her to marry.
Same time we meet Jane, who's life is very heard but she meets a woman Tabitha, who is healer and becomes like a big sister to Jane.
Tabitha is married to Thomas. Tamar believes her faith is to marry Thomas too, especially when she finds out in Mormons faith its acceptable to a man to be married with several women. Although Jane isn't mormon, she is marrying Thomas, too, in order to save her sisters life.
Three women will become attached stronger than they want to not only being married with the same man, but also simply to survive.
Its definitely good story, its strong and powerful on its own way. And also it makes me sad what women do just as they believe its right only because of religion and their faith.
November 30, 2022
Men behaving badly...
I don't usually title my reviews but this seemed fitting. It is not intended to diminish the subjugation of women that continuously occurs in this book, but rather to pose the question what would have happened if women were given a greater voice early on?
This book is a slow build-up, all the better to help you feel the arduous journey of the main characters. [Aside: Anyone who romanticises what living in the past was like should read this to appreciate the sweat and toil of everyday living, of having circumstances be so difficult that a deadly, pain-staking trek across desolate land is preferable. For the chance of deliverance.]
It starts on the wedding day of two women who discover not only that they are marrying the same man but that he already has another wife. We then go back, following the story of how Jane and Tamar came to be in that situation. Their journeys are unique, as is there characters, and in the end come together to make something more than you could have imagined.
It is a nuanced take on Mormonism and plural marriage, perhaps the more accurate for not trying to promote or denigrate the practice, but rather showing the perspectives of different people. But I also appreciated the show of manipulation, the secrecy and religious fervour that is used to keep not only outsiders but members of the church from its goings on.
I listened to the first half of this book and read the second, and I am so glad I did. The audiobook is excellent, considering the number of characters, with each having a distinct voice. In the last quarter, when we move forward from the dreadful beginning, the power of women coming together is displayed in a beautiful, real and lasting way.
I don't usually title my reviews but this seemed fitting. It is not intended to diminish the subjugation of women that continuously occurs in this book, but rather to pose the question what would have happened if women were given a greater voice early on?
This book is a slow build-up, all the better to help you feel the arduous journey of the main characters. [Aside: Anyone who romanticises what living in the past was like should read this to appreciate the sweat and toil of everyday living, of having circumstances be so difficult that a deadly, pain-staking trek across desolate land is preferable. For the chance of deliverance.]
It starts on the wedding day of two women who discover not only that they are marrying the same man but that he already has another wife. We then go back, following the story of how Jane and Tamar came to be in that situation. Their journeys are unique, as is there characters, and in the end come together to make something more than you could have imagined.
It is a nuanced take on Mormonism and plural marriage, perhaps the more accurate for not trying to promote or denigrate the practice, but rather showing the perspectives of different people. But I also appreciated the show of manipulation, the secrecy and religious fervour that is used to keep not only outsiders but members of the church from its goings on.
I listened to the first half of this book and read the second, and I am so glad I did. The audiobook is excellent, considering the number of characters, with each having a distinct voice. In the last quarter, when we move forward from the dreadful beginning, the power of women coming together is displayed in a beautiful, real and lasting way.
March 3, 2023
This was my Read Across America Challenge February pick and it fascinated me. I never knew of the great Mormon migration or the Mormon War and was exposed to so much history through this fictional work based on real people and stories. Although not my cup of tea, I also find polygamy interesting and enjoyed reading the character’s different perspectives. The author‘s note at the end of this one is a must read!
January 25, 2024
I found this historic novel to be deeply moving and beautifully written. The trials and tribulations of Mormons traveling west on foot were terrifying and show that people are capable of surviving so much. I felt the true-to-life history of the story and its characters were well-researched too. As a bonus, the author’s note is extremely insightful, thorough and adds much to the story.
March 20, 2024
This book isn't one I would have read on my own, but when my book club picked it, I decided to give it a chance. Overall, I liked it more than I expected. I didn't enjoy all of the plot, but I liked the characters.
May 30, 2023
3.75 👍🏻
September 22, 2023
I had no idea about this part of American history. It was a little slow-paced at times, but what a fascinating story based on true events.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 808 reviews