Patterns on the Wall

by Elizabeth Yates

There are strength and beauty in this gripping novel of post-colonial days in southern New Hampshire. The Tale is of Jared Austin, Journeyman painter, in those soul-trying years of the early nineteenth century. No period in all of the history of these New England settlers is more filled with drama and grim struggle than the dread eighteen hundred and froze to death, when snow fell every month of the year, crops were ruined, cattle perished, and men’s hearts were sorely tried. It is a colorful exciting story that Elizabeth Yates tells—a tale that reconstructs the past of America—a past which built up the ideals we are now fighting to preserve. ( Inside flap)

Genres: Historical Fiction, Classics, School, Read For School, Fiction

Hardcover

Published January 1, 2000

About the author

Elizabeth Yates, author of over forty books for children, was born in New York State on December 6th, 1905. Determined to be an author, she moved to New York City to launch her career. She worked a variety of jobs including reviewing book, writing short stories, and doing research. She moved to England with her husband and wrote her first book, High Holiday, based on her travels in Switzerland with her three children. The family returned to the U.S. in 1939 and settled in New Hampshire. Yates won the Newbery Award in 1951 for her book, Amos Fortune, Free Man, a biography of an African prince who is enslaved and taken to America.

Yates conducted writer's workshops at the University of New Hampshire, the University of Connecticut, and Indiana University. She also served as the Director of the New Hampshire Association for the Blind.

Yates was widowed in 1963. Elizabeth Yates died Sunday at a hospice in Concord, New Hampshire on July 29, 2001 at the age of 95.

Elizabeth Yates' books have been described as "the result of extensive research, a strong underlying belief in God, and a vivid imagination."

Reviews

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐
I read this book for school and it was really good. I loved all the characters so much. The storyline was amazing. Many of the characters were Christians, so they talked a lot about faith and God. It was a sweet story full of hope, family, and love.

[Bella Rowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for school. It was actually really good. Most of the books I read for school I end up not liking but this one really caught my attention. While being a good and beautiful book, it also had the most amazing, vivid imagery. It had me from the very start. The growth through pain and hardship was just... wow.

[ETHAN KING · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The best books are the ones that not only entertain, but also teach you and inspire you. This book does just those things! You won't view your trials or your enemies the same after reading Patterns on the Wall!"

Yes, I stole that from the back of the book. Why? In general, I detest when books have "advance praise" on the back/front/first pages, but after reading this book I decided it was an exception. Reading Patterns on the Wall will change the way you think about hardships, God's providence, friends, enemies, love, family, friends, I don't really know how to sum up all the areas this book offers insights on into a few words, so I'll just say that it will change your outlook on life.

Going through a hard time? Maybe a time of growing? Maybe not. No matter your circumstance, Patterns on the Wall is filled with beauty and truth that will brighten up your life.

[Addie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patterns on the Wall is undoubtedly one of the most interesting books I have ever read. I had expected something totally different, and since it was originally published almost 100 years ago, I didn't think that I would enjoy it the way I would if I had read a "newer" book. But I was wrong.
This book is incredibly unique. I really loved the poetic writing style of Elizabeth Yates, and all of the description she added to describe the natural scenery of the early 1800s. I firmly believe that is what makes books so lovable. The characters were just as admirable. The qualities portrayed throughout the entire book by the main character were very uplifting, and inspired me to really dig deeper and be a better person. There was also a little bit of romance throughout the book, which I was extremely thrilled to find.
If you're searching for something new to read that encourages and edifies you, Patterns on the Wall is the book you've been looking for.

[Tuesdayschild · Rating 4 out of 5]

I counted this as my juvenile mystery book for a crime spree challenge I’m doing this year, even though it’s lite on mystery and heavy on history. An enjoyable read about a young boy’s journey into realising his talent and worth.
I do think the ending was rushed which detracted from the preceding story.
Extra: An engagement is broken right before a wedding – lucky escape - and loved family members die.

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

T'was AMAZING! this book will forever nest in my heart. This feel good book, shows the importance of lifting spirits, love, and noticing the patterns in life, and nature. I loved the descriptions of his work, and the beauty. the characters are so well formed, the story is amazing, i could LITERALLY not put this book down. not even kidding. would read to my kids, siblings, and everyone, if they wanted to hear it.

[Alyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet story. It was fascinating reading about the two super cold winters about 16 years apart in New England affected the local farmers, realizing those were the same that caused Joseph Smith's family to move.

A children's book that teaches timeless truths.

[Ella Ferris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely wonderful book. It is full of beautiful descriptions and writing, endearing characters, and a good story. I had such a pleasure reading it! I would recommend it for all ages.
Definitely a book I'll be reading again!

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful! Thought provoking and beautifully written.

[Rachel Welsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wait a minute... have I just been converted into a better person 😂

[Clara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say that I was disappointed with this book. While not terrible, it was not the example of wonderful literature that I was hoping it would be. It's main problems were the children and the characters.
Elizabeth Yates wrote very beautiful, vibrant descriptions, which made sense coming from the narrator, but when she had a child describe it in that fashion it felt false. Jared used words that an uneducated farm man wouldn't know, much less an uneducated eleven year old farm boy. She didn't know how to write children realistically. A small child would not thank the Stars for coming out when the moon's gone, the child might not even know what stars were, and while Jared was a sweet boy, the author just could not write children well.
She didn't write a few of the most important characters well either. Both Jared and Jenneta lacked substance. The whole of their beings could be summed up in just a few words. Jared paints beautiful art, has a strong spirit, and loves Jennet. Jennet is strong both in body and mind. Neither of their characters comes to life in your mind. They don't feel like real people.
Ignoring these problems, the book was decent, and the artistic descriptions redeem it a little, so I am giving it three stars.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable book. It has a really sweet story, and the main character is so very likable. Without being preachy the book highlights many admirable character traits including hard work, patience, forgiveness, and honesty.
Jared is born an artist in a time when farming is the only thing that matters. He manages to become a master at his art while still caring for the people he loves.

The only reason I didn't give this book five stars is because of the last chapter. Too much happened too fast. It didn't feel like a sufficient resolution. All the loose ends were tied up, but in my opinion, it happened too fast to really absorb it and feel believable.

[Challice · Rating 4 out of 5]

"But here in the country were every day called out the courage of the spirit, and bravery was a common thing, there was just one word for it-- 'sensible'."

This was a family read aloud. It was more of a slow moving one but one that our sodbuster hearts really enjoyed. It definitely has the writing style of an older Christian classic.

The children have mixed reviews on this, it was more of a pondering type of book that I think resonates more with older children and adults. The vote was to keep it on the bookshelves though! Praise indeed.

[Its_EllaColleen320 · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS AMAZING!!! I read this for my school and I usually don’t like reading for school, because the books I’ve been reading are just not that interesting! They don’t grab my attention…BUT THIS BOOK?!? Omg!!! Amazing!!! I was hooked into the first chapter and it just took my heart! Highly recommend! I

[Ethan Chappell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books by this author are always full of the good and the beautiful, which is a nice change. The main character paints walls for a living and he loses himself in his work with a passion that every man should strive for.

[Kela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pre-reading books for my daughter's homeschool literature curriculum: I really enjoyed this book. It is slow moving, yet methodical. So many good lessons here that may be lost on the youngest readers, but are invaluable for teens as they prepare to head out into the real world.

[Tess H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read for school

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lot better than I thought it was going to be and I ended up really enjoying it.

[Clara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Coming of age story of a boy who learned confidence and trust in himself instead of fear.

[Jess (Jessie’s World of Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been inspired to become a better person 😂

[Kelly Friman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautifully written and a pleasure to read.

[A.B. Swinborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very predictable, sweet story that I'm very happy to have on my shelf.

[Deigan Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎨 stencilling
🎨 loooots of art
🎨 sweet romance
🎨 beautiful themes
🎨 breathtaking descriptions

[Joie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read it for school, but at least had a romance aspect

[Sarahjane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book, good storytelling, full of hope, determination, and faith. Great words of wisdom interspersed. recommend for High schoolers and adults.

[trinity loves quidditch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really sweet, well-thought-out story starring the fictitious Jared Austin. It's historical fiction, with strong morals, adventure, medium-high stakes, and a romance subplot.

[Katie Jane Crouch · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good. It was a nice relaxing read that you didn’t have to put brain power into reading. I would definitely recommend.

[Cricket Muse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprisingly excellent read. Though slim it is full of storytelling delights ranging from old-fashioned values to historical details to memorable characters. Expected and unexpected plot twists provide reader interest to the very end as a young man overcomes hardships in post-colonial America.

[Alyssa G · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.9 stars.