Together Apart

by Dianne E. Gray

Isaac, on the run from his oppressive stepfather, needs time to hammer out a plan for his future. Hannah needs space to mend the hurt of losing two brothers to the blizzard—space she can’t find in her family’s crowded soddie. Determination, a healthy dose of luck, and a handbill advertising a position for an “Apprentice in a Growing Business Concern” draw first one, then the other of these former schoolmates to the stately home of the unconventional Eliza Moore. Like the stumbled-upon haystack that sheltered Hannah and Isaac from the blizzard and saved their lives, Eliza’s house becomes a safe, if temporary, haven. One day Hannah and Isaac will need to face their lives again, out in the open. That day is coming all too soon.
Author Dianne E. Gray based this fictional story on a real event in history: the “School Children’s Blizzard,” a fierce storm that engulfed the plains states on January 12, 1888. Striking many regions during the school day, the death toll included many rural children. In imagining the aftermath of this tragedy, Gray conceived two memorable young people whose stories are bound together by the storm.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction, Romance, Historical

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Louie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! I loved it!

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set on the Nebraska Prairie just after the blizzard of 1888, this story is told from the view points of 14 year old Hannah and 15 year old Isaac. Both teenagers were caught in the terrible blizzard together and spent the night in a haystack, causing Hannah's reputation to be questioned and Isaac to be shunned by the community. Hannah is the only surviving child of those of her siblings that were caught in the blizzard. As a consequence, Hannah's father is very distant towards her and mistrustful and she feels the burden intensely. Isaac must deal with an abusive stepfather and unkind stepbrothers. Both teens long for a better life than the ones their parents have planned for them. This story tells about how they both found the courage to leave home and discover themselves. I really liked the eccentric Widow Moore and felt she was a great role model for Hannah. I also enjoyed the final, moving scene of the play Hannah and her friends perform for the community.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pleasant story about young love blooming out of friendship and kindness. More then that thought, it was about learning how to forgive yourself, especially for something that wasn't your fault in the first place. Following the story from the perspectives of Hannah and Isaac, you'll see unique perspective of the events that lead up to the memorable conclusion. The story is quaint because of the language used, the unique era in time (prairie days), and the general personality that fills the book. What I liked about it was how it showed a girl gaining her independence, but not in the-normal-running-away-from-home-meeting- your-prince-charming route; instead it was a gradual change that readers could certainly identify with. If you're looking for a light read with a deeper meaning, look no further.

[Mallory Beckler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was really good. Although at some points it was kind of hard to understand. This is because of all the old English in the book. The ending was actually kind of sad to me although some people might think it was perfect. Hannah and Isaac (the main characters) were in love but couldn't let anyone else know it because Hannah's father didn't approve of Isaac. And Isaac had run away from home. At the end Isaac's Mother and himself made a boat and sailed away, but Isaac kept writing to Hannah. He promised that once a found a stable spot for him to be he would bring her out. And he would marry her. But he didn't find one in the book even though he was still looking I thought it was an unhappy ending. I would recommend this to some people but not all. I am still not sure weather I would read another book by this author or not.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the young teen, this book was charming. I did not expect to like it, but I did on many levels. Two young people thrown together by the harsh elements find in each other the balm they need in an equally harsh emotional climate at home. A fun look at the Midwest and Great Blizzard of 1888, I would not hesitate to recommend this to a 12-15 year old.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was on the to-weed list, but something about it made me want to read it first. I'm glad I did. Most stories focus on the the disaster- this one deals with the aftermath. It has a little bit of everything- friendship, mild romance, social commentary, and just enough suspense to keep you moving forward.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this book! I read it in middle school and still consider it to be one of my favorites to this day. It's a very sweet novel about first love and forgiveness. There are many great messages to be learned throughout the book. It's perfect for preteen to young teen, but I also think it could be great for any age. It's a short and easy read that makes me feel happy when I put it down.

[AM · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful kids' novel. A boy and a girl caught together during the Children's Blizzard have to work their way through family and social issues of the time period. But they get a helping hand for a delightful benefactress who wants to start a business of her own.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story to help you realize what it would be like to be out on the plains in the late 1880's during a blizzard and how the people learned to cope with that and other tradgedies during that time. I really enjoyed it.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

i absolutely love this book!!!!!!!!
i just finished it and it is one of the books
i am already ready to read again!
love it :)

[Bekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in one day and really liked it, but thought it could have been a much more in depth and longer. I thought the story was kinda just skimmed over.

[Valerie L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blizzards bring not only snow but strong winds. This is a fun story with great characters that pulled me in and had me rooting for them all the way through! Enjoy.

[Ann Babcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute!

[Dionne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book.