A Harrowing Journey

If you have relatives who emigrated to America from Europe in the 19^th Century you should read this book. The suffering and sacrifice most endured to come to the New World is tragic and heartbreaking. The story continues from the first volume, where Peter and Maren leave Denmark for America. Their experience onboard a windship as passengers in steerage, crammed together with hundreds of other emigrants, is the stuff of nightmares. As I read, I often thought how well it fit the horror genre, but this was real life in the 1800s. What these brave souls endured is unimaginable. No matter how badly you think you have it, believe me when I say you have no clue.

The motivation for their journey was to gather to Zion with other converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There’s a lot of bad press and misunderstandings about the Mormons. This incredibly well-researched book presents an accurate picture of faith and determination during that time and what these early Saints went through. However, that is but a part of an intriguing and gripping story with glimpses into Danish culture, 19^th Century life, and what it was like when it took months to get from Western Europe to the USA.

While modern life is beset with scams, fraud, and dishonest people, circumstances back in the 19^th Century were no better, especially along the frontier when the USA was still in the process of being settled.

Getting a glimpse of what it was like for our ancestors is a lesson in humility and appreciation for what we have. The author of this series is a master at integrating vivid descriptions that not only enhance the imagery but are integral to the story’s substance.

The Section Notes are interesting as well, especially for history buffs, as they back up the various details in the story with research.

When I finished the first book in this series I knew I’d never look at a windmill much less flour the same again. After reading this volume, I’ll never look at life onboard a windship the same again. The complexity and hazards are astounding. He puts you there, using all the senses and details, technical and otherwise, that bring settings as well as characters to life. You love some, you hate some and hope they get what they deserve. These are living, breathing characters that feel like family.

I was talking with one of my grandsons and his girlfriend today about how schools fail to teach history in an enticing manner. When I was in school a long, long time ago, all I remember from history classes is having to memorize events and dates, something I didn’t do well as a visual learner with poor rote memorization skills. There was attempt to provide an accurate taste of the times involved, much less their context other than the dry narratives in the textbook. If a class were to do nothing more than read these “Two Runs of Stone” books during a semester, they’d learn far more that would actually make an impression that will last throughout their lives.

You can get your copy on Amazon here.