Tag Archives: Historical Fiction Series

Review of “Two Runs of Stone: Heart’s Desire” by Steven D. Nielsen

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A Realistic View of Plural Marriage

As the 3rd book in this saga begins, the main characters are preparing to leave their temporary homes in Wyoming City and head for their final destination in Utah. There are three plot lines that follow the main characters we met in the 1st book, who are on separate journeys in the New World, some of which was covered in the 2nd book.

While they prepare for their long journey via covered wagons and handcarts, the author also provides an intimate look into how members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints dealt with the issue of plural marriage. This is probably the main issue that most people have heard about with regard to the Mormon Church, a practice which has since been discontinued.

There were various reasons for instituting this practice, with which most are familiar from the Old Testament. At this time in the mid-19th Century scores of men had died in various ways from attacks and accidents to diseases, leaving a vast number of widows and children who needed protection from the many hazards and brutal life style at that time. The story provides a realistic glimpse into how the people felt about it, which naturally varies with each individual involved in the practice as well as the persecution they endured because of it. As pointed out in the book, immorality is tolerated while a practice that involves commitment and sacrifice on the part of all involved is frowned upon. What’s wrong with this picture?

Their hardships continue as they prepare for this final leg of their journey, again providing fascinating details of life at that time. Readers are immersed in everyday life with the characters that by now feel like their own family.

You can get a copy in the format of your choice here.

The “Two Runs of Stone” Saga Continues

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A Harrowing Journey

If you have relatives who emigrated to America from Europe in the 19th 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, 19th 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 19th 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.