Review of “Two Runs of Stone: Wagons West” (Book 4)
If you haven’t already figured it out, I’m hooked on this series. The realistic details and historical accuracy bring it to a different dimension beyond that of just another novel. The characters are believable and feel like family.
The intensity of the Danish immigrants’ journey continues in this 4th book of the series. As with the previous books, this one offers a detailed and often painful description of the trials, tribulations, hazards, and heartbreaks encountered along the way by those whose ultimate destination was Utah.
Traveling a thousand miles in a covered wagon—or walking, pulling a handcart, no less–is incomprehensible to those of us born in the 20th or 21st century. Since this is part of our nation’s history it’s something we should all understand and appreciate, especially if any of your ancestors participated in this trek to populate the west.
The planning, logistics, and experiences are viewed through the eyes of the characters who populate this gripping series. Having read the previous three books, by this time they felt like family. They are split up in two separate wagon trains as well as another who is on a singular journey. The flavor of the era is captured so accurately it’s as if you are there.
While this book can be read independently of the first three, it has far more meaning and impact if it’s read in order so you understand the characters and what they’ve already been through. As with the other books, it’s historically accurate and further enhanced by the research notes included separately.
If you are LDS you have undoubtedly heard about this great migration to the Great Salt Lake Valley. This book relates the experience from the Mormon point of view, illustrates the organizational structure of leadership for the journey as well as other activities that were unique to this group. The author does an excellent job integrating the wealth of researched detail with the story.
You can get a copy in the format of your choice on Amazon here.
