Brigham Young was the American Moses who led pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Colonizing vast tracks of the arid West, they made the deserts bloom. Few know of the beginnings and the crucibles forced upon early Mormons. And what of the drivings in the east and Missouri? What of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, and new revelations from God, spreading across two continents, energizing thousands to leave their homes to build Zion, gathering to Nauvoo for the end of times?
1842 was an axial year. In England, Queen Victoria oversaw the industrial revolution that enriched some but unemployed millions. In America, people wrestled with slavery, Manifest Destiny, relocation of Native Americans, and religious awakening. Principled men and women rose to proclaim their vision, sacrificing reputations, lives, and wealth on the altar of convenience.
Milena Stuart and her brother Diomedes were captured in the net of dreams, choosing to immigrate for opposing reasons, witnessing for themselves the turbulence erupting on the broad frontier. Would God allow this Camp of Israel to be driven from the States or would divine protection be manifest? Would that providence come in a timely fashion or in the form of isolating rag-tag refugees from the growing inferno that would soon consume the nation in the Civil War?
Nauvoo is a victorious tale of joy and hope, fear and despair, sinners and saints. And the story goes on.
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Reviews
9 reviews
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I have read books in many genres over the past 60 years. As I read Nauvoo: A City Set on a Hill I was very impressed with the depth and continuity of the story. The characters came alive and the description of the scenes were graphic and real.
I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good read and the opportunity to understand some of the history of the world at this time.
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This is a fantastic book! It's a very visual read and allows the reader to be caught up in the moments. It is a book you hope becomes a movie, because to play out on a big screen would be amazing.
I definitely recommend it.
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I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this fine book. I am impressed with the research and attention to detail provided by the author. Olsen has not held back in touching on sensitive issues like so many authors nor is his the diatribe of the more antagonistic. I found his account to be sensitive and well thought out. I think he has done a wonderful job in his treatment of characters. They are compelling whether they are protagonists or antagonist. They are very believable. I am well acquainted with the history in question and found Olsen's accounts to accurately represent known facts, yet the story line is enjoyable and leaves room for some nervous anticipation, as-it-were. I highly recommend his book to any, whether casually interested in the Mormon story or more interested in exploring a little more deeply.
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Absolutely loved this book! I'd put it right up there along with Gerald Lunds books.. . It was so much more than I expected... one of the BEST I've read. I gained a much greater understanding of what the people during that era struggled with it . This is not just another historical view on what happened to the people involved in the building of the city of Nauvoo, but an in depth view into their hopes and dreams, fears and doubts. The author helped me gain a much greater appreciation of the lives of many of those involved, along with some of the principles that were practiced during that time.
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I have read many books on and about the events and details contained within this work. Yes, this is a novel of fiction but it is couched in real history. Olsen, makes a number of suppositions using literary license to add some color to stories and conversations that we do not know how they really proceeded. Others are recounted with precision accuracy. His vivid use of description gives a rich texture of mental visualization that transforms the reader to a time and place both romantic and tragic. This is a book worth buying and reading. It is impeccably researched, profoundly written and wonderfully entertaining. Most of all it feels real. I happily give it a full five stars.
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One’s curiosity is peaked from the very beginning as the characters are developed in unique ways. The intriguing aspects of this book put this story in the category of a ‘must read.’ Pamela Elges PhD
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The author builds each chapter to a crescendo so the reader wonders what will happen in the following chapters. Well written and fun for all. Mike Roesler
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I absolutely love this book! I was a little intimidated at first at the length, but after a few pages, I was hooked. The attention to detail, knowledge of historical facts, and intimate look into the lives of the characters, make this a wonderful story and a pleasure to read.
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NAUVOO: A CITY SET ON A HILL - Jeffery W Olsen
This book is a must for any serious student of Church History. Written in 'novel' style it takes us through from 1842 to 1846 and, while serious students will find much that they already know, it is full of gems about people less well known in the Nauvoo/Carthage story especially the parts played by non-Mormon heroes in their attempts to protect the Saints. Especially interesting and poignant is the story of Sherriff Minor Deming, and the swashbuckling Sherriff Backenstos and Major Parker and their part in the 'Battle of Nauvoo'. The persecutors of the Church are also well fleshed out and, sadly are too many to name but the infamous John Bennett has his story fleshed out after his disappearance from Nauvoo. All in all a good read for those who wish to learn more of the events at this critical period in the growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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