Helpful Score: 3
A book given to me,luck would have it I needed s'thing to read,but not crime/adventure or mystery. This book fit the bill,I read it in 2 sittigs,as I was caught up with the place,Florida,time frame,1858-1968 and the cast of characters thru 3 generations. This was back when Florida was wild, hot , ridden w/all sorts of man-eating critters and Mosquitoes!We follow Tobias and his wife and 6year old son,at the start of the civil war in Georgia,as he leaves GA.and comes into the Florida scrub.Having sold 40 acres of Georgia clay and a house,he came to florida(east of the Okefenoke swamp) with his family in a horse drawn wagon and the barest of food,seed tools and dishes . Tobias MacIvey,Emma and their son Zechariah take you on a 3 generation trip,that gives you an insight to Florida Frontiers,the heartbreaking struggles,defeats and finally,triumphs,hard won.I really loved reading this book/author.I will read another by Patrick D.Smith
Helpful Score: 3
Three generations of the MacIvery family, from dirt-poor Crackers to wealthy real estate tycoons, in an epic portrayal of the American pioneer's will to survive against all odds.
A sweeping story of the land, how at first bare survival is scratched from it and then how it is exploited far beyond human need.
A rich, rugged history of Florida's pioneer spirit and natural world.
The most outstanding Florida Historical Novel.
What a fantastic book. Living in Central Florida I can drive by bodies of water and vision this story. I loved this book. I fell in love with all of the characters and was very sad when one passed away and was even sadder when the book ended.
I am an avid reader and it is very hard to find such great writting. I purchased this book many yrs ago and it is still in my personal library.
A must read and a must have. I promise you will fall in love with the characters as much as I did.
A sweeping story of the land, how at first bare survival is scratched from it and then how it is exploited far beyond human need.
A rich, rugged history of Florida's pioneer spirit and natural world.
The most outstanding Florida Historical Novel.
What a fantastic book. Living in Central Florida I can drive by bodies of water and vision this story. I loved this book. I fell in love with all of the characters and was very sad when one passed away and was even sadder when the book ended.
I am an avid reader and it is very hard to find such great writting. I purchased this book many yrs ago and it is still in my personal library.
A must read and a must have. I promise you will fall in love with the characters as much as I did.
Helpful Score: 2
Great read for anyone interested in South Florida History!
Helpful Score: 2
One of the best books I have read. This book was on my son's senior reading list. He brought it to me because he loved it so much. I am not usually into historical fiction, but the characters of this book really came alive and I could not put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
One of my favorites by Patrick Smith. His use of dialetic is very effective to give the feel of days gone by.
