The Work and the Glory, Volume 7: No Unhallowed Hand

As I was studying the history of the LDS church with the intent to join but needing to understand more, my friend gave me Vol 1, Pillar of Light. I read it Xmas day, then asked for the rest. I read straight thru, loved the family, laughed and cried with them, stuck with Joshua til he found the way, cried when Benjamin died. I owe Gerald Lund a debt of gratitude, thanks to these books, I joined the church and am happier than I have ever been in my life.

I read All 9 Volumes in 10 weeks. I fell in love with each member of the Steed family. I laughed, I cried. My husband teased me constantly about my emotional involvement with this fictious family. I have recomended it to members and non-members alike. The real people in the churches history came alive for me like never before. I can't wait to read them again... this time out loud with my 9 year old daughter. Bravo Brother Lund!

I'm an aspiring writer, and have wondered how to bring my religious beliefs into my writing, yet keep my own style. Gerald Lund has succeeded in this challenge admirably. He has preserved the historical context of the early Church, yet has created a personal aspect that could make any artist cry. Joshua's personal trials and growth kept my continual sympathy, and I smiled to read of the simple family joys of the Steeds. The sorrows were there too, and the shattering conflicts--the deaths, poverty, and sickness of the most-loved characters, and their sympathy with actual historical figures. I also admired this author's ability to insert fictional characters into real events with minimal interference, adhering closely to all known occurences and headcounts. I, along with others, am sometimes disappointed by the Steeds' role on the sidelines, but so many other families--like my own large collection of LDS ancesters--were little-mentioned in the records we have, out of the many who traveled west with and after Brigham Young. I appreciate that the author lets us know when he changes anything, and even gives his sources. These books are truly a work of art, simply good to read for members and nonmembers. I'm sad they're over, but will always say to the author, well done!

A continuation of "A Pillar of light" the novel entails the Saints progression after the discovery of t ruth and publishing of the Book of Mormon. The historical accounts are what pull the reader in, while the fictional storyline keeps the history real and personal. Anybody, LDS or not, would be fully enthralled in the novel.

This book gives a different viewpoint of the turmoil the LDS church went through during this period of time. You become consumed in the drama that is taking place as you follow the Steed family on its journey West.