Book summary from back of book: Following their wrenching exile from Nauvoo, a devoted community of Latter-day Saints gathered on the plains of Nebraska in the summer of 1846. Yet as they began to construct temporary settlements, five hundred men were called away to march into battle--leaving wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters at the mercy of the elements of nature, the kindness of neighbors, and their trust in the Lord. The severe perils of the Mormon Battalion soldiers have been well documented, but little has been said of heir families, whose struggles an triumphs were equally compelling This book, along with the included DVD, introduces readers to the women who remained on the untamed prairie, with brief biographies emphasizing the distinctive events that individualized each woman, along with insights, scriptures, and poetry that enrich the historical accounts. These little-known stories will delight and enlighten as you come to know an extraordinary group of women who were left behind on the windswept plains yet faithfully traveled ahead on their spiritual journey to Zion.
I really loved reading this book! I loved all of the accounts of the women that were left behind and their families. I am amazed at the lack of care the Church in general was able to give to this group of women after they sent their husbands away. But I guess that it makes sense, given that they had just been driven out of their homes again and had nothing themselves. There are heart-rending accounts of the deaths of family members and also battalion members in this book. I really enjoyed reading the scriptures, hymns and poems that are included with each of the sections. I think it's pretty neat to have a DVD included too! Thanks to Caroline Prohosky for her detailed research into the lives of these remarkable women!Labels: Caroline Prohosky, LDS non-fiction
