Fire of the Covenant

Gerald Lund does another excellent job of blending historical facts with a few fictional characters to really make history come alive.

Gerald Lund's work of historical fiction (Fire of the Covenant) brings to life the unique history of the handcart pioneer migration to Utah in the mid 1800's. Lund weaves together real people involved in the ill-fated 1856 Willie and Martin Handcart Companies with a set of fictional characters. The story starts in Europe with the conversion to Mormonism of several characters and their life-altering decision to leave their families, homes, and jobs in order to sail to America and cross the midwest plains and Rocky Mountains by handcart -- all for the sake of their new found faith. Many of these pioneers were poor (hence the use of handcarts instead of wagons); some could not yet speak English; others were old and knew that they might not live through the journey. Yet they moved forward with faith. The lateness of their arrival in America combined with some unfortunate decisions and an early and severe winter combine to place these handcart pioneers in the Rocky Mountains pulling their handcarts through blizzards while suffering from starvation and frostbite. This is my favorite Mormon historical fiction novel. This book will make you laugh and cry. One of the best compliments I can give a book is to say that some of the characters from the book continue to inspire me even years after I read it. The Fire of the Covenant is one of these books. Reading Fire of the Covenant is an entertaining way to learn about Mormon handcart pioneer history. Those familiar with Mormons and Mormon pioneers will gain additional insight. Those coming fresh to the topic will not be left behind, and will learn both the history and the feeling behind the history.

Never before has a book allowed me to see the true nature of the pioneers. Gerald Lunds description and story line allowed me to feel as though I was right with the Martin Handcart company. His descriptions and historical clarity allowed me to know that all their sacrifices were not in vain. This book has helped me understand the true nature of the Fire and the Covenant.

What an amazing talent Gerald Lund has in his ability to merge historical events with the inclusion of fictional characters. Although this book's several pages can intimidate even the stoutest of novelists, I found myself unable to put it down as I moved from one chapter to the next. I found myself being pulled into the story and truly feeling what it must have been like crossing the unsettled West as a Mormon Pioneer. On more than one occasion I was actually brought to tears.If you read this book, prepare yourself for some late night reading sessions.

When I started the novel, I was a bit overwhelmed by its length. But as I began to turn the pages, I was quickly enveloped into the amazing tale of the trials, bravery, and faithful diligence of the members of the Martin and Willie handcart companies. Gerald N. Lund paints a vivid portrayal of their struggles that stimulates the mind, pulls at the heart and envigorates the spirit.... 5 stars!