A Stranger in a Strange Land

by Leonora R. Scholte

Book by Scholte, Leonora R.

Genres: Nonfiction

120 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1987

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 3 out of 5]

A stranger in a strange land: The story of a Dutch settlement in Iowa under the leadership of H.P. Scholte by Leonora R. Scholte was written by the daughter-in-law of Hendrik Peter Scholte, the founder of Pella, Iowa. I have been to Pella twice; once on business and once on a short vacation to view the tulips, museums and other nearby sites including the Scholte House Museum.

The novel is written in almost a conversational style as if Leonara was recording thoughts and memories of her mother-in-law Mareah Scholte, Hendrik's second wife. It tells the story of Hendrik's early life in the university in Holland and his switch to religion from the arts. This included his first marriage to Sara Maria Brandt and the birth of three daughters as well as her death. He later marries Mareah Henrietta Elizabeth Kranz. After being imprisoned multiple times for not following the strict doctrines of the organized church, he and several hundred of his followers leave Holland for Iowa.

Hendrik and Mareah came from wealthy families and early pioneer life in Iowa was not easy. Mareah was quite frank with her daughter-in-law regarding her life's struggles as well as providing a lot of insight into Hendrik.

At times the short novella was inspiring and other times sad. It does touch on several themes including poverty, religious freedom, wealthy privilege, helping others, music, death, war, politics and much more.

While I would not call this a literary masterpiece, it is well worth reading.

[Linda Bogaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was especially fascinating to me because it is about the founder and wife of my hometown, Pella, Iowa. Wish I had read it earlier.....maybe even when I was in middle school, but probably appreciated it more now as an adult.

[Shirley Klooster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read on a place we have visited. The story of the founders of the town of Pella, IA. A pastor from Holland who was being put in jail for preaching from the Bible instead of the tenants of the organized church. Written by the daughter-in-law as she was told by the wife, Mareah, of Henry Scholte. It will makes me appreciate all that went into making America and the gratitude for the privilege of living in a country that allows freedom to worship as I choose.
Since I've married into a "Dutch/German" family it was interesting to see where some of their characteristics started! Cleanliness, disliking debt, sharing coffee, and serving hot chocolate!
A tour of their house in Pella is a picture of their life, but the book fills in the details!

[Larry Mcguire]

I read the original 30 or more years ago. The effect of it has lasted all my life. As far as I am concerned, it's one the the best books ever written.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

story about Maread Scholte and founding of Pella-pioneers in Iowa