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Stones in the Road
A young Amish boy ventures from Pennsylvania to California in this richly imagined historical novel from the author of An Unseemly Wife.
1867. Growing up among the Pennsylvania Amish, eleven-year-old Joshua knows that his father is a respected church deacon who has the ear of God. But he’s also seen his father’s weakness for drink, and borne the brunt of his violent rages. In the aftermath of a disastrous fire, Joshua fears his father’s reprimand enough to run away from home. Having never experienced the ways of the English, Joshua now embarks on a decade-long journey to California, where he’s heard it’s always summer.
His mother, Miriam, is forced to take on the unusual role of head of the family when her husband is unable to recover physically, emotionally, or spiritually from the fire. As mother and son each find themselves in uncharted territory, they must draw on strength and forgiveness from within. Urged by everyone to accept her son’s death, Miriam never gives up hope of seeing Joshua again. But even as her prayers are answered so many years later, Joshua’s reunion will require him to face his father once again…
READERS GUIDE INCLUDED
1867. Growing up among the Pennsylvania Amish, eleven-year-old Joshua knows that his father is a respected church deacon who has the ear of God. But he’s also seen his father’s weakness for drink, and borne the brunt of his violent rages. In the aftermath of a disastrous fire, Joshua fears his father’s reprimand enough to run away from home. Having never experienced the ways of the English, Joshua now embarks on a decade-long journey to California, where he’s heard it’s always summer.
His mother, Miriam, is forced to take on the unusual role of head of the family when her husband is unable to recover physically, emotionally, or spiritually from the fire. As mother and son each find themselves in uncharted territory, they must draw on strength and forgiveness from within. Urged by everyone to accept her son’s death, Miriam never gives up hope of seeing Joshua again. But even as her prayers are answered so many years later, Joshua’s reunion will require him to face his father once again…
READERS GUIDE INCLUDED
360 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2015
24 people are currently reading
693 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 22, 2015
Joshua's mother, Miriam, was forced into taking over decision making for the family after her husband, Abraham, was hurt in an accident. This was totally out of character for a woman who was Plain.
Joshua endured his father's abuse just because that was the right thing to do when you were Plain. He completely feared his father, but had no recourse but to run away to avoid more abuse since he knew his father would blame him for the accident.
Joshua ran away to California and had to deal with and live with the English. Joshua found some good English as well as bad.
Miriam had to deal with and live with the reality that her son was gone even though she knew he was not dead, but out there somewhere even though everyone said he couldn't have survived the accident that had maimed his father.
In my opinion, Joshua endured more hardships than he had at home and more than Miriam endured even though losing a child is the worst thing in the world.
We follow Joshua as he finds work and families to live with. He was a sweet character, but felt guilty about not letting his mother know he was alive. He couldn't let her know for fear of having to face his father's wrath because he would send someone to find him. Miriam was a dedicated wife and mother even though she lived with the hope her son was alive, but presumed dead. Abraham was a character that I did not like at all.
STONES IN THE ROAD takes us into homes and the way of living in the 1800's whether it was a Plain home or an English home. The book dragged a bit, but it was very interesting to see the different, difficult life style of both homes in the 1800's.
STONES IN THE ROAD was about family, about hardships, about survival, about choices, and about God's influence in your life.
I enjoyed the book for the historical aspect. Ms. Moore's writing style was beautiful along with wonderful description.
I would recommend STONES IN THE ROAD to those folks who want to know more about the customs of Plain people as well as see first-hand the hardships they had every day as well as the hardships of traveling across the country in a wagon train. 4/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation in return for an honest review.
Joshua endured his father's abuse just because that was the right thing to do when you were Plain. He completely feared his father, but had no recourse but to run away to avoid more abuse since he knew his father would blame him for the accident.
Joshua ran away to California and had to deal with and live with the English. Joshua found some good English as well as bad.
Miriam had to deal with and live with the reality that her son was gone even though she knew he was not dead, but out there somewhere even though everyone said he couldn't have survived the accident that had maimed his father.
In my opinion, Joshua endured more hardships than he had at home and more than Miriam endured even though losing a child is the worst thing in the world.
We follow Joshua as he finds work and families to live with. He was a sweet character, but felt guilty about not letting his mother know he was alive. He couldn't let her know for fear of having to face his father's wrath because he would send someone to find him. Miriam was a dedicated wife and mother even though she lived with the hope her son was alive, but presumed dead. Abraham was a character that I did not like at all.
STONES IN THE ROAD takes us into homes and the way of living in the 1800's whether it was a Plain home or an English home. The book dragged a bit, but it was very interesting to see the different, difficult life style of both homes in the 1800's.
STONES IN THE ROAD was about family, about hardships, about survival, about choices, and about God's influence in your life.
I enjoyed the book for the historical aspect. Ms. Moore's writing style was beautiful along with wonderful description.
I would recommend STONES IN THE ROAD to those folks who want to know more about the customs of Plain people as well as see first-hand the hardships they had every day as well as the hardships of traveling across the country in a wagon train. 4/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation in return for an honest review.
August 2, 2025
Joshua, a young Amish boy fleeing tragedy, spends a decade navigating a gritty, unforgiving America. His journey rich in imagery but occasionally veering into dryness, makes some of the emotional beats feel muted. Though Joshua’s travels—from saloons to circuses—carry biblical weight, the pacing can stall, dimming the tension that should build with each chapter.
The counterpoint comes through a mother's love and whose quiet resilience anchors the story with tenderness and grit. Her character offers a steady heartbeat in a book often consumed by exile and disconnection. Moore’s unwillingness to wrap things in neat moral bows lends authenticity, but some readers may crave more dynamism. Overall, it’s a story of endurance and loss, told with grace, even if it doesn’t always leap off the page.
The counterpoint comes through a mother's love and whose quiet resilience anchors the story with tenderness and grit. Her character offers a steady heartbeat in a book often consumed by exile and disconnection. Moore’s unwillingness to wrap things in neat moral bows lends authenticity, but some readers may crave more dynamism. Overall, it’s a story of endurance and loss, told with grace, even if it doesn’t always leap off the page.
October 16, 2015
With an economy of words, E.B. Moore can describe a feeling, a person, a moment so vividly that the reader is experiencing it in real time. Stones in the Road is a times gripping, nail biting, heartbreaking, joyous and redemptive. I knew I was reading a boo, but Ms. Moore's writing is more like listening to a story. She is a masterful story teller and this book is an excellent example of the craft of story telling and writing.
December 20, 2015
E.B. Moore has an incredible way of talking about hardships in such an eloquent manner. The reader is instantly engaged on page one!
July 2, 2018
Disappointed
This is a negative story from start to finish. There is an attempt at redemption, but it is too little, to late.
This is a negative story from start to finish. There is an attempt at redemption, but it is too little, to late.
September 10, 2019
Reviewed by Tammy
Book provided by the publisher
E.B. Moore says Stones in the Road is loosely based on her grandfather’s travels across the country. Moore grew up in Pennsylvania and has Amish roots. Her first Amish book is The Unseemly Wife .
In Stones in the Road , the story is told from the viewpoints of Joshua and his mother Miriam. Joshua has fled from his secretly abusive father and home in Pennsylvania Amish country. Over a span of a decade he comes of age as he makes his way to California and returns home. He encounters many people who are interesting mixes of good, bad, and somewhere in between. Back home Miriam is dealing with the loss of her son and the responsibilities of the family farm.
Moore has such an interesting way of writing. The best way I would describe it is dark and earthy. This book shows the difficulties of life in the 19th century. There is much physical, spiritual, and heartbreaking loss with some joy added. I could feel it all as I read. I enjoyed getting to know Joshua and Miriam. The Amish way of life and the time period are well depicted. This is not a story that I would recommend as a family friendly read; it has profanity and references to sex. I do not see the need for either in this well written historical novel.
Book provided by the publisher
E.B. Moore says Stones in the Road is loosely based on her grandfather’s travels across the country. Moore grew up in Pennsylvania and has Amish roots. Her first Amish book is The Unseemly Wife .
In Stones in the Road , the story is told from the viewpoints of Joshua and his mother Miriam. Joshua has fled from his secretly abusive father and home in Pennsylvania Amish country. Over a span of a decade he comes of age as he makes his way to California and returns home. He encounters many people who are interesting mixes of good, bad, and somewhere in between. Back home Miriam is dealing with the loss of her son and the responsibilities of the family farm.
Moore has such an interesting way of writing. The best way I would describe it is dark and earthy. This book shows the difficulties of life in the 19th century. There is much physical, spiritual, and heartbreaking loss with some joy added. I could feel it all as I read. I enjoyed getting to know Joshua and Miriam. The Amish way of life and the time period are well depicted. This is not a story that I would recommend as a family friendly read; it has profanity and references to sex. I do not see the need for either in this well written historical novel.
April 11, 2018
For me, this was a slow burn kind of stay with me story. Moore handles Amish families and religious beliefs, in general, with a sure and gentle hand. Due to abuse, Joshua runs away from his home in Pennsylvania to his West Coast dream. At times, the story moves slowly and the reader feels the difficulty of travel and the people whom Joshua encounters. It then switches back to his home and the feeling of loss and disbelief that Miriam's son could truly be dead, as he would never run away. There is a prodigal son side to the story, but it is not a true prodigal son, as his father also has demons to fight. Well written story with many themes which would be suitable for a reading group.
January 11, 2021
This is an engaging and powerful book that takes the reader across America through the eyes of a young Amish boy who was abused by his father and ran away from home.
Not always an easy read, but EB Moore is a great story teller, and does and excellent job of capturing the trauma and the anguish of a young boy suddenly alone and adrift from everything that had previously framed his life. His journey is well portrayed in how he responds to the situations and people he encounters as he makes his way to what he hopes will be his refuge.
As a bonus to a great story, historical fiction buffs will love the attention to detail about everyday lives of people in nineteenth century America!
Not always an easy read, but EB Moore is a great story teller, and does and excellent job of capturing the trauma and the anguish of a young boy suddenly alone and adrift from everything that had previously framed his life. His journey is well portrayed in how he responds to the situations and people he encounters as he makes his way to what he hopes will be his refuge.
As a bonus to a great story, historical fiction buffs will love the attention to detail about everyday lives of people in nineteenth century America!
November 19, 2018
This starts with an Amish father & his son Joshua fighting in the barn. A fire breaks out & changes everyone’s life. Where has the eldest son gone? Is he alive or did he die in this fire?
Follow Joshua as he travels far away from home, seeking another life, only to learn he isn’t an “English”. Will he return home? Can he return home to his abusive father? Or will he stay in the new life he has made for himself?
Follow Joshua as he travels far away from home, seeking another life, only to learn he isn’t an “English”. Will he return home? Can he return home to his abusive father? Or will he stay in the new life he has made for himself?
April 1, 2018
Interesting, but not enjoyable, is how I would characterize this one. The writing and character development were good, but it seemed like a story with little joy at all, only sadness and pain. It was tough to read at times because of suffering, death, and abuse. Historical fiction set after the Civil war, it drew me in enough to want to finish it.
January 17, 2018
I did not love this book.
There is no doubt the book is well written. I totally understand the story and what the author was conveying to his audience. I just didn't like the story.
There is no doubt the book is well written. I totally understand the story and what the author was conveying to his audience. I just didn't like the story.
January 20, 2018
LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!
March 13, 2018
Interesting novel about a young Amish boy in the late 1800's trying to make it on his own.
December 21, 2021
Sensitive abused Amish boy leaves home during gold rush era.
March 8, 2022
Flow of the story and life Joshua led held my attention.
Read
March 13, 2024Amish fiction
August 22, 2025
An unplanned journey
This beautifully written book covers so many themes as it follows the experiences of Joshua as he tries to come to terms with his emotions. Highly recommended!
This beautifully written book covers so many themes as it follows the experiences of Joshua as he tries to come to terms with his emotions. Highly recommended!
November 4, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/st...
Stones in the Road
Author: E. B. Moore
ISBN13: 9780451469991
Author website: http://ebmoore.net/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
A young Amish boy ventures from Pennsylvania to California in this richly imagined historical novel from the author of An Unseemly Wife.
1867. Growing up among the Pennsylvania Amish, eleven-year-old Joshua knows that his father is a respected church deacon who has the ear of God. But he’s also seen his father’s weakness for drink, and borne the brunt of his violent rages. In the aftermath of a disastrous fire, Joshua fears his father’s reprimand enough to run away from home. Having never experienced the ways of the English, Joshua now embarks on a decade-long journey to California, where he’s heard it’s always summer.
His mother, Miriam, is forced to take on the unusual role of head of the family when her husband is unable to recover physically, emotionally, or spiritually from the fire. As mother and son each find themselves in uncharted territory, they must draw on strength and forgiveness from within. Urged by everyone to accept her son’s death, Miriam never gives up hope of seeing Joshua again. But even as her prayers are answered so many years later, Joshua’s reunion will require him to face his father once again.
Review:
Stones in the Road tells the story of an 11 year old Amish boy, Joshua that lives in fear of his church deacon father Abraham. One night in what has become more normal than not, Abraham takes Joshua out to the shed and begins to lose it. A fire is started and both are severely hurt. Joshua however is able to make a run for it and never looks back. Barefoot and scared, Joshua heads west. Meanwhile, his mother Miriam is left with not only the fear of what has become of her son, but also a broken and damaged husband. Author E. B. Moore does a wonderful job of telling this story from both mother and son’s perspective. It is set in 1867 and the times are harsh for everyone, but even more so for this poor son and even his mother and the family he had to leave behind.
Joshua is barefoot and burned but is able to make it away from the Amish farm and stumbles along as best he can. He is helped by slaves who try to treat some of his injuries and assist this unconscious boy even when they themselves are in peril. After resting for a bit, Joshua is also helped by a wonderful character in Mother Biddle. He has several different stops along the way to growing up until he ends up out west. The travels and adventures he has are perilous and interesting. The writer switches between boy and mother as their lives go on and at times have some of the same issues to face.
Miriam never wants to give up hope that her boy is alive out there somewhere. She takes drastic measures hiding the fact that she still hunts for him. She befriends a lady that is not Amish. Her damaged husband struggles to live, as she has to nurse him constantly. She wants to know what happened that night, but he is unable to tell her about it. Miriam gives birth to another son, this time named Isaac (Abraham often called Joshua that). She has to finally let go of the hope she had for her oldest son. Both of them, mother and son face temptation, anger, and fear.
So much more is going on in Stones in the Road than the tale of these well-developed characters. The reader gets a real view of the travails of Joshua as he works his way from Pennsylvania Amish country, through Colorado and beyond. I have to say there were a few parts of this book that I had a hard time reading and did not see the purpose of them. Otherwise, it is a very intricately detailed tale spanning many years. Joshua’s return is impactful and the tale does come full circle. I think anyone that enjoys reading historical fiction would probably find this book informative and accurate. I would suggest those who do not like graphic writing dealing with animals and others may want to be careful with reading it.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
Stones in the Road
Author: E. B. Moore
ISBN13: 9780451469991
Author website: http://ebmoore.net/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
A young Amish boy ventures from Pennsylvania to California in this richly imagined historical novel from the author of An Unseemly Wife.
1867. Growing up among the Pennsylvania Amish, eleven-year-old Joshua knows that his father is a respected church deacon who has the ear of God. But he’s also seen his father’s weakness for drink, and borne the brunt of his violent rages. In the aftermath of a disastrous fire, Joshua fears his father’s reprimand enough to run away from home. Having never experienced the ways of the English, Joshua now embarks on a decade-long journey to California, where he’s heard it’s always summer.
His mother, Miriam, is forced to take on the unusual role of head of the family when her husband is unable to recover physically, emotionally, or spiritually from the fire. As mother and son each find themselves in uncharted territory, they must draw on strength and forgiveness from within. Urged by everyone to accept her son’s death, Miriam never gives up hope of seeing Joshua again. But even as her prayers are answered so many years later, Joshua’s reunion will require him to face his father once again.
Review:
Stones in the Road tells the story of an 11 year old Amish boy, Joshua that lives in fear of his church deacon father Abraham. One night in what has become more normal than not, Abraham takes Joshua out to the shed and begins to lose it. A fire is started and both are severely hurt. Joshua however is able to make a run for it and never looks back. Barefoot and scared, Joshua heads west. Meanwhile, his mother Miriam is left with not only the fear of what has become of her son, but also a broken and damaged husband. Author E. B. Moore does a wonderful job of telling this story from both mother and son’s perspective. It is set in 1867 and the times are harsh for everyone, but even more so for this poor son and even his mother and the family he had to leave behind.
Joshua is barefoot and burned but is able to make it away from the Amish farm and stumbles along as best he can. He is helped by slaves who try to treat some of his injuries and assist this unconscious boy even when they themselves are in peril. After resting for a bit, Joshua is also helped by a wonderful character in Mother Biddle. He has several different stops along the way to growing up until he ends up out west. The travels and adventures he has are perilous and interesting. The writer switches between boy and mother as their lives go on and at times have some of the same issues to face.
Miriam never wants to give up hope that her boy is alive out there somewhere. She takes drastic measures hiding the fact that she still hunts for him. She befriends a lady that is not Amish. Her damaged husband struggles to live, as she has to nurse him constantly. She wants to know what happened that night, but he is unable to tell her about it. Miriam gives birth to another son, this time named Isaac (Abraham often called Joshua that). She has to finally let go of the hope she had for her oldest son. Both of them, mother and son face temptation, anger, and fear.
So much more is going on in Stones in the Road than the tale of these well-developed characters. The reader gets a real view of the travails of Joshua as he works his way from Pennsylvania Amish country, through Colorado and beyond. I have to say there were a few parts of this book that I had a hard time reading and did not see the purpose of them. Otherwise, it is a very intricately detailed tale spanning many years. Joshua’s return is impactful and the tale does come full circle. I think anyone that enjoys reading historical fiction would probably find this book informative and accurate. I would suggest those who do not like graphic writing dealing with animals and others may want to be careful with reading it.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
February 2, 2016
Stones In the Road is about a Joshua, a young Amish boy whose father gets drunk and then beats him. One night, there is a fire and Joshua fears he will be blamed, so he runs away. Over the next ten years, he tries to find a substitute family and get to California. Alternate chapters are presented from his mother, Miriam's, perspective as she tries to keep her family and farm together, all the while not being able to let go of her son.
I have a hard time with books that involve children being mistreated. Obviously, as a fan of historical fiction, my options would be extremely limited if I couldn't work past this, but it was one thing I went into this book a little wary about. It turned out that it was very gracefully handled. Joshua grows as a human, but his scars, physical and mental, haunt him throughout the book. I liked that this book didn't downplay the trauma that being abused would have on a young child and that it remained an influence on his life, instead of just being moved past as it is in some books. That being said, this book had many sad moments, many attempts by Josh to find a family to belong to, only to have one after another ripped away, but it wasn't altogether depressing. Josh was a great character. He suffered hardships but maintained his hope until the very end.
I also really enjoyed the chapters narrated by Miriam. Her chapters were less of an adventure but she was a strong woman who I really respected throughout the book. I looked forward to her reuniting with her son throughout the book, since she could never give up hope that he still lived and I wanted to see that faith rewarded.
One thing I disliked was that, once Josh returns to the farm, the wrap up was very quick. I understand why the book ends the way it does, but I just felt like everything was left up in the air, and I wanted happiness and fulfillment for both of my main characters. I know, there isn't always a fairytale ending, but I can always hope, right?
This book was started as a long form poem and, in the beginning you can definitely tell. Some of the thoughts are choppy and I occasionally had trouble figuring out what was going on. Towards the end of part one and definitely throughout the rest of the book, however, I didn't even notice that problem anymore.
In the end, I really enjoyed this book. Once it picked up pace, it never let down until the end and I really enjoyed both of the main characters.
I received this book free from a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review
I have a hard time with books that involve children being mistreated. Obviously, as a fan of historical fiction, my options would be extremely limited if I couldn't work past this, but it was one thing I went into this book a little wary about. It turned out that it was very gracefully handled. Joshua grows as a human, but his scars, physical and mental, haunt him throughout the book. I liked that this book didn't downplay the trauma that being abused would have on a young child and that it remained an influence on his life, instead of just being moved past as it is in some books. That being said, this book had many sad moments, many attempts by Josh to find a family to belong to, only to have one after another ripped away, but it wasn't altogether depressing. Josh was a great character. He suffered hardships but maintained his hope until the very end.
I also really enjoyed the chapters narrated by Miriam. Her chapters were less of an adventure but she was a strong woman who I really respected throughout the book. I looked forward to her reuniting with her son throughout the book, since she could never give up hope that he still lived and I wanted to see that faith rewarded.
One thing I disliked was that, once Josh returns to the farm, the wrap up was very quick. I understand why the book ends the way it does, but I just felt like everything was left up in the air, and I wanted happiness and fulfillment for both of my main characters. I know, there isn't always a fairytale ending, but I can always hope, right?
This book was started as a long form poem and, in the beginning you can definitely tell. Some of the thoughts are choppy and I occasionally had trouble figuring out what was going on. Towards the end of part one and definitely throughout the rest of the book, however, I didn't even notice that problem anymore.
In the end, I really enjoyed this book. Once it picked up pace, it never let down until the end and I really enjoyed both of the main characters.
I received this book free from a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review
February 19, 2021
Okay. Not
October 12, 2015
A young Amish man, Joshua, lives with his family in 1867 Pennsylvania. His father is a well-respected Deacon in the Amish community, but his father’s hatred comes out clearly when he has been drinking, a frequent evening activity that proves to be life-threatening for Joshua. On one similar night, his father drags Joshua to a barn and sets about to kill him, not just beat him; but accidental movements occur and a fire is set that all but destroys the barn and leaves the father, Abraham, a physically and mentally scarred man. He’s a broken man who cannot utter what he was really trying to do that night.
Joshua runs away a second time. He had been away once and had enough of life with “the English” that he wanted no more. Now, however, he has no choice. He has suffered burns himself in the fire and receives merciful treatment from unexpected characters. His mother, Miriam, refuses to believe he died in the fire and searches the lands around their farm for days and days. She’s a complex character who loves Abraham for the past moments of tenderness they have shared but who also knows his uglier side. The stance she now takes with this wounded man and now being forced to manage their farm is evidence of the formidably strong and enduring woman she is.
This then is the tale of these three main characters and those with whom they interact in their journey until mother and son might be reunited. It’s also a marvelous look into post-Civil War life from Pennsylvania all the way to Colorado and beyond. The characters are gritty survivors of those who journey and live in western lands, those who prefer to be friendly and supportive because they believe in the love that binds American lives and those who would hurt and kill in a moment because of fear and anger at the sacrifices mandatory for those who would tame the difficult land and work for prosperity.
Stones in the Road is fine historical fiction about western life as well as a novel that gently depicts the life of Plains Amish people as well as their beliefs. Very nicely done, E. B. Moore! A notable, worthy follow-up to Moore’s facinating previous novel, An Unseemly Wife.
Joshua runs away a second time. He had been away once and had enough of life with “the English” that he wanted no more. Now, however, he has no choice. He has suffered burns himself in the fire and receives merciful treatment from unexpected characters. His mother, Miriam, refuses to believe he died in the fire and searches the lands around their farm for days and days. She’s a complex character who loves Abraham for the past moments of tenderness they have shared but who also knows his uglier side. The stance she now takes with this wounded man and now being forced to manage their farm is evidence of the formidably strong and enduring woman she is.
This then is the tale of these three main characters and those with whom they interact in their journey until mother and son might be reunited. It’s also a marvelous look into post-Civil War life from Pennsylvania all the way to Colorado and beyond. The characters are gritty survivors of those who journey and live in western lands, those who prefer to be friendly and supportive because they believe in the love that binds American lives and those who would hurt and kill in a moment because of fear and anger at the sacrifices mandatory for those who would tame the difficult land and work for prosperity.
Stones in the Road is fine historical fiction about western life as well as a novel that gently depicts the life of Plains Amish people as well as their beliefs. Very nicely done, E. B. Moore! A notable, worthy follow-up to Moore’s facinating previous novel, An Unseemly Wife.
October 8, 2015
I am not sure why I took this book on for a review. It is not my normal type of book that I would go for. Yet, I am so very glad that I did. E.B. Moore wrote a true to time amazing story of a boy at age 11 running away from home, finding a way to survive, and coming back home. Stones in the Road is told by Joshua and by his mother, Miriam, in alternating points of view.
Joshua comes from a loving Amish family. He lives the sheltered life of 1867. He understands that his dad, the Deacon, is the man in charge. What he also knows is that his dad has a problem drinking. His dad also abuses Joshua. This forces him to run away. I hated that he ran away, yet loved the characters he met and the scenery he saw. It was also interesting to see how the different parts of the country reacted to a young boy looking for work, food, and a place to sleep. I cannot imagine crossing the country not knowing where you are going, who you are going to run into, and how you are going to stay alive.
Imagine as a mom thinking your young son is dead. As you try to deal with the grief of not having a body to mourn and not knowing for sure, your husband falls apart as the head of family. Now you have to step up and keep your family together while dealing with your own grief and struggles. That is Miriam’s story. She has to be one of the strongest characters I have read about. She has her beliefs and tries to keep true to them, yet she knows that she has to reach out to others with different beliefs to try to find her son, keep her family fed, and raise the rest of her children.
I really enjoyed hearing both Miriam and Joshua’s points of view. While they lived in the same world their experiences were so different from each other. The way Joshua grew up was so different than if he had stayed home. Miriam’s life also would have been so different if Joshua had stayed.
If you enjoy historical fiction stories this is a great book. I recommend checking it out.
Joshua comes from a loving Amish family. He lives the sheltered life of 1867. He understands that his dad, the Deacon, is the man in charge. What he also knows is that his dad has a problem drinking. His dad also abuses Joshua. This forces him to run away. I hated that he ran away, yet loved the characters he met and the scenery he saw. It was also interesting to see how the different parts of the country reacted to a young boy looking for work, food, and a place to sleep. I cannot imagine crossing the country not knowing where you are going, who you are going to run into, and how you are going to stay alive.
Imagine as a mom thinking your young son is dead. As you try to deal with the grief of not having a body to mourn and not knowing for sure, your husband falls apart as the head of family. Now you have to step up and keep your family together while dealing with your own grief and struggles. That is Miriam’s story. She has to be one of the strongest characters I have read about. She has her beliefs and tries to keep true to them, yet she knows that she has to reach out to others with different beliefs to try to find her son, keep her family fed, and raise the rest of her children.
I really enjoyed hearing both Miriam and Joshua’s points of view. While they lived in the same world their experiences were so different from each other. The way Joshua grew up was so different than if he had stayed home. Miriam’s life also would have been so different if Joshua had stayed.
If you enjoy historical fiction stories this is a great book. I recommend checking it out.
December 26, 2016
Having read "An Unseemly Wife" by this author I was eager to read this next book of hers, however I did not like it as much. The author writes about a fractured & dysfunctional Amish family (though they are not aware of this) that leads the boy in the family to run away from home at age 11. Following a series of beatings from his father (that his mother and sisters did not know about), and a brutal accident involving a fire and serious injuries, Joshua takes off and is gone for 10 years. His travels have him meeting and becoming dependent on "the English", and joining a group of families in wagons that are determined to go to California. With limited funds and needing to work Joshua is forced to stop along the way, and this puts him in touch with dishonest and unsavory characters. After too many nights in a saloon with fights and close calls he decides it is time to head home to his family in New Eden. I am drawn to this writer's work partly because she bases her characters and plots on her deceased family members.
November 27, 2015
EB Moore's book takes the reader across the US through the eyes of a young Amish boy who was abused by his father, abuse that his mother seemed to willfully ignore. The cultural and religious imperatives within the community drive the mother's point of chapters beautifully and the boy's trauma is played out in how responds to the people he encounters as he makes his way to what he hopes will be his refuge in California. I read it in two sittings, just roared through. I'd recommend it for lovers of historical fiction particular because of Moore's attention to detail about everyday lives.
February 29, 2016
A poignant story of Joshua, an eleven-year old Amish boy, whose father's cruelty forces him from his home and all he has known. He travels from Pennsylvania to California, trusting to the kindness of strangers. Some are kind; many are cruel, and shake his belief in the goodness of humanity. He eventually makes it back home, older, wiser, bruised and battered from his experience on the road. This is at heart the story of the prodigal son
April 12, 2016
I was really looking forward to reading this book especially since we live fairly close to Lancaster, PA which has many Amish. I cannot understand all of the high ratings of this book. I thought it was poorly written, boring and not very believable. I almost did not finish it, but since it was for my book club felt that I needed to finish it. I will say that most in my book club did not care for the book either.
January 4, 2016
Late 1800's, Pennsylvania Amish, Joshua growing up under the stern hand of a deacon Father. This story follows Joshua through 10 years of searching, growing, making mistakes, forgiveness. It also reveals his mother's struggle to hold family together, love her husband, not give up on a lost child.
I liked this historical fiction novel, glad I didn't live then or in that faith.
I liked this historical fiction novel, glad I didn't live then or in that faith.
February 12, 2016
This is a very good story about the relationship between a boy and his Amish father who drives him to run away from him in fear. The experiences the son has over the ten years he is away help him to grow into manhood.
November 12, 2015
Interesting but over written
The story was good but very predictable. There was not enough told regarding the family, especially the sisters. Joshua's journey was too long and didn't really add to the story. The ending was exactly what you would expect.
The story was good but very predictable. There was not enough told regarding the family, especially the sisters. Joshua's journey was too long and didn't really add to the story. The ending was exactly what you would expect.
February 2, 2016
A very touching book about one boys struggles to find love, family and acceptance. Very emotional. This book brought a tear to my ear several times.
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