The Stolen House of Light

by Susan Estall

When Sarah and Linnea decide to save an old house and have it moved on wheels, little do they realize the full significance of the historic house. Linnea buys the 1853 house for one dollar after she learns it was part of the Underground Railroad and at risk of being torn down. The two friends and a good house mover plan to relocate the house just outside the town of Havener , Illinois . Sarah willingly helps Linnea get a house for a dollar, even though Sarah never owned a house and during her childhood was homeless with her mother after her father dies. She coped as a child by having an imaginary house, which later figures into the story. Sarah and Linnea meet their match in Tyler , who is married to Sarah, as he uses his own imaginative skills to right the wrongs of her homeless past. Nothing goes as planned in this story with unusual twists and turns. Neither Sarah nor Linnea realize that Tyler is involved in his own house plans. Ultimately they learn about forgiveness, and about the goodwill of strangers because of Garrett, a newspaper reporter. They all learn about the history of the Underground Railroad from the older couple, Leroy and Binnie, who mentor Sarah and encourage her. Sarah begins to know about her own heritage, which is American and Bengali. This novel pays tribute to house movers and the houses they move and includes a detailed house move in the story. Also included is a fictional diary regarding the Underground Railroad which pays tribute to the courage of people who persevered in escaping from slavery. Preservation and green issues are part of the story, along with house moving history about which few people know, such as an entire town with one hundred and eighty buildings that were moved, on wheels, primarily during the 1920s. Everyone loves a house move on wheels, and readers will enjoy this novel with unusual twists and turns. Written in a gentle style with a hopeful message, this imaginative story demonstrates the good will, ingenuity, and complexities of American culture.

280 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2009

Reviews

[PCarey]

Issue-filled work of a little-featured topic of home preservation focusing on personal relationships. Thanks to the author for insights and sharing of research in discussion.

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susan Estall's first novel combines that rare appeal of fact and fiction in such a way that it greatly enhances both elements. One is so caught up in the story you don't even realize you're "learning" as you read. Though my family is from the South, I never knew much about the underground railroad, and certainly didn't realize that it "ran" here in the Midwest. Estall's details about house-moving make what seems an unbelievable tale, perfectly logical and easily possible. The fact that she actually moved her own home certainly helps!

There are several themes that run through The House of Stolen Light and all are well-articulated without being preachy or sanctimonious; they flow easily through the story and deliver a powerful message. Homelessness, loneliness in a world abundant with people, friendship, fortitude, the overwhelming love of a man for his wife and family, and forgiveness, all are presented for the reader's thought and consideration, and contribute to the novel's enjoyment and readability.