Ann Weisgarber's new novel is set in the backwoods of Utah in the 1880s within a tiny community of Later Day Saints. Deborah Tyler is waiting for her husband; wheelwright Samuel to return, he should have been home in December but January has come and with it heavy snow and when she hears a knock on the door it is not her husband but a stranger seeking shelter. The Tylers had helped men who were being chased by the law in the past, men who were hounded by lawmen because of their beliefs. Deborah and many of the small community of Junction have loose ties to the Church; they don't practice polygamy and they don't answer to a bishop, but they are willing to help those of their church who seek them out. The narrative shifts between Deborah, her brother in law Nels and her husband Samuel. It is a rare thing for a man to be running from the law in the deep winter snow and rarer still that a marshal would be the one chasing him. Deborah and Nels wrestle with their consciences aware that their choices could bring danger to their door. This a powerful novel of belief, morality and the human spirit. Ann Weisgarber is an author I haven't previously read but her writing style and her persuasive storytelling makes me want to seek out all her previous work.
The Glovemaker is available in hardback now from Mantle. Thank you to Ellis for sending me a copy to review.
Comments
Post a Comment