Subject
Chicago (Ill.) -- History -- To 1875 -- Fiction Books
Best books
Edward Payson Roe
Barriers Burned Away
"Barriers Burned Away" by Edward Payson Roe is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story explores themes of struggle, faith, and redemption against the backdrop of personal and societal challenges, centering around protagonists Dennis Fleet and his family as they grapple with hardships and seek to overcome the barriers life has thrown in their path. The opening of the novel introduces the Fleet family during a fierce winter storm, highlighting the anxieties and struggles they face. Dennis Fleet, the sick father, is worried about their son navigating the treacherous weather to return home. His wife's unwavering hope and love contrast with his deep despair, as he wrestles with feelings of abandonment by God amidst their hardships. When their son finally arrives, a mix of emotions unfolds, revealing the family's dynamics and the father's inner turmoil regarding his faith. This emotionally charged scene sets the tone for the family's journey, suggesting that themes of redemption and perseverance will play a significant role as they navigate the difficulties ahead.
Evelyn Raymond
The Sun Maid: A Story of Fort Dearborn
"The Sun Maid: A Story of Fort Dearborn" by Evelyn Raymond is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative follows a young orphan girl, Kitty Briscoe, also known as the Sun Maid, who is taken into the care of an Indian chief, Black Partridge, against the backdrop of the impending conflict between Native Americans and white settlers near Fort Dearborn. The story delves into themes of identity, belonging, and cultural intersections, particularly through the experiences of Kitty and those around her. The opening of "The Sun Maid" introduces us to the troubled heart of Black Partridge as he walks homeward, filled with a sense of foreboding about his people's future and the dishonesty he perceives in the white settlers. The narrative swiftly moves to the innocent Kitty Briscoe, who has wandered away from the Fort, and her lively spirit brings a tentative warmth to the somber mood. Black Partridge encounters her as she sleeps on the path, leading to her being brought into the Indian village, highlighting the blending of their fates. The initial chapters set the stage for Kitty's transformative journey amidst cultural clashes, the reverberations of loss, and the emergence of new relationships, as she becomes entwined with the destinies of those in her new home.
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