Editor’s note: The following article is a synopsis written by staff members and volunteers of the Cary Public Library highlighting one of the suggested reading books, as determined by their staff.
Ever read of cattle drives in Florida? Of an island of outlaws there? Seminole Indian problem? Our book this week has them all plus many, many more.
In “A Land Remembered” a novel by Patrick D. Smith, such topics are heavily researched, and bring greater understanding of the settling of Florida, before, during and after our Civil War. Three generations of the MacIvey family’s ups, downs, struggles and triumphs are detailed as “progress” relentlessly dogged their survival.
Topics showing deep understanding and diligent study include flora, fauna, climate, terrain, and pesky insects. To survive, wild swamp cattle are rounded up to drive to far markets. Orange groves are planted over and over as weather, animals and disease threaten. Weeds sometimes are eaten by the families to just stay alive; roots ground into flour for cooking, and homes built from cypress much as log cabins in the north.
Women likely worked the hardest, day in and day out, with men tackling the “planning and heavy, dangerous riding”.
Not surprisingly the families would not have survived without the help of the Indians and vice-versa. Not surprisingly the Indians are the heaviest losers as settlement of Florida intensifies. Not surprisingly much Florida beauty and allure is lost from the extensive urbanization. Frankly since reading this one book I have revised my vision of Florida.
An impressive, entertaining and thought provoking book in general and recommended.
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