Customer Reviews

All Is Well: A Historical Novel (Work and the Glory)

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3 star:		(2)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

As I was studying the history of the LDS church with the intent to join but needing to understand more, my friend gave me Vol 1, Pillar of Light. I read it Xmas day, then asked for the rest. I read straight thru, loved the family, laughed and cried with them, stuck with Joshua til he found the way, cried when Benjamin died. I owe Gerald Lund a debt of gratitude, thanks to these books, I joined the church and am happier than I have ever been in my life.

I'm an aspiring writer, and have wondered how to bring my religious beliefs into my writing, yet keep my own style. Gerald Lund has succeeded in this challenge admirably. He has preserved the historical context of the early Church, yet has created a personal aspect that could make any artist cry. Joshua's personal trials and growth kept my continual sympathy, and I smiled to read of the simple family joys of the Steeds. The sorrows were there too, and the shattering conflicts--the deaths, poverty, and sickness of the most-loved characters, and their sympathy with actual historical figures. I also admired this author's ability to insert fictional characters into real events with minimal interference, adhering closely to all known occurences and headcounts. I, along with others, am sometimes disappointed by the Steeds' role on the sidelines, but so many other families--like my own large collection of LDS ancesters--were little-mentioned in the records we have, out of the many who traveled west with and after Brigham Young. I appreciate that the author lets us know when he changes anything, and even gives his sources. These books are truly a work of art, simply good to read for members and nonmembers. I'm sad they're over, but will always say to the author, well done!

I read All 9 Volumes in 10 weeks. I fell in love with each member of the Steed family. I laughed, I cried. My husband teased me constantly about my emotional involvement with this fictious family. I have recomended it to members and non-members alike. The real people in the churches history came alive for me like never before. I can't wait to read them again... this time out loud with my 9 year old daughter. Bravo Brother Lund!

A continuation of "A Pillar of light" the novel entails the Saints progression after the discovery of t ruth and publishing of the Book of Mormon. The historical accounts are what pull the reader in, while the fictional storyline keeps the history real and personal. Anybody, LDS or not, would be fully enthralled in the novel.

This book, ninth in the series has proven to be the best. Lund has really outdone himself, giving life to his characters, testimonies to his readers. I recieved this book for Christmas, and finished it by the next day. Thank You, Gerald Lund!

THe 9th volume in this incredible series of The Work and the Glory shows the reader how joyfully the Saints met together finally in the Salt Lake Valley. The terrible tale of treachery by the Missourians is still fresh in minds of readers everywhere, and sympathy and love for those who have suffered grows in your heart. THrought the Mormon Battalion, the Sutters Fort, and Winter Quarters, the Steed Family finally comes together and makes it known to the world, the power of the Lord and his hand in all things. Read the series, I promise you will NEVER forget it.

I've enjoyed reading Gerald Lund's The Work and the Glory series. Having just finished All is Well (Volume 9), I now know more about LDS Church history and I've come to better appreciate the sacrifices that my ancestors made for their faith and beliefs. As a member of the LDS Church and as a history buff, I believe that The Work and the Glory series is a valuable means by which one can learn more about Church history.

All is Well (Volume 9) deals with the initial migration of the Sainits to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. I knew very little about the details of this historic event until I read this book. For instance, I didn't know that the number of Saints making the initial entrance into the Salt Lake Valley was so few in number. I also knew little about the Mormon Battalion and the Donner-Reed party's disaster. Because of this book, I now feel compelled to learn more about the West's rich history, in addition to the history of early Mormon Utah.

I agree with other reviews that The Work and the Glory series lacks a certain authentic element. In a way, the characters seem to be modern LDS Church members transported back in time. And I think Lund could have made more of an effort to make the characters not come across so perfect. However, I do understand that the context in which Lund wrote these books is one that is faith promoting, and I have no problem with that.

I admit, I was disappointed when I realized this was the last installment of the Steed adventures. The story ends well, at a perfect turning point in LDS church history. I don't really like these books for the fiction, but I guess the Steed clan melodrama is exciting for many. It's good, fluffy, touching, and makes a nice carriage for the amazing history.

If the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ever make these novels into a movie, the better make it go as close to the book as possible. I'm that 13 yr. old agian.

The Work and the Glory series are the best books in the world. I have read them all atleast 4 times each. (...) I took them off our self and read them and have read all of them in 3 weeks!
These series are not only wrote by one of the Quorum of the Seventy, but beats Harry Potter, And Lord of the Rings.
This Series are about a family living in Pennsayaia, Just a little after Joseph Smith has recievced a vision on hill cumorah, and is four years of learning are nearing to an end.
Any way, the family listens to Joseph and 1 member hates him and turns, well, goes really bad. 1 doesn't hate him but won't let his family talk about it, and the rest find it to be true. This series goesthrough the period of time from a little before the Book of Mormon is published, through Joseph Smith Marytr, and ends were The Family enter the Salt Lake valley and is starting to settle there. This book is so detailed, it's like you are actually there in the story wacthing all these people get, what the word? Suffer through the trial the mormon has face, but you can't do anything about it. You see the Hauns Mill Incedant, Joseph Get killed, The suffers and pains Emma smith goes through. Gerald N. Lund has made the History of the Latter Day Saints come to life in these 9 books. I think he sould be awarded for the best author of the year! Not to be mean, Yea, Harry Potter is Cool, Lord Of the Rings shows Courage, But there is no book That is Like this, with the Exception of the scriptures. Go and get yourself lost during where the church is brought back to the earth. And this book is not just for grown up, and members. This book is for every one no matter what age, It is like a story. A really good story. I just can't stop saying things about it