Customer Reviews

The Believers

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

I found this book in the attic covered under piles of dust. I did not know what it was about as it did not have a cover or anything telling what the book was about. I decided to give it a try and was immediatly submersed in the world of the 1800's. I could not put the book down after the first page. it took me about 2 days to complete the whole book. The author, Giles, is very descriptive and exciting writer. Usually i do not like to read books set in the 1800's, but this book is excellent. It is about the life of Rebecca Fowler. It starts with her early life chasing the man she loves and evovles as Rebecca does into her life story. It talks of life in the wilderness and then life while she is involved in a Shaker community and life thereafter. This is an excellent book and i cannot wait to read more book written by Giles.

From beginning to end I was drawn into the lives of all the caratures. Being from Kentucky and visiting Shakertown, I was able to use my imagination and see different sides of how they lived. It brought out both the pros and cons to their living. I also liked how a woman in that time was able to be strong and go with her "beliefs".

This books takes you on journey through the eyes of an early pioneer of Kentucky into a Shaker community. It is well written with a compelling plot and keeps you interested until the end. Anyone who likes early pioneer history, Kentucky history, or religious communities of the 1800's will enjoy this book.

Even though this book stands alone, it is better read in context with its two predecessors, The Kentuckians and Hannah Fowler. These books give the background to Rebekah and her extended family.

I loved all of these books, but especially The Believers. A trip to Pleasant Hill and South Union Shaker Villages to see where these books actually took place was a great treat. Not only a great story, but also a wonderful look at a piece of little-known American religious history.

I read this as a child, and again as an adult. I re-read it after I went to the Shaker community in Northern Kentucky and enjoyed it much more, but give me "Hannah Fowler," "Six Horse Hitch" or "Johnny Osage" (all by Janice Holt Giles) anytime! She is a terrific author who has done better than this effort. But, it is still a good story...worth the read.

I have read many of Ms. Giles books and this one is by far my favorite! She truly reached out to me and because of her book I am contemplating converting to Shakerism! She makes the characters come alive, feel their feelings, and even though she shares it from a point of view against Shakers, she lets you form your own opinion. I worked at a Shakertown but nothing was as moving to me as this book!