Song of Years [Paperback]

Bess Streeter Aldrich (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1991

The state of Iowa was still young and wild when Wayne Lockwood came to it from New England in 1851. He claimed a quarter-section about a hundred miles west of Dubuque and quickly came to appreciate widely scattered neighbors like Jeremiah Martin, whose seven daughters would have chased the gloom from any bachelor's heart.

 

Sabina, Emily, Celia, Melinda, Phoebe Lou, Jeanie, and Suzanne are timeless in their appeal—too spirited to be preoccupied with sermons, sickness, and sudden death. However, the feasts, weddings, and holiday celebrations in Song of Years are shadowed by all the rigors and perils of frontier living. Bess Streeter Aldrich's novel, originally published in 1939, captures the period in Iowa of Indian scares and county-seat wars, as well as the political climate preceding the Civil War.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Other novels by Bess Streeter Aldrich available in Bison Book editions include Spring Came On Forever, A White Bird Flying; and The Rim of the Prairie.

Product Details

• Paperback: 405 pages
• Publisher: University of Nebraska Press (September 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803259182
• ISBN-13: 978-0803259188
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,829,118 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book for many generations, October 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Song of Years (Paperback)

In my family, this is a favorite of three generations-my grandma, in her 80s, my mother, in her 50s, and me, in my 20s. We all find the characters to be believeable, and they stay with us long after we have finished the story. This book appeals to readers on many different levels. First of all, there is the historical aspect of the struggle of life on the prairie when Iowa was just becoming state. Added to that is the impact of the Civil War. Second, there is the story of a young girl, unsure of herself, growing to womanhood and finding out who she really is as she faces events that are out of her control. We witness Suzanne's first infatuation, her crushing disappointment when she realizes her feelings are not returned, and, eventually, a true love that will outlast anything, even war. The reader realizes that though the times may change, the emotions of growing up do stay the same. Lastly, this book is a wonderful break from the stories of today that feel they must contain some sex, violence and profanity. At times, we just need a good, old-fashoined story where that stuff doesn't get in the way. I can't begin to describe the well-worn condition of my grandma's original book. It just shows that it has been a close, personal friend to three women who love it dearly.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a novel to rediscover over the years, February 18, 1999

By 

Kimberly Noethen ([e-mail]) (Boca Raton, Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Song of Years (Paperback)

I read this book while I was in high school. I loved it so much that I wrote a term paper on it. That was 10 years ago. I recently picked it up again and rediscovered every description of the prairie, every breathless detail. It still remains my favorite book of all time. I was so endeared to it again that I am searching for all titles written by Bess Streeter Aldrich. It is amazing how she writes such timeless words that touch your heart and senses.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent story, well written, July 8, 2009

By 

Gerald E. Rehbein (Oviedo, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Song of Years (Hardcover)

A very interesting history of the mid west settlement, entertaining to the point that it is hard to put down , and you can't wait to get back to reading it .