The Fields (30) (Rediscovered Classics)

I loved this book, and I loved the entire series. Such a realistic, honest portrayal of pioneer life...what those people endured to build this country. The tension between the generations never changes, whether it's the mid 1800s or 2022. We are connected with our ancestors on every level. Read it!! Start with The Trees, then The Fields, then this one. You won't be sorry!!

Richter loses no time establishing THE FIELDS as a direct and strong descendant of THE TREES. With no time wasting, he recreates the forest and Sayward's battle against the "big butts," those mammoth trees blocking out the sun.Her relationship with her man, Portius Wheeler the lawyer, seems at first to strengthen: seven kids in all, and a childhood tragedy once again accepted. We readers wonder how she can stay so strong, so calm. But she does. And so does her brood.But Portius weakens and succombs. Sayward takes the blame, but again shows the inner strength to go on. The ending of book two carries on the development of their little community, and also shows the intensity of her love for her family.Don't miss it.by Larry Rochelle, author of DUST DEVILS, GHOSTLY EMBERS and ARROW.

First, the book was in as good a condition as they said it was; maybe a bit better. Second, I enjoyed the book, probably more than his other books. All-in-all, I think I got a good deal. I absolutely consume books, so I buy used ones where I can. Amazon.com is a good place to do just that, thank you very much. If I really, really like them, I keep them to read over again many times. This book doesn't compare to Monte Walsh, but it probably deserves another read one day. And I will have forgotten some things in it, & maybe understand some part of it that I didn't the first time.Thank you for allowing me to 'voice' my opinion.

Usually the middle book of a trilogy is the weakest, but The Fields has no sag in it. The story of Sayward only grows nor rich and true as she makes her way with her husband and children. She is the foundation of their lives, without ever walling them in. Richter's writing is a masterpiece of voice and viewpoint, a writing course in itself. You don't know American literature until you know The Trees, The Fields, and The Town, for this is America at its best.

This is the second book in Richter's The Awakening Land trilogy. Young settlers Sayward and Portius start a family, and work with their neighbors to improve their settlement. Realizing that their son Resolve is starved for learning, the Wheelers found a school. But it becomes the source of heartbreak when Portius has a clandestine affair with the schoolmistress.A wonderful story told simply.

The trilogy continues, and now the trees have become farming fields, and a community develops. There are a few surprising twists in this second book, that I won't ruin for you! Still very descriptive, we get a better insight into the main character's thoughts, continued physical stamina, but also a peek at her mental stamina. I'm about to start the third book in the series, The Town. Definitely a well-researched saga of how the Ohio Territory changed over a few generations.

2nd book in The Awakening Land trilogy. My wife liked the series more than I did. One of those historical dramas that mixes a little bit of history with family drama. Must read The Trees first to appreciate the 2nd and 3rd (The Town) books.

I read the trilogy when I was in high school and loved it. Decided, now that I am 80, to reread them just to see if they were as wonderful as I remembered them. They are even more wonderful.

A gentle and authentic picture of pioneer lives through the experiences of a redoubtable mother who lead and nurtured her children through challenging conditions of those times. Her inspirational and resolute character made all the difference. A satisfying read.