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Following anti-slavery settlers as they move into Brotherton, Kansas, to help increase the population of abolitionists, this novel tells of a band of crusaders making the perilous journey and the ones awaiting their arrival. 1860s Kansas is one of such bloodshed that the territory is referred to as Bloody Kansas during this time. New residents of Brotherton are met by attacks on their wagon trains and must face physical as well as spiritual struggles when realizing they may be required to kill as they defend themselves. Brotherton must also stay alert for attacks from these pro-slavery factions. As Addison Freeman and others lead the wagons to Kansas, these new residents will learn firsthand about the bitterness between these two groups and the sacrifice required of them. The intriguing love story of Addison and Mariah Freeman is intertwined with the story of the abolitionists’ dangerous travels.
Zerr does a wonderful job of bringing this time in history alive. At the time, the movement to bring Kansas into the Union as a free state was an indicator of the growing concern that slavery would be abolished only through bloodshed. The novel takes place just on the cusp of the vote for statehood. The author is adept at creating both the physical and spiritual tensions facing his characters as they realize the danger and violence that greet them in Kansas. As Addison’s wife, Mariah, declares, the Kansas territory is “A Holey Land, a place full of bullet holes.” Zerr effectively captures this moment in history in this well-written and well-researched narrative. His descriptive language, coupled with his grasp of historical information, makes for an interesting read. Any history buff will enjoy this read, but it is written in a narrative style that invites all readers to this mesmerizing story of love and sacrifice.