Anna Author:Susan Evans McCloud "I need the island, Father! The island and the sea--I can't live without them," cried Anna. — "We shall try, you and I, "he replied. — At that moment she knew the worst--they would soon be leaving Iceland, the storied land of her birth, the place of all her hopes and dreams. She would be an emigrant, a stranger,... more » one of many new converts seeking refuge in Zion. And once they were there, even her family's presence did not dispel the yearnings for her homeland.
Even in Zion, life could be difficult--new land, new language, new hardships, new customs, and even the unfeeling prejudice of other immigrants. Her father's daily struggle for family survival, the loss of her mother's baby, her brother's rebellion against father and church--everything seemed against her. Even the pleasure of her developing feelings for Elder Thorderson on his return from Iceland turned to heartache when he left town to marry another.
Beset with such struggles and longings, how could she find solace and love with Owen, despite his obvious developing interest? Could she trust him with her heart, and could he help her find peace in the new land? In fact, as their love grew, it was clear he had brought another problem--he was Welsh, not Icelandic, and both families objected to the match. Dare they marry for love and defy the opposition? In those circumstances especially, could they find happiness?
In this unusual novel Susan McCloud sensitively protrays the European immigrant's life in pioneer Utah as she skillfully weaves the story of Anna's life and love.« less