Copyright ©1996, ProMotion, inc.
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Perhaps best known for the historical series House of Winslow (19 titles at this point), Morris has begun a new series about the American Revolution entitled The Liberty Bell. In Book 1, Sound the Trumpet, the beginning of the great schism leading to the formation of our nation was played out in personal conflict between individuals.
Morris writes with a clear vision of the settings and what's happening when and where, but he does not overwhelm readers with this information. He knows he's writing first and foremost a good story, and readers are caught up in the lives of characters. Along the way their interest in history is revived.
But what makes Morris so popular with Christian readers is the way he incorporates the decisions for Christ that his characters face. A pastor, now retired, Morris resists preaching to his readers and concentrates on how men and women react in a particular situation. He also knows the importance of a good ending.
Song in a Strange Land, Book 2 of The Liberty Bell Series, introduces the Bradfords, the Gordons, and the Rochesters just after the Battle of Lexington. The story opens in Boston with a minor street skirmish between arrogant British troops and the blazing seventeen-year-old patriot, Dake Bradford, who is escorting his sister to General Gage's dinner party.
Clive Gordon, Dake's older cousin from England and son of a British colonel, rescues them but the situation foretells the conflict to come. Clive, a physician, accompanies his father to warn British troops at Fort Ticonderoga, then stays to assist sick troops. As he starts back to Boston, he comes down with the dreadful ailment (a virus?) and lies weak with raging fever in the forest. He is found and saved by Jeanne Corbeau, a beautiful young woman who lives with her French trapper father in their wilderness cabin. After her father's death, Clive persuades Jeanne to accompany him to Boston, but getting through the patriot defenses is a problem-until Dake identifies them.
The three make the long, dangerous journey to Fort Ticonderoga and back with cannon to break the siege of Boston. Dake is captured, imprisoned, and in the end released with Clive's help.
Morris displays the mark of a great storyteller as he mirrors the historical conflict between England and the colonies in these three main characters: Jeanne, the unspoiled mountain woman, representing a land with riches unknown at the time; Dake, a handsome, likeable but impetuous patriot; and Clive, cultured, kindly, and steeped in English tradition. Just as interesting is the parallel story involving young artist Matthew Bradford, who is actually the son of vain and cruel Leo Rochester.
As rich a story as this is, Morris's content has even more depth about the strength of prayer. Jeanne, growing up away from civilization, has been taught to depend on God. It is only as Clive learns to pray from his heart and Dake humbles himself in prayer with his father that this story works itself out in an unusual and satisfying way. The Battle of Boston ends with the British retreat on March 17, 1776, and readers will be satisfied with the ending of Song in a Strange Land as well.
Copyright ©1996, ProMotion, inc.
www@acloserlook.com