Title: This Is Eden?
Author: Nancy Radcliffe
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 9781665530200
Pages: 145
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reviewed by: Carol Davala
Pacific Book Review
In Nancy Radcliffe’s debut historical novel “This Is Eden?” a mother and her six children move from Chicago and are forced to carve their way in the wilds of Wisconsin in the early 20th century. Here a principled, no-nonsense woman demonstrates her ability to face the challenges for her family’s survival with strength, resourcefulness, and her own Godly will of determination.
Hattie Burley has concerns about living in the top flat of what she considers a firetrap on the unseemly side of Chicago. But she is none too happy to learn her husband John has signed papers to purchase 40 acres of land in Wisconsin. He plans to stay behind and work to pay off the property, go to school, then find a church sponsor allowing him to preach the Word. Meanwhile Hattie and the children, ages 2 thru 16, are sent ahead to establish their new home. Radcliffe’s narrative quickly showcases Hattie’s concerns for their future. Upon arrival at their problematic destination, she sees the land stripped of its trees, only a partially constructed house, no heat or water, and a seemingly insurmountable task ahead, of trying to create a home.
From getting stored items to their new location, taking up temporary sleeping quarters in a sheep shed, chinking logs from morning ’til night, planting a garden and preserving its produce, Hattie works continuously and instills the same work ethic in her children. While John sends intermittent correspondence and supplies, the eldest son works in a local mill, and later a logging camp to help bring in extra money. The eldest daughter watches the young ones not yet in school, and the other boys hunt, fish, dig out a root cellar, and cut wood for the long, frigid winters.
Hattie realizes John’s carefree ways and her own “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop” mentality complement one another, but she soon tires of building a life without him. As expected, Ratcliffe weaves the tensions of the changing climate throughout the story. Seasonal passages ignite the wrath of floods, drought, and fire, while winter’s harshness brings illness and casualty. Social gatherings with friends and neighbors, and the music from a Victrola provide a sweet, simple diversion.
There are constant delays to John’s joining his wife and children. Then an unexpected letter sends Hattie on an emotional roller coaster ride. Here themes of love, family, and reaching out for help give characters the opportunity to maintain control in a precarious situation. The results bring into play a timely, modern-day arrangement as three generations live within modest accommodations and rise to the occasion. As expected, assistance from friends and neighbors proves a welcome reprieve.
While many fictional works have been written about pioneering families making their way to new territories, Radcliffe’s writing is special in that This Is Eden? is based on her own grandmother’s true experience of venturing into the lowlands of Wisconsin more than 100 years ago. To this day the land remains in the family. Though this is a memoir of sorts that relates Radcliffe’s personal ancestry, ideally for other readers it shines a universal light on the strength and fortitude of women put to the test.
