STONES IN THE ROAD
A young Amish boy ventures from Pennsylvania to California in this richly imagined historical novel from the author of An Unseemly Wife.
1867. Growing up among the Pennsylvania Amish, eleven-year-old Joshua knows that his father is a respected church deacon who has the ear of God. But he’s also seen his father’s weakness for drink, and borne the brunt of his violent rages. In the aftermath of a disastrous fire, Joshua fears his father’s reprimand enough to run away from home. Having never experienced the ways of the English, Joshua now embarks on a decade-long journey to California,
A young Amish boy ventures from Pennsylvania to California in this richly imagined historical novel from the author of An Unseemly Wife.
1867. Growing up among the Pennsylvania Amish, eleven-year-old Joshua knows that his father is a respected church deacon who has the ear of God. But he’s also seen his father’s weakness for drink, and borne the brunt of his violent rages. In the aftermath of a disastrous fire, Joshua fears his father’s reprimand enough to run away from home. Having never experienced the ways of the English, Joshua now embarks on a decade-long journey to California, where he’s heard it’s always summer.
His mother, Miriam, is forced to take on the unusual role of head of the family when her husband is unable to recover physically, emotionally, or spiritually from the fire. As mother and son each find themselves in uncharted territory, they must draw on strength and forgiveness from within. Urged by everyone to accept her son’s death, Miriam never gives up hope of seeing Joshua again. But even as her prayers are answered so many years later, Joshua’s reunion will require him to face his father once again…
- NAL
- Paperback
- October 2015
- 384 Pages
- 9780451469991
Buy the Book
$15.00
About E B Moore
E. B. Moore is a poet, novelist, and retired sculptor. Her work has appeared in literary journals including The Drum and Inkwell.
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Discussion Questions
Did you think of Miriam as naive when it comes to Abraham?
After the fire and Joshua’s disappearance, Miriam takes many steps outside her normal boundaries.
Which one did you find most significant?
How would you say Joshua’s faith evolves over the course of the book?
After he leaves home, Joshua encounters various mother and father figures in the book. Whom do
you think has the most impact on him, whether positive or negative?
Several times, Abraham’s helplessness is compared to that of a child. In what ways is this apt or not?
Is there a “villain” in the book? If so, who is it?
Why do you think Abraham resists the idea that Joshua has returned?
Could you find sympathy for Abraham by the end of the novel?
What are the “stones” in Joshua or Miriam’s road?