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Book Review 10/8/2006 11:06:54 AM
Beyond the Silent Prairie: A Love Story Following is the book review that appeared in the Senior Times in Roseburg on October 2, 2006, written by Bill Duncan, the editor of that paper:
Wide-ranging love story offers tips on life
Beyond the Silent Prairie: A Love Story
By Emma L. Willey
Publish America, Softcover $16.95
Bill Duncan
The Senior Times
Emma L. Willey’s new book, “Beyond The Silent Prairie” is sequel to her “Prairie Rattlers, Long Johns and Chokecherry Wine” which was published in 2003. Her latest book literally picks up where her first book left off, beginning with three teenage sisters discussing what they will do when they leave the prairie after high school.
The new book just off the press is available at Whileaway Book Store and Morton’s Books and sells for $16.95. Her first book is still available for $13.95.
“Beyond the Silent Prairie” is indeed a love story begun when Emma meets her future husband Orman,, while she is in college studying to become a school teacher. It includes year of separation when World War II takes them both into the army, Emma and Orman are married while on furlough.
After the war they start life together in South Dakota, but soon take their respective careers across the country into many adventures and the parenting of three children. After retirement, the two tour the United States, spending winters in the Southwest and summers in the Northwest.
Emma emphasizes the love story throughout the book, noting that the couple have been together, through many personal trials, for over 62 years. Today they live in Roseburg but still keep in close touch with their three children, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
It is indeed a personal story—a memoir if you will—but Emma’s writing skills make the story highly readable. Her anecdotes, similes and metaphors enhance the story telling.
What makes this story even more interesting is that Emma, 85 years old and legally blind recently went through a training program for the blind at American Lakes Veterans Hospital in Tacoma, Washington and now does her writing on a large type computer.
Her book concludes with this sage advice:
Make the most of each day.
Find something to laugh about every day.
Remember life isn’t always fair.
Be tolerant of others and respect their tights to their own beliefs and values.
Forgiveness is the road to happiness.
Let your goals leave a legacy for your descendants.
Keep love in your heart
Believe in your God with all your heart.
Emma Willey has lived by those rules that she learned from the Prairie Pioneers that were her forbears.
