The Land

The Land
by Mildred. D. Taylor


Bibliography

Taylor, M. D. (2001). The Land. New York: Phyllis Fogelman Books.  ISBN 0803719507

Plot Summary

The Land is a prequel to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.  It tells the story of how Paul-Edward Logan comes to value, desire, and finally purchase land of his own, chronicling Paul’s journey through his own eyes from the time he is a child in Georgia to his manhood in Mississippi, with all the joys and terrible heartaches in between.

Critical Analysis

Mildred Taylor’s The Land is steeped in authenticity; it is based on family stories passed down through generations.  The author’s note at the end shares with the reader the parts which actually happened to members of her family. Her pride in her family’s accomplishments in the face of hardship is evident.

The Land is a faithful portrayal of the life of many black people in post civil war America, particularly the South.  In this amazingly well written book, Taylor creates characters we grow to love, allowing us to feel both their sorrows and joys. She also molds minor characters we admire and characters we despise but who seem all too appropriate for the era.  Each of the major characters is fully rounded, having human flaws and strengths.  The setting is deftly crafted with details about the land, the social customs, the clothing, and the language so as you are reading you are transported back to the time and place portrayed.

This book richly deserves every award it has won, which include the Coretta Scott King Award and the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction.

Review Excerpts

* The Horn Book Magazine, “A powerful coming-of-age story.”

* Booklist (starred review), “[A] landmark book. . . Young adults will want to read and talk about.”

* Riverbank Review, “Mildred Taylor is arguably one of the most important authors of our time.”

Connections

* Pair with Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry and other books in the Logan saga for a more complete picture of the Logan family. I am fortunate to have read Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry with my children just a few months ago, so I was especially please to read The Land.  I can honestly say, both rank among my favorite historical fiction books ever.  I will be seeking out the other books about the Logan’s immediately.  Here is a link to Amazon.com's Mildred Taylor Page.

* Here is a link to a discussion guide for The Land by Scholastic.  Guides are also available for other books in the Logan saga.