"STORIES OF LUCY MACK SMITH: Mother of the Restoration," by Susan Evans McCloud, Covenant Communications, $9.99, 90 pages (nf)
Lucy Mack Smith, the mother of the Prophet Joseph Smith, was a powerful force behind the restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In “Stories of Lucy Mack Smith: Mother of the Restoration,” author Susan Evans McCloud attempts to give greater detail of Lucy Mack Smith’s history by retelling many of the happenings already told in “The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith By His Mother” and “The History of Joseph Smith By His Mother.”
This book begins with a history of Lucy’s parents and recounts the tragic deaths of her sisters. It goes on to tell about the early years of her marriage before ending with her death. Stories, such as tending sick family members and being cheated out of a vast sum of money, are heartbreakingly and tenderly portrayed.
Her history, however, takes a backseat to the organization of the LDS Church as it focuses on her son, and how she helped in his endeavors. Instances such as her hiding the gold plates and helping a large group of converts move showcase her bravery and intense faith.
Although McCloud’s latest book is told with her characteristic depth of emotion, very few of these stories will be new to those who have already read the brief and long-time published writings by Lucy Mack Smith herself. Also, there are several instances throughout the book where McCloud takes too much literary license and assumes certain feelings were expressed or felt when historical records don’t indicate any such emotions.
While this book is interesting, it is mostly a retelling of what has already been written in the past with scant new information for LDS history lovers.
McCloud is an LDS author of various books and hymns. Also a speaker, she and her husband reside in Utah.
Elizabeth Reid has bachelor's degrees in economics and history. A wife and mother, she loves learning people's love stories and blogs about her own at agoodreid.blogspot.com.