THE EVERLASTING FIRE

A part of Mormon history -- the troubles at Nauvoo, Ill., and the beginnings of the Saints' long trail westward to the Promised Land -- is the background for the fortunes of Judge Nathan Eyring, of his son Rafael and daughter Myra-for each is affected by this religion and its followers. The Judge attempts to stem the rising violence against the Mormons; Rafael becomes their persecutor when plural marriage claims his Milly; Myra succumbs, unwillingly, to Brother Morton to become one of his wives; and, when Rafael finds Milly, all three join the flight from Nauvoo. Suffering through the first, perishing winter of the journey, it is Rafael and Myra who stay with the Saints while the Judge changes his course for California with Ilse who abandons her people to go with him. Joseph Smith and the loyalty he inspires, the brutal persecution and constant vilification the Mormons endure, Smith's murder and the conflict among the leaders, Brigham Young's harassed guidance in problem filled days, and the unquenchable faith of the thousands who fought for survival-contribute to a vivid recreation of this period of Mormonism.