Sod And Stubble By John Ise: Summary

In Sod and Stubble, John Ise brings to life a family trying to make their living in post-Civil War Kansas. His mother Rosie is the main subject of the book, along with his father Henry Ise. The main storyline in the book was of overcoming hardships in western Kansas, the strong will of his mother comes through in his own words. His father is very strong willed as well, but turns to Rosie for strength. John is able to put emotion into his book, enough that any reader will grow attachment to the Ise family as they preserver in western Kansas. John Ise writes about a very in-depth book about something Kansans are very proud of, the homestead. Not only with a chance to prosper but a chance to start a new life is why most American flocked to Kansas during the territorial days; pre-Civil War. After the war many war Veterans used the homestead act as the way to start a new life. John’s father Henry Ise, Eisenmanger …show more content…
John through his mother’s words explains all of the hardships that the weather caused the Ise homestead. One example that comes to mind is a blizzard showed up mid-morning one day. The children were sent off to the schoolhouse that morning with no winter clothing. When it came time for the children to be out of school Henry walked across the field between the Ise’s home and the schoolhouse to retrieve his children. Henry knew how grown-men would get confused and lost in a blowing blizzard. The tense moments that are describe very well make the reader feel like they are making their way across the field with Henry. Especially when Henry hears very faintly cries of a child, making his way to the fence line knowing his children must have used it to make their way home, Henry sees an outline of one of the older children. He is so thankful to find them, and helps them make it home where they are promptly warmed up sitting near the fire