Title: Joseph’s
Dilemma (Return to Northkill #2)
Author: Ervin R. Stutzman
Pages: 338
Year: 2015
Publisher: Herald Press
My rating is 5 stars.
Joseph is one of Jacob’s sons taken in captivity when the
Indians attacked the Hochstetler family farm during the French and Indian
War. Based on true events and real
people this second book focuses on how Joseph deals with his captivity while
still with his father and then when he is separated from him. Joseph is wrestling with his hurt and anger
at his father for his not allowing either Joseph or Christian to use weapons to
defend their home and lives. As Joseph
is tied up and led away from all he knows, he is a young man filled with
sorrow, anger, hate towards his enemies and facing the unknown.
When Joseph is adopted by a Delaware widow to replace her
lost son, at first Joseph is deciding to not become adapted to their lifestyle
or beliefs. Joseph fights with all that
is in him from not eating the food offered him to having to be forced to have
his Amish clothes torn away and then totally different attire placed on his
person.
The only spot of light is the Delaware widow’s little
daughter that Joseph comes to love and play with for the many years he lives
with the family. In time, Joseph does
adapt to the new living situation though their beliefs are confusing and often
polar to what he was raised to believe.
Joseph gets opportunities to share what he was taught by his father, and
eventually has to decide whether to hold on to the Amish way or adopt another
set of beliefs.
I loved how Joseph’s strengths came through the story like
his compassion for the little girl and even as he grows older and considers
marrying a young woman in the tribe. The
other interesting point in the story is how Joseph comes to understand why his
father takes the stand he does and works right alongside others in the tribe,
attempting to understand the people.
Again, like the first book in the series, Jacob’s Choice, this one also ends on a cliffhanger so I am glad to
have the final installment in the series to read titled, Christian’s Hope.