Book Review: Into the Whirlwind

I can now call it official: I am an Elizabeth Camden fan. After having the privilege of reviewing The Lady of Bolton Hill and Against the Tide, I was delighted when Bethany House sent me Into the Whirlwind for review as well.

Into the Whirlwind definitely meshes with the writing style Elizabeth Camden established in the other two books. But her writing abilities continue to mature and grow. With each effort, Camden explores more deeply the nuances of character and plot.

Set in the days following the great Chicago fire of 1871, Into the Whirlwind follows the struggles of Mollie Knox, owner of the 57th Illinois Watch Company. When her company is threatened in multiple ways, Mollie must fight with all she has to keep it afloat and continue to support her employees. She does not expect that the fight will include two powerful suitors.

The history of Into the Whirlwind is fascinating. Even though I love living books that make history personal, I have only read of the Chicago fire in a history-book manner. This novel dives into the horrific experiences of the fire itself and the challenges that faced the city during the aftermath. I love the historical detail.

The faith aspect of Into the Whirlwind differs a bit from that of Camden’s previous novels. Faith is assumed and kept somewhat in the background. Yet, it is also very present. That the main characters draw upon that faith is obvious. They also grow in their understanding of God’s presence in their lives. Despite its lack of prominence, I took a measure of comfort in the underlying presumption of faith in this novel. There was almost an “of course we rely on God” attitude that should be true of all Christians.

As in Against the Tide, one of the main characters struggles with the morality of living out his faith in compromising situations. But this time, it is not simply about achieving an ultimate moral goal. It is about what God intends to accomplish. I like seeing that progression.

Every time my husband asked how the book was going, I couldn’t help but say, “It’s great!” I look forward to backing up to catch The Rose of Winslow Street, the one Elizabeth Camden book I have not yet read, and I will keep an eye open for future releases.