Last Updated on October 30, 2023
We realize most die-hard Authentic Floridians have read this book. It was printed in 1984. But it wouldn’t be considered one of our favorite Authentic Florida Book selections unless we reread A Land Remembered over and over again.
If you love Old Florida, A Land Remembered is the book for you.
A Land Remembered Fans
Reading the book is like sitting and chatting with your best friend for hours and hours. Have you heard of comfort food? Well, this is comfort reading at its best.
In fact, while having lunch one day, we were discussing the book and it started an entire chain reaction and conversation at the restaurant. Our waiter reported that he reads A Land Remembered every year.
The woman at the next table shared how she gives the book away as Christmas gifts – it was like A Land Remembered Love Fest.
Robert D. Smith: A Land Remembered
A Land Remembered is a story about the MacIvey family – Tobias, Emma MacIvey, their son Zechariah, and grandsons Sol and Toby.
The MacIveys settle in the Central Florida wilderness around I858, facing rugged adversity – swarming insects and Florida critters – bears, boars, rattlers, and alligators.
In addition, they faced food scarcity, winter freezes, and marauding Confederate army deserters.
Tobias, a good man with a deep respect for nature – taking only what he needs and no more – underlies a theme and struggle throughout the book.
As a reader, the extraordinary gift you receive is the journey into Florida’s past.
Revisiting Old Florida
It’s as if you were there – absorbing all the magnificence of the raw, spacious land and vast Florida wildlife – which few authors portray, as well as Patrick Smith.
The story spans 110 years of Florida history, through three generations of the MacIvey pioneers.
The book includes cultural and historical events such as early cattle drives, the citrus industry’s growth, the Henry Flagler railroad, and the plight of the Seminole Indians and the Everglades.
But rather than feeling sad, you feel connection, kinship, and respect for human endurance through a kind and gentle read.
We salute our Florida pioneers and all those who settled in this state despite challenging conditions – providing us with lessons to protect our beautiful state.
Happy reading.
Patrick D Smith was the Florida Humanities 2012 Lifetime Literary Award Winner. Read more about Patrick D. Smith on the Florida Humanities Website.
Did you know there is a signature Orlando steakhouse restaurant at the Rosen Shingle Creek resort called A Land Remembered?
The menu offerings are as diverse as Florida’s history. It’s open Thursday through Sunday from 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm.
When your travels bring you to Central Florida, check out:
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