Editorial Book Review: The Blood of Others by Charity Eleson

 

The Blood of Others
By Charity Eleson

Publication Date: 7th September 2025

Publisher: Luxvida Press

Page Length: 305

Genre: Historical Fiction

On September 11, 1857, nearly 140 unarmed men, women and children are slaughtered in Mountain Meadows, Utah. Those killed were part of the Fancher wagon train on its way from Arkansas to California. They had stopped in Mountain Meadows to rest their animals before the final trek over the Mojave Desert. After the massacre, Mormon families living and farming in the region rapidly coalesce around a story perpetuated by church leaders that a clan of Paiutes in the region is responsible for the murders. But, Malachi—a 15-year-old Shoshone boy bought and owned by a local Mormon farmer—knows the truth of what happened and realizes he can never reveal it if he wishes to live. Concealing that truth becomes increasingly difficult as events spin beyond his control, endangering him and those he loves. He is pushed to the breaking point when his two friends, a Paiute boy and a Mormon girl, imperil their own lives by trying to help him. It is then that he discovers strength he did not believe he had. The Blood of Others is set against the backdrop of true events. It explores the fatal compromises humans make to be accepted, and the courage that the power of love bestows.

In “The Blood of Others,” Charity Eleson unravels the harrowing narrative of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Through richly crafted prose, Eleson captures the palpable fear, fierce loyalty, and tragic misunderstandings that led to this dark chapter, urging readers to confront the emotions and stark realities of those involved. Through the eyes of a 15-year-old boy, Eleson masterfully depicts not only the massacre and its aftermath but also the insidious ways fear and prejudice take root.

Malachi is a compelling protagonist shaped by his physical disability, his Shoshone heritage, and his role as a sheepherder. This unique combination gives him a distinct perspective on the world around him. He was initially purchased for a meagre sum of “two sacks of beans, a bag of flour, and some bacon” by Jacob Hamblin, after which he was sold again and adopted by Jonah Blank, the man who now calls himself “Father.” Despite this, Malachi still remembers his own father and recognises that the relationship he has with Blank is not the same. His internal dialogue reveals a sharp intellect and resourcefulness that set him apart. Malachi’s moral dilemmas are palpable as he navigates the fine line between his obligations and his growing awareness of the moral implications of the surrounding conflict. As a character viewed as an outsider—both within the Mormon community and in the broader historical context—Malachi serves as a quiet observer. His sense of belonging is constantly challenged by his dependence on the community he cannot fully embrace. This internal struggle, along with his increasing awareness of the dire situation around him, propels the narrative, highlighting the tension between his personal identity and the tumultuous events he has witnessed. Eleson masterfully builds suspense, gradually revealing the layers of Malachi’s life and the critical choices he faces, ultimately capturing the essence of a young man caught between the innocence of youth and the harsh realities of the adult world.

Lemuel “Idget” quickly becomes a cherished character in this novel. Despite his inability to articulate his words clearly, often leading others to perceive him as simple-minded—hence his name—he possesses a depth of intelligence and emotion that is frequently overlooked. Like his close friend Malachi, Idget understood that he would never have the same opportunities as his “father’s” children. When he overhears a conversation about the massacre, Idget grapples with the burden of secrecy. The knowledge he carries aches to be shared, causing an internal struggle that grows more intense with each passing day. Yet, his unwavering loyalty to Malachi, who is his only real friend, keeps him from revealing the truth, even as the shadow of the past looms larger. Idget’s silent strength and fierce dedication to Malachi define his character, making him a poignant figure in their shared story.

Albert, a young man from the Shoshone tribe and cousin to Malachi, has fully embraced the rigid doctrines and lifestyle of the Mormon faith. Driven by a fervent desire to gain his adoptive father’s approval, he is willing to go to any lengths—no matter how extreme. This yearning for acceptance starkly contrasts with Malachi’s more principled approach to life. In his relentless pursuit of his father’s praise and inclusion within the community, Albert resorts to committing heinous acts, first at the infamous Mountain Meadows and later against Malachi himself. These brutal deeds leave the reader to ponder whether this darkness has always been lurking within him, suppressed beneath a facade of loyalty, or if he has genuinely transformed into someone capable of such cruelty. The complexity of his character invites speculation about the true nature of his motivations.

While both Malach and Idget are fictional characters, the narrative is underscored by a significant cast of historical figures, most notably John D. Lee. Convicted and executed for his role in the tragic Mountain Meadow Massacre, Lee’s character arc transitions from a devoted husband to his many wives and a loving father to a tempestuous man prone to violent outbursts. Lee’s involvement in the brutal slaughter of the men, women, and children of the Fancher wagon train starkly contradicts his professed beliefs and values. In unsettling scenes, he gathers with his own children around the dinner table, fully aware that he helped orchestrate the murders of innocents without a flicker of remorse. He employs intimidation tactics against anyone daring enough to challenge his authority, resorting to threats and acts of violence to maintain his dominance. In this narrative, Lee is presented as a dangerously charismatic yet deeply immoral individual whose very presence evokes palpable dread among those who encounter him. His character serves as a chilling reminder of the complexity of human nature and the capacity for brutality that lies beneath a veneer of civility.

Priscilla, the cherished adopted daughter of Lee, introduces a gentle and soothing presence to the story, offering a refreshing contrast to the surrounding turmoil and violence. Her character is infused with warmth and empathy, providing moments of tenderness that serve as a reprieve for both the characters and readers alike.

The theme of fear is central to this story. Brigham Young’s dread of the U.S. Army drives efforts to protect his community, while Lee and the militiamen’s anxieties about exposure after the massacre lead to deception and denial. Malachi and Idget’s fear of discovery causes personal turmoil, and the surviving children’s trauma shifts their sense of trust and safety forever. Albert is compelled by fear of familial and communal rejection, leading him into violence, while Priscilla’s growing fears for her future emerge as she learns the truth about Mountain Meadows. Through these interwoven fears, Eleson vividly illustrates her core argument: fear, shaped by violence and prejudice, continues to influence relationships and communities well beyond the defining event.

The atmosphere of this novel is therefore thick with an ominous tension and a palpable suspense that at times dips into the realm of horror. This tone echoes the looming conflict and the haunting aftermath of the horrific massacre that haunts the characters. Vivid imagery of death and decay pervades the narrative, creating an unsettling ambience that grips the reader’s senses. As the plot unfolds, there are fleeting moments of joy, notably during the vibrant spring celebrations at Fort Harmony, where laughter and music briefly fill the air. Yet, beneath this veneer of festivity lies a treacherous undercurrent of fear and uncertainty, as shadows of impending danger loom ever-present, reminding both the characters and readers that peace is precarious in a world fraught with violence, secrets, and fanatical religious beliefs.

The descriptive language in Eleson’s writing is incredibly powerful, vividly bringing to life the richness of the setting, the depth of the characters, and the unfolding events. With meticulous attention to detail, Eleson immerses the reader in a historical landscape that engages all the senses. One can visualise the sprawling meadow and feel the tension in the air. As the narrative unfolds, Lee’s ranch becomes a lively hub filled with the sounds of laughter and chatter from women and children busily going about their daily routines. This vibrant atmosphere starkly contrasts with the underlying sense of foreboding that lingers just beneath the surface, hinting at darker elements lurking within the story. Eleson skillfully weaves in literary devices such as symbolism and foreshadowing, subtly hinting at future events that will shape the characters’ destinies. This careful craftsmanship not only enhances the narrative but also invites the reader to delve deeper into the intricate layers of the story.

This is more than just a story; it is a powerful exploration of the depths of human experience, the complexities of prejudice, and the chilling realities of premeditated murder on a large scale. This is a book that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page and one that comes highly recommended.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde

Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion

Pick up your copy of

The Blood of Others

HERE

Charity Eleson

Charity Eleson lives with her husband in the country just outside of Madison, Wisconsin. She is the author of Blessing's Key, Volume I of The Silver Thread Trilogy and Wayward Home. Wayward Home was awarded the Edna Ferber Fiction Book Honorable Mention in 2024. She is currently at work on completing the second and third novels in The Silver Thread Trilogy. When she is not writing, she spends much of her time outside gardening, hiking and enjoying the wonders of the earth.