In A Land Remembered by Patrick D. Smith, wealthy 85-year-old real estate developer Solomon “Sol” MacIvey arrives at his cabin in Punta Rassa, Florida, in 1968, planning to spend his final days reflecting on his family's history, which begins in 1863 with his grandfather Tobias MacIvey's struggle to survive in the Florida wilderness. The narrative unfolds across generations, chronicling the MacIveys' challenges, relationships with the Seminole people, and success in cattle and orange farming, culminating in Sol’s own rise in real estate and eventual regret over the environmental destruction his actions caused. The book contains themes of violence, death, and loss.

A Land Remembered by Patrick D. Smith is widely praised for its rich historical detail and vivid portrayal of pioneer life in Florida. Readers appreciate the compelling character development and engaging narrative. However, some criticize the pacing as occasionally slow. Overall, the novel's immersive storytelling has captivated a diverse audience.

Readers who relish historical fiction and multi-generational sagas set in the American South will appreciate Patrick D. Smith’s A Land Remembered. Similar to John Steinbeck’s East of Eden and Laura Esquivel’s Like Water for Chocolate, this novel appeals to those intrigued by family legacies, pioneer resilience, and the transformative power of nature.

Gritty / Nostalgic / Inspirational / Bittersweet

- A Land Remembered is a historical novel by Patrick D. Smith that was first published in 1984 and has since become a beloved piece of Floridian literature, detailing a fictional account of the state's history through the perspective of three generations of the MacIvey family.
- The novel has won several awards, including the Florida Historical Society Tebeau Prize for historical fiction, and is frequently used in educational settings to teach students about the history and development of Florida.
- Patrick D. Smith was inspired to write A Land Remembered after conducting extensive research and interviews with people who lived in Florida during its early developmental years, bringing authenticity and depth to the depiction of Florida's pioneer era.

**Tobias MacIvey**  
A tall, wiry farmer who relocates from Georgia to the Florida frontier to avoid the Civil War. He is driven by a quest for dignity and is known for his resilience and lack of prejudice.

**Zech MacIvey**  
The only child of Tobias and Emma, known for his courage and determination from a young age. He inherits his father's beliefs but modifies them with his own experiences, and he is torn between two women he loves.

**Sol MacIvey**  
Zech and Glenda's son, named for his wisdom, who becomes a practitioner of frontier capitalism. His actions lead to environmental consequences and familial estrangement.

**Emma MacIvey**  
Tobias's wife and Zech's mother, who endures the hardships of frontier life willingly. She supports her husband's endeavors while hoping for a different life for future generations.

**Glenda Turner**  
The daughter of a store owner who becomes Zech’s wife. She embraces frontier life out of love for Zech and for the excitement of the wilderness.

**Tawanda Cypress**  
A young Seminole woman who has an affair with Zech, resulting in a child. She is a contrast to Zech's wife, Glenda, and remains steadfast in her affections.

**Skillit**  
An ex-slave who joins the MacIvey cattle operation and is considered family by Tobias. He later leaves to live independently, though his fate remains unknown.

**Frog**  
A drifter who becomes a loyal member of the MacIvey Cattle Company after being recruited by Tobias. He is valued for his hard work and dedication to the family.

**Keith Tiger**  
A Seminole who forms a mutually beneficial relationship with Tobias and maintains a connection with the MacIveys for generations. He provides horses and medicine in return for cattle and ammunition.

**Toby Cypress**  
The son of Tawanda and Zech who grows up apart from Zech's direct influence. He has a complex relationship with his half-brother, Sol.

**Bonnie O’Neill**  
Sol's housekeeper and later his romantic partner. She meets Sol as a waitress and, despite their mutual affections, never marries him.

Patrick D. Smith

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore A Land Remembered reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read A Land Remembered | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore A Land Remembered and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

A Land Remembered

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read A Land Remembered?

Reading Age

Book Details