LIBERTY, Utah, Aug. 6, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- In a gripping historical novel that touches on subjects ranging from the founding of America to the trials of the unexplored West, Kit Linford tells a heart-wrenching story about the grandson of Ben Franklin. The Abode of the Blessed Dead: A Novel in Two Parts, Book One: Euchred, Book Two: The Wasted Years (now available through AuthorHouse) follows Miles Franklin and his family through arduous times and distressing circumstances.
Miles, the son of Ben Franklin's illegitimate daughter, Katy, was dealt a fair hand in life, except for his undesirable father. He blames all of his poor decisions on him, including his alcoholism and an affair with his own sister, which produced a mute son, Job. Miles' friends, Gus and an Indian, Long Rain, aid him in the murder of his father, which prompts Miles to embark on a project that will ensure he can live his life in peace.
Gus, who is fiercely loyal to Miles for rescuing him from servitude, and Long Rain, a brilliant linguist, help Miles create a settlement in the West. Miles hopes it is a place he and his family can remain and where other criminals can find safe haven. He christens it Elysium, the Greek name of the "abode of the blessed dead."
Miles' journey toward the sanctuary is wrought with complications, some of which revolve around his two sons. Born of disparate mothers, the two boys can find no common ground for brotherhood. Jamin believes Job is favored due to his handicap, and Job spends many years away from his father. He was adopted by Amanda Cole, the wife of a man who works for Miles. After returning to live with Miles, an earthquake rocks Amanda's home, and she is forced to survive without her husband. A deformed Mandan medicine woman, Was Dead, befriends Amanda, provides "schooling" for Job and calls upon her powers to see that those who survive the journey might honor the memory of a founder.
The Abode of the Blessed Dead is a captivating novel that highlights both universal human dilemmas and a unique time in American history.
Linford is the author of one other novel, Henry's Queen, and two musical comedies, "Donegal's Gold" and "Runaway Halo." She has been a teacher and amateur artist. She was also the first woman to be elected chair of her county political party and one of six women elected chair of a state delegation to her party's national convention in 1976. Linford also served on the executive board of the party's National Federation of Women.
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