Spring Drive is a story based on a historical event that happened in the late 1800s. It is well-researched and given from the perspective of many of the characters that inhabited the isolated town of Menominee, Michigan during that time. Not only was it full of information, but it had good storytelling and made the tale come to life. The only gripe I really have with it is the picture near the back of the book, which is definitely not for the faint of heart. I understand it was put in there to give the story veracity, but it made my stomach queasy. Maybe better to put it in the back of the book so people don't just stumble across it. Despite that, I thought it was a good book. ( )

This tale has a Wild West appeal harking back to a time when law and order did not prevail. It takes place in the far reaches of northern Michigan--in a rugged and remote logging community. It is easy to find yourself transported back into time while reading this book. Each chapter is told from the point of view of one of a handful of the main characters which helps to give the story a multi-dimensional feel. The dark side of man's nature rears its ugly head in this story in more ways than one. Not only does it highlight mankind's raw and violent emotions; but also his proclivity to destroy the natural environment around him and blight the Earth wherever he goes. Purportedly based loosely on a true incident, this is an engaging and worthwhile read. ( )

A fast-paced story of human and class conflict on one of 19th century America’s overlooked frontiers, the North Woods.
Each chapter alternates from the viewpoint of one character to another. The story takes unexpected turns and becomes a page-turner. A good read. ( )

Guilford is a skilled writer. He follows the evidence of a real life event and ably connects the dots to provide a plausible historically based, fiction account of an event in Michigan pioneer history. So why have I struggled for months trying to write this review?
2 small peccadilloes: one is that although his use of dialect is typically satisfying and bears a striking similiarity to the real-life dialects he is portraying, he puts the word/sound "Doux" in the mouth of a French Canadian character as he is asking for 2 beers. Really? In French, Quebecois accent or not, the word "doux" refers to soft, sweet or even smooth. Never, ever would a French speaking person say "doux" when he meant "deux" "two". I told you it was small, but nonetheless a point that (a polished author as Guilford shows himself to be) should never mistake. If it is what the American ears would hear and this is what Guilford is attempting to express, well, that is inconsistent with the otherwise solid use of dialect in the story.
The second point is one that took a long time for me to recognize. There is not a single character in the book that I find likable! The flaws of the characters all seem to make you (me, in any case) want to wash your hands and keep apart from them. The central characters are strung up by a mob...a reflection of the true historical facts. But none of the characters are portrayed in such a way as to make you feel that they redeem themselves or act in a brave, courageous, altruistic or vaguely commendable manner.
I have lived much of my life in contact with small town people; English, French and German speaking. As a typical North American, I have rubbed shoulders with immigrants of all kinds of backgrounds and with people in various roles in society. Spring Drive does not leave you with a positive feeling for any part of humanity, for any part of society. I am left with a sour impression of everyone...one that does not line up even with my belief in the sinfulness of mankind and our common need for a Redeemer.
Guilford has chosen a truly unsavory historical event to depict. Even so, I would hope that authorial privilege would lead him to a more uplifting conclusion.

What an interesting read about man's greed and passions, and the complex connections that we humans form with each other. Truth is indeed stranger than fiction, and I have always loved reading about the lives of real people. America truly was a wild place in the 1800's, and this book gives a great snapshot of what it was like in a remote logging town. It hooks you right from the start! ( )