Away from Hannah’s Castle

Eileen “Ike” West
iUniverse (2006)
ISBN 0595367909
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (12/06)


Author Eileen “Ike” West wrote “Hannah’s Castle” “To help current generations appreciate the wisdom treasured by the ancestors – that humans are here to share earth’s consciousness.” In writing this story, she hopes that it will teach others to nurture and protect the earth. This tale is about “the sacred covenant between a woman and her planet.”

Sixty-year-old widow, Hannah Hops Along, lives on the edge of the Dakota badlands. She is half Indian. She lives in a cabin that sits below an impressive rock formation. Her neighbors refer to her home as “Hannah’s Castle.” She is very reclusive, but does have a close relationship with a woman named Betsy. Betsy is half Rom (gypsy). She taught Hannah how to scry into the past and the future. Hannah also has a gift of being able to see beings that no one else can. This gift gives Hannah a special connection to nature. She travels through the universe, into the past and future with “Earta.” When Earta comes to get Hannah to take her on their journeys, Hannah always loses consciousness and has no control. As a result of this, Hannah is a recluse.

During an emergency health crisis, Hannah is rescued by trucker J.B. Iverson. He is intrigued with her and makes an effort to get to know her better. Hannah is afraid because she misses her husband and she never knows when Earta is going to visit. Suddenly her connection with Earta is ended. Hannah feels unprotected and at a loss. She finds out that there is more to J.B. than she first realized. He teaches her how to reconnect and bring balance into her life. It is time for her to break away from her self-imposed seclusion and romance blooms for Hannah. This is a beautiful story that will touch your soul. Hannah’s special connection to nature and the universe will make you yearn for a piece of it. “Away from Hannah’s Castle” is the perfect book to curl up with and enjoy. It would also be a great find for a readers group for women.

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