The book’s action takes place from 1779 to 1784 and relates the families’ struggles with harsh weather, wild animals, economic pressures, and interpersonal conflicts.

[2][3] Hal Borland, in a review for The New York Times, praised Ehle's eloquent writing and dialogue, as well as the dramatic narrative underpinning its exploration of life in the "pioneer past."

About the reissue, Harper Lee wrote "John Ehle's meld of historical fact with ineluctable plot-weaving makes The Land Breakers an exciting example of his masterful storytelling.

Sedlock reviewed the book for the Historical Novel Society in 2015, noting its use of "simple, spare prose" to convey its central themes of community and survival.

[7] On November 24, 2021, Valerie Stivers published a blog post exploring the historically accurate food of The Land Breakers in The Paris Review.