One of my works in progress is set in 1867 Kansas and
involves a homesteading family. I ‘m involved in ongoing research so I can build
the best story world of what’s involved. I mentioned this fact at a recent
writers’ meeting and received a recommendation for this memoir.
Although the setting is South Dakota in 1907-08, much of
what was shared about the attitudes and emotions of the people involved could
be applied to many time periods. The first paragraph has two sisters, both
younger than twenty-one years, arriving on the vast, empty prairie from Chicago
to claim the older sister’s plot. Ida Mary had been proud of the fact she’d
chosen one with a house about thirty miles away from Pierre. Nothing in the
land office informed them the “house” was a shack with tar paper for siding—a disappointment
that sets the tone for the story.
The young women are dropped off by a man who makes his livelihood
as a locator who drives homesteaders out to their purchased plots. Seeing how
ill-prepared they are, he does leave them a jug of water. Otherwise, they are
left to their own devices. What transpires in the mandatory time to gain their
deed, described in prose that is almost lyrical at times, are the struggles the
women endure to survive. Especially worthwhile was learning about the ways the
women adapted and the community that is built when people share hardships
together.
Often research is a bit dry, but this memoir was enjoyable and entertaining. A highly recommended read both as a research tool regarding
homesteading but also as a tale of the human spirit determined to make a better
life. The definition of a pioneer spirit.
Thank you for the new resource. Angela/Doris
ReplyDeleteAngela, Love sharing research with other historical authors.
DeleteSounds interesting. The picture is scary. Typical of the Midwest.
ReplyDeleteI have a personal fascination with clouds. :) Thanks, Diane, for stopping by.
DeleteSounds like an awesome book for your research that probably further inspired you. Thanks for sharing. It sounds really interesting. If I had been born during those times I probably would have been curled up in the fetal position crying for my mama!
ReplyDeleteMJ, we might surprise ourselves with what we could do. In many cases, your mama would have lived close by and could give you advice.
DeleteInteresting title...sounds like a good read.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and God's blessings.
PamT
Pamela, the title is the Brule Sioux tribe's name for that region. Makes it memorable. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
ReplyDeleteI love to read historical novels (though mostly Regency and Victorian), and appreciate the work authors do to make their stories accurate. Thanks for your research and dedication to portraying the era correctly! And best wishes for a completed work and sale -
ReplyDeleteGreat review. Single women as homesteaders sounds very interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe picture looks desolute. What a hard life those women faced. It reminds me of Little House on the Prairie. I loved reading those books when I was growing up. Great find. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete