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3.37 AVERAGE
3.37 AVERAGE
Thanks to FSG for sending me a review copy!
This is a Western. Not the kind of romanticized version of the frontier, but a realistic and brutal portrayal of life on the plains in the late nineteenth century. The story follows two women: Anne, a young girl who is taken captive by the Sioux during a raid; and Libbie, who falls in love with headstrong, dashing, wandering George Custer and leaves her comfortable family home to a life as a soldier's wife.
Anne and Libbie are both so likeable, and their stories complement each other so well - learning self-reliance and strength and how to cast off the expectations placed on them as women and find freedom. Custer, a central figure in both of their stories, is kind of awful but also written sympathetically. It's a stark novel, quite violent at times as the characters face warfare, raids, harsh winters. But it's also - hopeful?
In the author's note, Soli says she wanted to be as truthful as possible, and that shines through; in the back she includes a bibliography of probably thirty titles, and the research shows! She includes real photos of Custer and Libbie and snippets from historical writings. The writing is taut and vivid, so affecting and memorable. The more I think about this book, the more I like it!
This is a Western. Not the kind of romanticized version of the frontier, but a realistic and brutal portrayal of life on the plains in the late nineteenth century. The story follows two women: Anne, a young girl who is taken captive by the Sioux during a raid; and Libbie, who falls in love with headstrong, dashing, wandering George Custer and leaves her comfortable family home to a life as a soldier's wife.
Anne and Libbie are both so likeable, and their stories complement each other so well - learning self-reliance and strength and how to cast off the expectations placed on them as women and find freedom. Custer, a central figure in both of their stories, is kind of awful but also written sympathetically. It's a stark novel, quite violent at times as the characters face warfare, raids, harsh winters. But it's also - hopeful?
In the author's note, Soli says she wanted to be as truthful as possible, and that shines through; in the back she includes a bibliography of probably thirty titles, and the research shows! She includes real photos of Custer and Libbie and snippets from historical writings. The writing is taut and vivid, so affecting and memorable. The more I think about this book, the more I like it!