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61 reviews for:
Trials of the Earth: The Autobiography of Mary Hamilton
Mary Mann Hamilton, Helen Dick Davis
3.72 AVERAGE
61 reviews for:
Trials of the Earth: The Autobiography of Mary Hamilton
Mary Mann Hamilton, Helen Dick Davis
3.72 AVERAGE
Interesting story, but disliked the conscious stream of thought style that it was written in.
Trials Of The Earth was a decent book that covered Mary’s experiences as an American pioneer. Her experiences rearing several children and dealing with her alcoholic husband while trying to build a homestead were equally shocking and heartbreaking and it was so interesting to hear her story written directly from her hands. Despite this, I had a difficult time getting through this book. It’s pacing felt slow, it felt fragmented, and I ultimately couldn’t keep my attention focused on it.
It’s also important to note that “society” was very different during this time period, so unfortunately there was some less than desirable descriptions/language/behaviors towards POC throughout the book.
It’s also important to note that “society” was very different during this time period, so unfortunately there was some less than desirable descriptions/language/behaviors towards POC throughout the book.
So few writings from this time were from a woman's point of view. Mary Hamilton went through extraordinary hardships as a pioneer in the American south. Its also a product of it's time and the casual and sometimes violent racism is hard to stomach but also instructive. This is a fascinating read and a valuable historical record. I don't like all that Mary has to say but I am glad I got a chance to read it.
This book made me thankful for my pioneer ancestors, and that I wasn't the one that was the pioneer. I was exhausted after reading this book! ;-)
The mystery of Frank is very intriguing and I hope that their descendants do DNA testing to try and figure out who he was.
The mystery of Frank is very intriguing and I hope that their descendants do DNA testing to try and figure out who he was.
If you ever want to feel like you've got the easiest life in the world, read this book. The number of heartbreaks this woman stood (from child after child dying, to losing every home they made) is actually staggering and the patience and courage she faced them with is remarkable. Also, I don't think I have ever read or heard of anyone who worked harder. She details her many stints as a boarding house matron and cook (baking 100s of loaves of bread a day) while caring for her children, sewing, cleaning, gardening, farming, running a ferry boat, etc.
A firsthand account of the female pioneer Mary Mann Hamilton and her family. Her trials and tribulations through marriage, parenting, and struggling to thrive.
This tale had me laughing and crying through the ups and downs of Mary's life. Even though the story took place in the later years of the 1800's I still found myself relating to Mary's life. The story really affected me when Nina passed away. That's when I was really invested in the family and what became of them.
A great nonfiction tale of a strong female figure.
This tale had me laughing and crying through the ups and downs of Mary's life. Even though the story took place in the later years of the 1800's I still found myself relating to Mary's life. The story really affected me when Nina passed away. That's when I was really invested in the family and what became of them.
A great nonfiction tale of a strong female figure.
A testament to the resilience of the human spirit - but not an easy one to get through. Made me thankful for the things we take for granted in modern society. My heart hurt for Mary, who had to endure insane difficulties that I can barely wrap my mind around - but ultimately hers is a story of survival and triumph.
Hard to believe that life was so hard for these pioneers. I can decide if I liked her husband after all or if he was a complete looser. They raised an amazing family and worked like animals all there life.
This book was different from most true account pioneer stories, in that it read more like a well told story than some strung together long gone memories. I enjoyed reading this tremendously, and marvel at the strength, fortitude, and sheer grit that this woman had. I don't think I could've managed half of what was routine for her.
I really enjoyed this memoir. It is taken from letters written by Mary Mann Hamilton. It reminds you how resilient people are, and how much we take things for granted in current times. I enjoyed Mary's voice and outlook.