My family book club read! This is technically part of her plains novel trilogy, but I think most people read her much more famous work My Antonia. (I’m not sure they’re actually a continuation series, more of similar topic style series). The book is written in 1913.
This book tells the story of Alexandra Bergson and her family as they “settle” the plains of the US in the 1800s/1900s. It’s one of those stirring and sweeping family epics that’s partly predictable, but also saved from being too clunky by some beautiful descriptions of nature. It’s a well-written novel with some powerful vignettes and moments. I found some of the family dynamics and fights quite realistic. It’s nice to have strong female characters that drive the story.
There’s an interesting exploration of the European diaspora and a juxtaposition between the Norwegian, Russian, French, and Bohemian (Czech Republic) settlers.
There is no acknowledgment or discussion of native or indigenous plains people.
I’d like to read her My Antonia now as well.
(Side note: I haven’t used Kindle for years but I had to dip back in as some books have been very tricky to source, and actually there are a few exclusives (Margaret Atwood) and great deals on there, and I didn’t even have to buy a Kindle, you can use the reading app).
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