Helpful Score: 4
If you love reading about a woman's view of the West in the 1800s, then you will love this book.
Helpful Score: 2
As these little bios go, this is a nice read, for adults or even children.
"A BRIDE GOES WEST is new and fresh because it is impregnated with a just sense of values about life. When Nannie Tiffany of West Virginia married Walt Annderson, who'd already been on the cattle trail for years, in 1882, they went to Montana to start a little ranch. There's plenty about ranching in this book but what is most valuable is about life, about people in this ranch country.
Among hundreds of books written by and about range men, there are hardly a dozen valid ones concerning women...this is one of the best pertaining to ranch life by women with a woman's point of view dominating."
Among hundreds of books written by and about range men, there are hardly a dozen valid ones concerning women...this is one of the best pertaining to ranch life by women with a woman's point of view dominating."
Elizabeth B. (Cattriona) -
This is an interesting biography of a "city" woman from West Virginia who marries and joins her husband in cattle ranching in the wilds of Montana in 1883. She has few domestic skills when she starts out -- can't do laundry, can't cook anything but biscuits, but through sheer stubbornness and trial and error manages to make a life for herself and her family. It is written in a first-person viewpoint, and the author's voice reflects the views of the period, including less-than-modern terms for several ethnic groups. Overall a quick read and a fascinating personal glimpse into American history. Recommended.
Really enjoyed this book told from the viewpoint of a woman making a life from scratch in the Montana wilderness. Great details about ranch life in those days, good and bad. What sets this book apart from other memoirs from this time is the honesty of Nannie Alderson's true feelings about the darker side of frontier living and the challenges she faced. She apparently suffered from anxiety and is very candid about experiencing the same fears, depression, jealousy and resentments that we all do today. Transitioning from a carefree bride to an overworked mother of four is something many of us can relate to.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Different from what I expected, but very good.
