The most important thing about this book was the depth of the characters. This is a long saga about a pioneer family and how difficult it was to inhabit and tame such a wild country. In the early part of America's history, it was interesting to see how many people picked up in the middle of the Civil War (and moved westward) to look for a better life. We often think that the country was immobilized by their concern over the War, but this book shows that many people were not caught up in the war or decided to avoid it altogether.
Because the story continues over many years, the reader sees just how difficult life was. There were problems with the wildlife, weather, rustlers, outlaws, and Indians. The most difficult trial to bear is when an Indian steals Luke and Lettie's first son. Luke searches for him for months until finally, the Sioux chief tells Luke that his son drowned. Ten years later, they find that is not true and it opens a whole new round of grief and difficulty.
I wasn't really in the mood for a long family saga and it took restarting more than once to commit to the story. The depth the author takes readers into the characters' private lives is what sets Rosanne Bittner apart from so many authors. One of the most unique parts of the book was the effort of Nathan (the child stolen by the Sioux) to come back to his family of origin. I've never seen that issue dealt with in such a manner. This makes for an unusual and powerful story. Overall score = 4.5 stars.
Because the story continues over many years, the reader sees just how difficult life was. There were problems with the wildlife, weather, rustlers, outlaws, and Indians. The most difficult trial to bear is when an Indian steals Luke and Lettie's first son. Luke searches for him for months until finally, the Sioux chief tells Luke that his son drowned. Ten years later, they find that is not true and it opens a whole new round of grief and difficulty.
I wasn't really in the mood for a long family saga and it took restarting more than once to commit to the story. The depth the author takes readers into the characters' private lives is what sets Rosanne Bittner apart from so many authors. One of the most unique parts of the book was the effort of Nathan (the child stolen by the Sioux) to come back to his family of origin. I've never seen that issue dealt with in such a manner. This makes for an unusual and powerful story. Overall score = 4.5 stars.
