Title: Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder
Author: Caroline Fraser
Edition: Metropolitan Books, 2017
Setting: American West
Genre: Non Fiction
Never out of print, made into a television show, Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" books are a well-known part of American culture. If you've read "Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Biography" you may not think "Prairie Fires" would have anything left to tell. But it does, very much so. Caroline Fraser has done a tremendous amount of research in order to provide historical context for Laura Ingalls Wilder's life and writing.
And there's so much here you've never read before, or perhaps you've read something in Wilder's books or about her life, but not really understood the ramifications of it. I, as an example, never realized how truly poor the Wilder family was, nor how dependent they were on others for the betterment of their lives. Fraser points out how much the "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" philosophy stated in Wilder's books is in contrast to all the help they got: free land from the government, clothing from missionary barrels, help from friends and neighbors. And Pa, the upstanding citizen? Well, there was that midnight flight from the debts he owed in Iowa. Funny how that never made it into the books. Which brings me to another excellent aspect of Fraser's work: the actual writing of Wilder's books. The tug of war between daughter (and oh, my! What a difficult and unlikable person she was!) and mother over what to write and how to present Laura's pioneer experiences is examined in depth. That's quite a fascinating story.
While discussing difficult and hard truths, Fraser never loses respect for Wilder's work and shows great understanding of her times and character. If you'd like to read a well-researched, very accessible book that not only puts Wilder's life and work in historical context and perspective, but also let's you come as close to the real Laura as you'll ever get, this is that book. Highly recommended.
I received a copy from the publisher as part of the Library Thing Early Reviewers program.
Even with a Kindle, my bookshelf situation is out of control.
Although not quite like this.
Title: An Old, Cold Grave
Author: Iona Whishaw
Edition: Touchwood Editions, 2017
Setting: A Village in British Columbia, Canada
Genre: Mystery
Were the "good old days" really all that good? That's one of the questions Lane Winslow, a former British spy living in a village in rural British Columbia in the aftermath of World War II is asking herself. Sure, the villagers have electricity now, and running water and telephones, but back in 1910 when the village was new, it was a different story. Life was hard, especially if you were a young child or a poor family.
Lane has other questions, too. What is the identity of the skeleton found buried in her neighbor's root cellar? How did the person die and why? And who buried the body there?
And then there's Inspector Darling. He and Lane definitely have chemistry, but they've both been quite literally through the war. Should she open up to him? Or is she better off living the quiet country life she has planned? Lane finds herself wondering: "There
was simplicity in her existence now. Just her, her house, this green
valley and cool lake, and a few friends who would make no inroads into
her deeper self. The utter quiet."
Those who enjoy a strong female protagonist will greatly enjoy Lane Winslow. She's an independent woman who nonetheless has forged strong relationships with the very interesting cast of characters who live in the village of King's Cove. King's Cove itself is a character in this series, and Whishaw writes vividly about its charms: " It was a fine day, the air redolent with the green smell of earth and new growth, and she relished walking along the paths and byways...".
Of course, in any mystery story, you want a strong mystery. And this is where this novel shines. It's hard to imagine the villagers being involved in the death and burial, and indeed, they pull together with Lane and Inspector Darling to try to figure it out. There are a few twists, some tense, suspenseful action, and the resolution is both strong and interesting.
This is the third in a mystery series featuring Lane Winslow, and it is the best. The story is deeper, with themes of identity and belonging and survival in hard times that are quite moving. I look forward to reading the next Lane Winslow mystery and can wholeheartedly recommend this to those who enjoy the cozy mystery genre.
This week's loot!
The Address, by Fiona Davis. "Fiona Davis, author of The Dollhouse,
returns with a compelling novel about the thin lines between love and
loss, success and ruin, passion and madness, all hidden behind the walls
of The Dakota, New York City's most famous residence."
I enjoyed The Dollhouse; I'm looking forward to reading this one.
Library Loot is courtesy of the Silly Little Mischief blog
This week's loot!
The Romanov Trilogy, by Evelyn Anthony.
A trilogy covering the lives and reigns of Catherine the Great, Paul I, and Alexander I. These were written over 60 years ago, and have stood the test of time as well researched, well written historical fiction.
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An Old, Cold Grave, by Iona Whishaw.
The third in a mystery series set in a small town in British Columbia in the aftermath of WWII and featuring Lane Winslow, a former British spy.
Title:The Way to London
Author: Alix Rickloff
Edition: William Morrow Paperbacks, 2017
Setting: WWII Britain and Singapore
Genre: Historical Fiction
I enjoyed reading this interesting if a bit predictable book. This work
of historical fiction is set in WWII; it begins Singapore and ends in
London with a road trip along the way (as the title alludes to). Lucy is
an unhappy, rebellious, spoiled young woman - unhappy and rebellious
for good reasons, but still. She is sent away from Singapore to
relatives in Cornwall by her truly awful mother (the relatives and the
country house in Cornwall will be familiar to readers of Alix Rickloff's
"Secrets of Nanreath Hall"). In Singapore she meets a young man who is
also headed to Britain. Once Lucy gets to Cornwall the story really
begins, as Lucy gets involved with a young evacuee, Bill who is
miserable in his foster parents' home. The two of them end up on a
journey to London to find Bill's mother (and a symbolic journey to find
love). Bill provides amusement in the novel; I enjoyed that character
more than any other. The young man joins Lucy and Bill and there is a
satisfying end for all. As I say, a bit predictable, but still quite
enjoyable. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a
well-written and researched WWII novel that is somewhat lighter in tone
than most in that category. I received a copy through the Early
Reviewers Giveaway at Library Thing.
Author: Caroline Fraser
