This follows Lidie through her marriage and travel to Kansas Territory and then to Missouri in search of three murderers. It takes place in antebellum American at a time when it was dangerous to voice one’s opinions on the “goose question,” i.e. slavery. Aside from the free-stater vs. Missourian animosity which often erupted in violence, it was a seriously dangerous place to live simply because of the elements and disease.
I have a bachelor’s in history and studied this period in American history, however I never went this in depth into the troubles in Kansas Territory. It’s very clear, reading this book, that Jane Smiley did a great deal of research for Lidie’s story, which is something that always gains my respect for an author. Even better, the narrative doesn’t get lost in the history: Lidie’s adventures are completely relatable. It’s a very good book and I recommend it to anyone who digs historical novels.
Review by Jessica A.
