Review of Kansas Prairie Promises
Posted: 19 Jul 2022, 13:38
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Kansas Prairie Promises" by Sharon Durken.]
If you loved reading Little House on the Prairie as a child, you would probably enjoy reading Kansas Prairie Promises as an adult. The settings and characters have the same feel, but mature content has been added. Sharon Durken’s second novel explores the formidable elements of prairie life, slavery, and injustices to women and Native Americans that Laura Ingalls left out. The author’s extensive research insures the accuracy of this historical novel.
The protagonist is an 11-year-old girl named Lucinda. She raises her two young sisters after her mother dies in childbirth. Her father, an Army officer, is often gone for weeks at a time on military assignments. This forced maturity creates a unique coming-of-age story that will break your heart. If you know an 11-year-old child, you might wonder how a girl this young could handle the daily chores required of life on the prairie in 1859 all by herself. Saying that times were different back then might be an understatement, but the reality is that without Google or Siri, most of us would not be able to survive on our own.
Many themes keep this story relevant. The theme of friendship is prominent as readers are introduced to Maddie, a black slave girl, and Lone Feather, an orphan Indian child. These three children form a life-long bond despite their differences. Oppression is another theme as the author reveals the unjust expectations and attitudes that were common during this era. The character of Lucinda’s father portrays the hardship that men faced trying to meet society’s obligations during this time. Surviving when it seems impossible to do so is the overall theme that keeps this story meaningful.
At times, the chronology of the plot felt wrong, and some scenes were out of place, but this wasn’t enough to lower my rating. There were a few minor errors, but the narrative was so engrossing that the errors were easy to miss if you weren’t looking for them. The author's writing held my interest both visually and emotionally as I followed the adventures of this prairie family through their accomplishments and travails.
I am happy to award this book 4 out of 4 stars. Although the descriptions of sexual activities are not erotic or graphic, they do limit the audience to older teens and adults. Learning the truth about this era and its effect on shaping our country is a valuable lesson to learn. Sharon Durken has accomplished that educational goal in an entertaining manner. Historical fiction aficionados are encouraged to get aboard this wagon train adventure.
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Kansas Prairie Promises
View: on Bookshelves
If you loved reading Little House on the Prairie as a child, you would probably enjoy reading Kansas Prairie Promises as an adult. The settings and characters have the same feel, but mature content has been added. Sharon Durken’s second novel explores the formidable elements of prairie life, slavery, and injustices to women and Native Americans that Laura Ingalls left out. The author’s extensive research insures the accuracy of this historical novel.
The protagonist is an 11-year-old girl named Lucinda. She raises her two young sisters after her mother dies in childbirth. Her father, an Army officer, is often gone for weeks at a time on military assignments. This forced maturity creates a unique coming-of-age story that will break your heart. If you know an 11-year-old child, you might wonder how a girl this young could handle the daily chores required of life on the prairie in 1859 all by herself. Saying that times were different back then might be an understatement, but the reality is that without Google or Siri, most of us would not be able to survive on our own.
Many themes keep this story relevant. The theme of friendship is prominent as readers are introduced to Maddie, a black slave girl, and Lone Feather, an orphan Indian child. These three children form a life-long bond despite their differences. Oppression is another theme as the author reveals the unjust expectations and attitudes that were common during this era. The character of Lucinda’s father portrays the hardship that men faced trying to meet society’s obligations during this time. Surviving when it seems impossible to do so is the overall theme that keeps this story meaningful.
At times, the chronology of the plot felt wrong, and some scenes were out of place, but this wasn’t enough to lower my rating. There were a few minor errors, but the narrative was so engrossing that the errors were easy to miss if you weren’t looking for them. The author's writing held my interest both visually and emotionally as I followed the adventures of this prairie family through their accomplishments and travails.
I am happy to award this book 4 out of 4 stars. Although the descriptions of sexual activities are not erotic or graphic, they do limit the audience to older teens and adults. Learning the truth about this era and its effect on shaping our country is a valuable lesson to learn. Sharon Durken has accomplished that educational goal in an entertaining manner. Historical fiction aficionados are encouraged to get aboard this wagon train adventure.
******
Kansas Prairie Promises
View: on Bookshelves
Hope you do as well.
I believe Kansas Prairie Promises is a very valuable reading as well, considering how many important topics it covers. Thank you for this insightful review!