"Go West, Young Woman!"
Lisa Whitaker is a spoiled young woman living in
Philadelphia, getting ready to purchase her bridal gown
and trousseau for marriage to a fine young man she
believes she loves. But a fire inadvertently occurs which
alters life for Lisa, her hard-working father, constantly
ill mother, and adventurous brother, Wally. The latter is
the only one looking forward to the upcoming change. Lars Oleson, a man whom Lisa had helped after his hands
were burned in the fire, has advised Lisa's father to head
for the Dakota territory. He believes that Charles
Whitaker can make a better fortune there. Lars admits that
he is going there for the same reason. So the unwanted
decision is made and the journey begins, one that is to
transform Lisa into a mature, wise and loving woman. But the transformation takes time and circumstances
quickly arise that force Lisa to think harder and be more
concerned about others. Lars watches over Lisa and
prevents her from making fatal mistakes, mistakes ranging
from casually wandering away from the traveling wagon
train to falling into a frozen river. At the same time
Lisa's attitude changes as she is forced to take care of
Lars twice after he is hit by a horse thief and later shot
by marauding Indians. Her confusion grows with her care,
though, because Lars will be meeting a brother in the
Dakotas and a mail-order wife from Norway as well. The above hardly begins to tell the whole story as the
Whitaker family and Lars Oleson experience roving bands of
thieves and Indians, a tornado that kills one of the
family and another expected death that is no easier for
knowing it could happen. Much more occurs that uniquely,
as other historical novels have done, presents the
multitude of difficulties and challenges facing those who
decide to forge their destinies in the rapidly developing
Western frontier. The dangers threatening the travelers every day and the
transformation of Lisa Whitaker and Lars Oleson provide a
wonderful reading experience that will leave the reader
with a delightful feeling about human beings with such
gritty and passionate personalities. Such is the
pioneering spirit of American history! Grand read, Ms. Carroll! Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on January 17, 2005
Reviewed by Viviane Crystal
Courtesy Crystal Reviews
Posted January 26, 2005
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