Book Review: Women of the Frontier

Imagine leaving your home to take a months-long, hazardous journey through bad weather, lack of food and water, and unmaintained roads, to reach the destination of your dreams. Imagine finding it full of outlaws and rabble-rousers to deal with, when you're not dealing with more bad weather, ruined crops, and the loss of your money and the few belongings you were able to salvage. Now imagine doing all this while juggling housework and childcare, wearing clothes definitely not suited to the wilds of the west, and possibly being the only woman for miles around.

Women of the Frontier tells the stories of women in the West during the pioneer days of the 19th century. Luzena Wilson came to California during the Gold Rush and endured the ups and downs of that turbulent economy, alternating between successful hotel businesses and ruined farms. Narcissa Whitman came to the Pacific Northwest as a missionary, gave birth to the first child of American citizens in the area, then watched her mission fall apart amid misunderstandings with the Native peoples that escalated into violence. Sarah Winnemucca repeatedly petitioned the government to address the terrible conditions suffered by her Paiute people. Mary Lease also petitioned the government, about women's right to vote, and after a debt-filled life as a homesteader she turned to a new career in law and helped organize two political parties, rallying people to elections she wasn't able to vote in. These stories and many others help paint a fascinating picture of the West, one that may be much richer than you previously imagined. - Michelle (Sunset)