The Lost Wife: Book Review
In the vast tapestry of American history, certain narratives remain underexplored or overshadowed. The Lost Wife by Susanna Moore brings one such story to the forefront, offering readers a glimpse into a tumultuous period. Set in the mid-19th century, the novel follows Sarah Brinton, who finds herself torn between two worlds, facing challenges that test her loyalties and beliefs. Moore's narrative intertwines personal struggle with historical events, shedding light on themes of survival, cultural conflict, and the complexities of human empathy. For those captivated by stories about the intricacies of human relationships set against a rich historical backdrop, The Lost Wife is a compelling read.
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Quick Look
- Early American West historical fiction
- 1860s American frontier setting
- compelling portrayal of Native culture
- atmospheric and dark
- quick but highly worthwhile read
Pub Date: April 4, 2023
Thank you @aaknopf for the gifted copy!
Publisher's Synopsis
Drawn partly from a true story, a searing, totally immersive novel about a devastating Native American revolt, and a woman caught in the middle of the conflict.
In the summer of 1855, Sarah Brinton abandons her husband and child to make the long and difficult journey to Minnesota, where she will meet a childhood friend. Arriving at a small frontier post on the edge of the prairie, she discovers that her friend has died of cholera. Without work or money or friends, she quickly finds a husband who will become the resident physician at an Indian agency on the Yellow Medicine River. As one of the earliest settlers in the area, Sarah anticipates unease and hardship, but instead finds acceptance and kinship with the Sioux women who live on the nearby reservation. She learns to speak their language, nourishing a companionship with them which far exceeds that which she shares with her strange and distant husband.
An endless flow of White settlers are clearing the forests and claiming land. The government has yet to pay the Sioux the annuities awarded them each July for the sale of the land, and starvation and disease begin to decimate the Sioux community. What inevitably and tragically follows is the Sioux Uprising of 1862. While seeking safety at a nearby fort, Sarah and her two young children are abducted by Sioux warriors. They are unexpectedly kept safe by one of the men, who protects them until their rescue six weeks later by federal troops. Because of her sympathy for the Sioux, Sarah has become an outcast, falsely accused of marriage with her Native American captor. Vilified by the whites and despised by her husband, she is lost to both worlds.
Intimate, raw, compelling, and brilliantly subversive, Susanna Moore explores the history of Native American suffering and the rapacious settlement of the Western frontier.
My Review
Wow! I had no idea how much I would enjoy this novel. It packed a powerful punch that I certainly didn't expect.
Based on the true story of Sarah Brinton, a white woman who was taken hostage by the local indigenous people in the Sioux Uprising of 1862. Her family were early settlers of Yellow Medicine River, where she worked hard to befriend the Sioux who inhabited the area. Despite her kinship with the Sioux, she and other settlers become targets of the desperate tribe.
Unlike so many of the other women abducted, she and her children are protected by one of the tribe's young warriors because of her past kindness. Over the next several weeks, Sarah must adopt a survival mentality, but emotional boundaries become blurry as time goes on. When finally rescued, her sympathies for the Sioux people, especially her young protector, make her a target and further isolate her from her white counterparts.
Brilliantly composed, this book is a glimpse into the life of the Sioux people, whose land early settlers claimed. It's a darkly atmospheric and compulsive read that I struggled to put down. Though it's not an own-voice novel, I felt Moore respected the Sioux people and culture, highlighting the terrible ways they were treated. I'd love to read more about this period, particularly this event, but next time, I want to find a book written by an indigenous author.
My Rating
The Lost Wife is more than just a historical account; it's an exploration of identity, resilience, and the gray areas of morality. Sarah Brinton's journey challenges readers to reflect on the complexities of human nature and the often blurry lines between right and wrong. If you're drawn to narratives that combine rich historical settings with deep character studies, this novel should be next on your reading list. It's a testament to the enduring spirit of those who navigated the challenges of America's frontier, offering insights that resonate even today.
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