Dakota Or What's A Heaven For

 

 

Dakota, or What's A Heaven For (North Dakota Institute for Regional Studies, 2010) is a novel by Brenda K. Marshall, which is centered around 2 female characters during the late 19th Century American Midwest.

Here is the synopsis of Dakota, or What's A Heaven For from the flap of the book's dust cover:

IN THIS BRAVE AND MOVING EPIC, set in late nineteenth-century Dakota Territory, Brenda K. Marshall opens a window onto the history of a place little known and often misunderstood, to tell an original tale of desire and ambition.   The lives and schemes of frontier politicians, Northern Pacific Railroad executives, bonanza farmers and homesteaders converge in the story of France Houghton Bingham.  Emotionally complex, willful and resourceful, Frances is seduced by the myths of opportunity driving the settlement of Dakota Territory, and dares to dream of a new world in which to realize her unconventional desires.

 

Providing a counterpoint to the dramatic risks taken by Frances is the generous voice of Kirsten Knudson, the daughter of Norwegian homesteaders.  As Kristen grows from a voluble girl to a formidable woman, her observations (equal parts absurdity and insight) reveal the heart of the novel.

 First, let me say, "Wow, that was a great book!" I was amazed at how delightful and fast a read it was. The author did an amazing job weaving the the fiction of the novel in with the facts of the time period and it flowed absolutely wonderfully. The characters were well developed and so easy to relate to. It really kept me reading (and neglecting my housework)!

I definitely recommend Dakota, or What's A Heaven For to anyone who enjoys a good historical novel, because this is definitely a good one!

 Thank you to Blue Dot Literary for my sample used in this review, opinions are honest, review by Michelle.

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