From the New York Times bestselling author of The Aviator’s Wife comes a story of courage on the prairie, inspired by the devastating storm that struck the Great Plains in 1888, threatening the lives of hundreds of immigrant homesteaders, especially schoolchildren.“A nail-biter . . . poignant, powerful, perfect.” —Kate Quinn, author of The Alice NetworkThe morning of January 12, 1888, was unusually mild, following a punishing cold spell. It was warm enough for the homesteaders of the Dakota Territory to venture out again, and for their children to return to school without their heavy coats—leaving them unprepared when disaster struck. At the hour when most prairie schools were letting out for the day, a terrifying, fast-moving blizzard blew in without warning. Schoolteachers as young as sixteen were suddenly faced with life and death decisions: Keep the children inside, to risk freezing to death when fuel ran out, or send them home, praying they wouldn’t get lost in the storm? Based on actual oral histories of survivors, this gripping novel follows the stories of Raina and Gerda Olsen, two sisters, both schoolteachers—one becomes a hero of the storm and the other finds herself ostracized in the aftermath. It’s also the story of Anette Pedersen, a servant girl whose miraculous survival serves as a turning point in her life and touches the heart of Gavin Woodson, a newspaperman seeking redemption. It was Woodson and others like him who wrote the embellished news stories that lured northern European immigrants across the sea to settle a pitiless land. Boosters needed them to settle territories into states, and they didn’t care what lies they told these families to get them there—or whose land it originally was.At its heart, this is a story of courage, of children forced to grow up too soon, tied to the land because of their parents’ choices. It is a story of love taking root in the hard prairie ground, and of families being torn asunder by a ferocious storm that is little remembered today—because so many of its victims were immigrants to this country.
Details e-book The Children's Blizzard: A Novel
🗸 Author(s): Melanie Benjamin
🗸 Title: The Children's Blizzard: A Novel
🗸 Rating : 4.4 from 5 stars (3273 reviews)
🗸 ISBN-10: 0399182306
🗸 ISBN-13: 9780399182303
🗸 Languange: English
🗸 Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
🗸 Supported Devices: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
✓ Read as many eBooks you want!
✓ Secure Scanned. No Virus Detected
✓ Thousands of eBooks to choose from - Hottest new releases
✓ Click it and Read it! - no waiting to read eBooks, it's instant!
✓ Keep reading your favorite eBooks over and over!
✓ It works anywhere in the world!
✓ No late fees or fixed contracts - cancel anytime!
Readers' opinions about The Children's Blizzard: A Novel by Melanie Benjamin
Edmonde Palmer
This captivating novel weaves together history and romance in a sweeping saga of love and loss set against the backdrop of war-torn Europe. As the world is torn apart by conflict, the lives of the protagonists are forever changed by the tumultuous events of the time. With its vivid imagery and poignant storytelling, this book is a moving tribute to the resilience of the human spirit.
Emeri Carr
This gripping true crime narrative offers a chilling glimpse into the minds of some of history's most notorious criminals. From cold-blooded killers to master con artists, each chapter delves into the twisted motives and methods of these infamous individuals. With its riveting storytelling and meticulous research, this book is a must-read for armchair detectives and true crime enthusiasts alike.
Chesslie Miller
Discover the secrets of the world's greatest masterpieces with this fascinating exploration of art history. From the Renaissance to the modern era, the author guides readers through the evolution of artistic styles and movements, offering insights into the lives and works of renowned artists. With its stunning visuals and insightful commentary, this book is a treasure trove of inspiration for art lovers and history buffs.
