brightstar reviewed on 7/23/2012 + 10 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

I found that I could not quite put this book down until the conclusion despite not really liking and eventually not respecting the character of Mattie Spenser. Since Mattie's character is the heart of the book, I was left sorely lacking.

Mattie is near perfection as the selfless, undemanding, obedient helpmate to her "darling boy" (re: horrible husband), even when she knew better, and her character doesn't develop much beyond that stance despite the many trials, hardships, and horrors she (and most of the other women in the book) faced. I don't think Mattie was weak, she made her choices by always giving in and there were consequences, but she's a survivor and the personification of dull perseverance.

The fact that I wanted to read it to the end out of curiosity and in the hope that something would develop within Mattie Spenser's core, some growth, even within the context of the world of a 19th century pioneer farm wife, speaks to Sandra Dallas's skills as a novelist (an extra star for that). But I'm not a fan and will not be seeking out more from this author.

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