Welcome Back!
I just finished reading the book
The Homesman
by Glendon Swarthout
The Homesman is a devastating story of early pioneers in 1850s American West. It is about the brave women whose hearts and their minds were broken by a life of bitter hardship. A “homesman” must be found to escort four woman back to Iowa to a sanitarium. When none of the men steps up, the job falls to Mary Bee Cuddy. Brave as she is, Mary Bee knows she cannot succeed alone. The only companion she can find is the low-life claim jumper George Briggs. Thus begins a trek east, against the tide of colonization, against hardship, Indian attacks, ice storms, and loneliness—a timeless classic told in a series of tough, fast-paced adventures.
I am not a huge fan of 1850s, Western time period books, but I really got into this book. It tells of four woman that have lost their minds due to devastating events that took place in their lives. Their families have decided the best option is to send the women back to their families or to a sanitarium, but none of the husbands (in this case) want to make the journey back to Iowa. That is when Mary Bee steps up. Her dedication and care of the women is heartwarming and at the same time heart breaking. The book is a fast read due to wanting to know what will happen next to the women, Mary Bee and George Briggs.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.