Thomas F. (hardtack) - , reviewed on 5/6/2025 + 2823 more book reviews

I read a lot of books about American women in history, especially in early American history. While some are interesting, most are riveting. This one was just absolutely wonderful.

Elinore Stewart was a remarkable woman who was also a wonderful story teller. What a shame she didn't write a novel. Then, when someone would ask a friend, "Have you read 'Anne of Green Gables' or 'Small House on the Prairie?', the friend might reply, "Yes, but my favorite is still Elinore Stewart's '[insert title here.]'"

But Elinore wrote something better than a novel. She wrote letters to a friend about her life on the prairie and the people she came to know and love. This book contains a selection of those letters. How I wish I could read all her letters.

It's obvious there were more letters written as, although the letters are arranged chronologically, she mentions things in more than one letter that make you ask, "What? When did that happen?"

Although much was changed by the blankly-blank Hollywood screenwriters, the critically acclaimed 1980 film "Heartland" was based on her letters and journals. You can watch the movie for free on Youtube, by searching for "Heartland Movie." Don't be confused by the Canadian TV series of the same name.

And check out her page on Wikipedia.

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