Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson, review
I just finished this fine piece of young adult historical fiction. Ms. Larson first became interested in the story after finding out that her Great-Grandmother had homesteaded a claim by herself. She began researching and soon developed a fictional story based on her findings.
It’s an interesting take, set in 1918 with the first World War in full swing and the influenza epidemic headed that way. Hattie Brooks and her cat, Mr. Whiskers, head out to Montana to prove up a claim of 320 acres that she inherited. We learn the hardships right along with her, which makes the story all the more accessible.
What struck me most was how little we’ve changed as people. During the first World War there was such anti-German sentiment that they changed the name “sauerkraut” to “liberty cabbage.” Freedom fries, anyone?
The writing is solid, the characters real. While it doesn’t pack the punch of A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly, readers who liked that book will find much to admire here. Reading this book is not a bad way to spend a few evenings.
