Sara Dahmen’s novel, Widow 1881, captures the time and period of a woman beset with heartache and loss, yet brave enough to find a new life on her own terms.
Recently widowed Jane Weber answers a help-wanted ad for a housekeeping position in Flats Junction, Dakota Territories. She leaves Massachusetts and all that is familiar, despite her family’s misgivings.
Jane carries a secret and with it, feelings of desperation. She keeps house for the town’s doctor, yet as a single woman must live elsewhere. The doctor arranges for her to room with a Blackfoot Sioux, a woman, barely tolerated in town.
In the course of daily living, Jane finds her way in a harsh and sometimes unforgiving land. She meets the townspeople, some of whom don’t hold the doctor’s profession in high esteem, nor are many people friendly toward her. But she manages to find friendship and loyalty in surprising places, and the doctor shows satisfaction in her housekeeping and light nursing skills. Jane works hard, learning as she goes along. She finds inspiration and pleasure in acquiring new skills, yet feels apprehension about her future.
Author Sara Dahmen skillfully shows us the time period and the heart of a woman intent on making her way despite the odds against her. I thoroughly enjoyed this engrossing novel.
This is definitely on my to read this! Super review, Mary.
I think you’d really enjoy it, Carmen.