Mary E. Trimble

The Blue Tattoo: The Life of Olive Oatman by Margot Miffin, Book 23 of the “Women in the West” series, is an engrossing biography of a young girl torn from her family as they traveled west.

In 1851, as the Oatmans traveled along the Gila River in what is now New Mexico, Olive Oatman, 13, witnessed the horrors of her Morman family’s brutal massacre by the Yavapais, a Native American tribe. Olive and her younger sister, Mary Ann, were taken captive and endured a brutal trip, all on foot, finally arriving in Arizona where they lived as slaves for a year. They were later traded to the Mohaves. From all indications, the girls were treated well by the Mohaves, though Mary Ann, who always had suffered health problems, died after two years. From all accounts from Olive herself, she was treated kindly. She learned the tribal language, Mohave customs, and considered herself a member of the tribe.

One of the customs of the Mohaves was to tattoo the chin. The tattoo was a specific pattern, blue, and the recipient had to cooperate, lie very still and afterward not move the mouth for a period of time so as to not smudge or mar the markings. This ritual was not given to captives, rather it was celebrated by tribal members. Olive willingly endured this tattooing process.

Olive was 19 when she was ransomed back to white society. Being reunited with white people was a painful experience. She missed her Mohave family. The ways of civilization were strange, uncomfortable and restrictive. Although she became an instant celebrity, she was often seen as sad.

Much has been written about Olive Oatman, some in her own lifetime, often portraying her years with the Mohave as savage and cruel. These accounts are contrary to many of the documented facts as explained in The Blue Tatoo. Author Margot Miffin’s account of Olive’s story represents factual research and arguments. I appreciated learning facts supported by true accounts and resources. For a more likely and probably less sensational version of Olive Oatman’s story, I highly recommend The Blue Tattoo.

Book Review: Stay

Posted on May 2, 2022 by Mary

Catherine Ryan Hyde has written a poignant novel about the power of friendship and kindness.

Lucas, 14, runs miles every day to burn off anxiety and excess energy. His parents constantly fight, and he’s worried about his brother who is a soldier in Viet Nam. Lucas’s best friend, Conner, is depressed and Lucas doesn’t know how to help him.

While running through the woods, Lucas comes across a little run-down cabin. Two large dogs emerge from a make-shift shelter and, much to Lucas’ joy, they join him on his run. This pattern goes on for many days when he finally meets their owner, Zoe, an older woman with an unfortunate past. They become friends and Lucas is able to unburden his worries to this no-nonsense woman.

The story is told in first-person by Lucas as an adult, and at the end the reader sees the whole picture of Lucas, his family and his friends. As in her other novels, this author brings the reader into the story as she unflinchingly describes the consequences of addiction, suicide, the terrible toll war inflicts, and the hardship of children caught in family strife.

Stay is a heartfelt novel that I enthusiastically recommend for teens and adults.

Book Review: The Hearts of Horses

Posted on April 25, 2022 by Mary

The Hearts of Horses by Molly Gloss is an extraordinary novel about a young woman’s courage to live life at her own pace doing what she loved: working with horses. The story takes place in 1917 at the onset of World War I in eastern Oregon ranch country.

Martha Lessen, 19, couldn’t abide cruelty to any animal, especially horses. Because of her father’s abuse to animals, she left home with her own string of three horses. She was determined that there was a better way. Nowadays we’re familiar with the term “horse whisperer” but at that time, Martha’s method of training a horse was different than the usual custom of conquering the animal. She approached a horse with gentle movements, getting miraculous, almost immediate results.

A woman of courage, Martha called on ranchers—strangers—offering her services to train their horses. Invariably there would be a ranch horse that didn’t fit in, that couldn’t be saddled, or had over-powering fears. Ranchers welcomed the possibility of changing an obstinate horse to useful. Going from ranch to ranch, Martha gathered horses, training them in her gentle way as she went along. She formed a sort of circuit, riding and working with as many as 14 horses as she traveled from ranch to ranch, circling around until she returned the now-trained horses to their original owners.

Along the way Martha met Henry Frazer, a ranch hand. Martha had no real social experiences, felt awkward, a misfit, being with other young people. She was not proficient in communicating about anything other than horses. She didn’t give much thought to how she looked and dressed like a man because it was more efficient than traditional women’s wear. But Henry saw something special in Martha, something worth pursuing.

I absolutely loved this novel and found myself putting off finishing it because I hated it to end. The author is a master at describing minute details, making the page come alive with winter’s landscape, with a horse’s fearful reaction, or with a person’s unbearable burden. Times were tough. It was rare to have a new piece of clothing, to have what we now consider basic necessities. Molly Gloss writes with heart, always moving the story forward, but in no hurry to do so. I highly recommend The Hearts of Horses.

Book Review: Untamed

Posted on April 17, 2022 by Mary

Untamed: The Wildest Woman in America and the Fight for Cumberland Island by Will Harlan is the impressive story of Carol Ruckdeschel and her fight to preserve Cumberland Island’s wilderness.

A biography, Untamed shows in graphic detail how one woman, Carol Ruckdeschel (1941 – ), has campaigned—actually devoted her life—to the preservation of wilderness on Cumberland Island. The Island, located in the southeastern United States, is the largest of the Sea Islands of Georgia.

Carol Ruckdeschel is a biologist, naturalist, environmental activist and author. Although Carol has had loyal friends, including Jimmy Carter before, during, and after he became President of the United States, she also has had bitter enemies, people who have accused her of caring more for animal welfare than people’s well-being.

Author Will Harlan met Carol when he worked as a ranger for the National Park Service on Cumberland Island. When he first met Carol, she herself appeared to be wild. She spent her days dissecting dead animals, particularly sea life. She lived in a shack with specimens scattered about. Through the years, she has fiercely fought for the Island’s wildlife, particularly sea turtles, one of the oldest animal species on earth. Carol grieves over their rapid decline. She has published scientific papers, particularly on turtle navigational mysteries.

Included in the book are unsettling facts such as:
● Fishing boats catch turtles and other sea life in nets. For every pound of shrimp harvested in a trawl net, over ten pounds of bycatch is caught. Air-breathing animals such as dolphins and sea turtles drown in the nets.
● More than 100,000 dolphins and whales die each year from ingesting plastic.
● Feral swine scavenge turtle nests to feast on eggs. Swine population grows each year as turtle population declines.

Will Harlan has written an environmental classic, a memorable portrait of a woman fiercely dedicated to the preservation of wilderness. He shows how Carol, from early childhood, has been fascinated by and fought for wildlife. Harlan has captured the essence of Carol’s dedication to her work: “To save people, we must save nature.”

Book Review: Mercy and Madness

Posted on April 11, 2022 by Mary

Mercy and Madness: Dr. Mary Archard Latham’s Tragic Fall from Female Physician to Felon by Beverly Lionberger Hodgins is a fascinating, thoroughly documented biography of Spokane, Washington’s first female physician. The engaging story includes the period of Dr. Mary Latham’s life, 1844-1917.

The well-written biography begins with a haunting event that took place when Mary was four years old. The unforgettable incident left a lasting impression on little Mary Archard, as it did with me.

In 1888 Mary, together with her three young sons, left their home in Ohio and moved to Spokane, Washington where she would pursue a career in medical practice, particularly of women and children. Her husband, Edward, also a physician, later joined the family for a time, but soon moved to Colville, Washington to serve as physician for several native tribes. Mary and Edward subsequently divorced.

Dr. Mary A. Latham was well known in the community and was a strong advocate for women and children, and especially the poor. She was highly respected, and in addition to her medical practice helped found the Spokane Humane Society and the Spokane Public Library. She also helped numerous children, often orphans born of unwed mothers, find loving homes. Mary was a prolific writer of letters to editors, essays, short stories and articles, often for the benefit of women.

Mary’s world came crashing down when her adult son, James, was accidently killed in a railroad yard accident. She was observed wandering the streets, inconsolable in her grief. Her behavior became increasingly erratic as her physical and mental health declined. In 1905 she was accused, arrested, and convicted of arson, and sentenced to four years at the state penitentiary in Walla Walla. She eventually returned to Spokane, a broken woman, but still determined to continue her life helping others, particularly downtrodden women. Dr. Mary A. Latham died in 1917.

Mercy and Madness is a compelling story told in decisive, effective clarity. The many pages of bibliography references document the author’s thoroughness. When referring to dollars, essential in telling the story, I appreciated the author’s converting the money of the period to today’s values. I also enjoyed reading much of the story in Dr. Latham’s own words through her letters and articles. The biography is well organized and kept my attention throughout. I highly recommend Mercy and Madness especially to those interested in Northwest history, and particularly of noteworthy women.

Book Review: The Distant Hours

Posted on April 4, 2022 by Mary

The Distant Hours, a gothic novel by British author Kate Morton, kept me spellbound while it alternated between characters, locations and time periods.

In 1992 Edie Burchill, a young British journalist is intrigued by her mother’s past, a past never discussed. While having Sunday dinner with her parents, Edie’s mother receives a long-lost, misdirected letter originally written in 1941. Edie’s journalistic interest is piqued, but learning nothing from her closed-mouth mother, Edie delves into those frightening war years to discover her mother’s secret past.

The aging Blythe sisters, twins Saffy and Percy, and their younger sister, Juniper, live in Milderhurst Castle, a several-hour drive from London. The castle, which had been in the family for generations, was once beautiful and cared for by forty-plus servants. But Milderhurst is now moldy and crumbling as the sisters manage it by themselves. During World War II, many British citizens living in outlying areas took in children living in London to keep them safe from the constant bombing. Edie learns that her mother was an evacuee and lived in Milderhurst Castle during that period. But why has this been kept a secret all these years?

As the story unravels, the mystery becomes even more intriguing with new aspects being uncovered at every turn. The Distant Hours is a gothic novel in the most classic and traditional sense. Kate Morton has the ability to weave complex characters and time periods into intriguing plots, leaving the reader attempting to second guess the outcome. The author smoothly alternates the time periods between 1939-1941 and 1992, engaging the reader into the mind-set of time and place.

For an absorbing, suspenseful read, I highly recommend The Distant Hours.

Book Review: Bel Canto

Posted on March 22, 2022 by Mary

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, is an extraordinary novel that held me captive from beginning to end. As a matter of fact, being held captive is what this book is all about.

A prestigious party is being held at the home of a Vice President somewhere in South America. The occasion is honoring the birthday of Mr.Kosokawa, a powerful businessman from Japan. The famous opera soprano, Roxane Coss, has enthralled the international guests with her singing. It’s a grand event. Until terrorists take the entire party hostage.

From the beginning, the take-over goes awry. The person being sought, the President of the country, isn’t in attendance. This causes great confusion among the three generals leading a gang of gun-wielding youths.

Nothing goes according to plan, but life goes on. From a panicked, life-threatening situation, people fall into a routine. They cooperate, form bonds, friendships, even fall in love.

This is a marvelous, entertaining book, a New York Times Bestseller and winner of the Pen/Faulkner Award. For me, it hit a profound chord. When my husband and I were with the Peace Corps in The Gambia, West Africa, we were “detained” in a single house for 8 days, along with 118 people from many different countries. This book brought back vivid memories of that attempted military takeover.

I highly recommend Bel Canto. You’ll find yourself bunking in with many interesting international house guests.

Book Review: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Posted on March 14, 2022 by Mary

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Perennial Classics) by [Betty Smith]

A perennial classic, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, was first published in 1943. I don’t remember how old I was when I first read the novel, nor do I remember absorbing as much of the rich, sensitive writing as I have with this second, recent reading.

The book, set in the early 1900s, rarely leaves the Brooklyn area and most of that takes place in rough tenement neighborhoods. It is tough living, especially for poor people. And Francie’s family is poor. Her mother scrubs floors in three tenement buildings to keep the family in food and rent. Her father works as a singing waiter, when he can get a job, but he has a serious drinking problem. Even so, he’s a loving father and his children adore him.

Mary Frances Nolan, or Francie, is the oldest child, followed by her brother, only a year younger. Much later another little girl is born. The story is told mostly from Francie’s point of view. Francie is always thinking, her creative mind trying to make sense of what is going on around her. The hardships and rough living conditions are accepted, mostly without complaint, but her dreams soar with her imagination, intelligence and creativity. At that time and place, graduating from sixth grade was an impressive accomplishment, but Francie has the impossible dream of going to college.

Francie’s life is metaphorically compared to a Chinese sumac, the Tree of Heaven, common to Brooklyn tenement yards. The tree is indestructible; can seemingly grow out of cement. Francie often sits on a fire escape in the shade of the tree’s umbrella-shaped leaves to blissfully read and dream.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a poignant story of perseverance and hope amidst hardship. Even if you read this book years ago, it’s worth reading again. This second reading brought fresh insights and a deeper understanding of our country’s attitudes and values of that time period. I recommend this book for anyone twelves years and older. It is truly an American classic.

Book Review: The Girls in the Stilt House

Posted on March 7, 2022 by Mary

The Girls in the Stilt House, a novel by Kelly Mustian is a suspenseful southern novel that takes place in Mississippi during the 1920’s Prohibition.

Ada Morgan reluctantly returns to her family home—a house on stilts—after a failed relationship. For her, it’s the last resort. She’s sure that her father, a mean drunk, won’t welcome her back. She’s still young—in her teens—but she can see no other choice. Her father, a widower, isn’t home when she arrives. He’s probably tending his traps, selling his pelts, or perhaps peddling his bootleg liquor. She dreads his return.

Matilda Patterson, the teenage daughter of a black sharecropper, lives in a shack on the other side of the swamp. She comes from a loving home. Her father works hard to provide for his family and her mother is again expecting a baby with the hope that this one will live. Money comes hard but they all work to survive and hopefully to even get ahead.

Violent circumstances bring these two girls together. Loyalty to their pledge to one another is vital. Theirs is a complex, emotional existence that is dependent on secrecy. Slavery may be a thing of the past, but social inequity is still a part of life. How can this relationship possibly end well?

I thoroughly enjoyed this emotional, often tense, read. The author does a good job describing life along Mississippi’s Natchez Trace, a dirt road in the days when it was the area’s main avenue of travel. The haunting, desperate life in swamp country is well described, and the plight of these two girls captivating. I highly recommend this debut novel.

Book Review: The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto

Posted on February 28, 2022 by Mary

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom is a poignant novel of a great guitarist who touches lives in almost magical ways. The story begins in Spain, 1936.

Frankie Presto, orphaned at birth, is raised by the man who rescues him, then later by a blind musician who, in addition to teaching Frankie the guitar, teaches him about life. When Frankie is nine, his life changes drastically when he is sent to America in the bottom of a ship. The only thing he is able to take with him is an old guitar and six precious strings.

The Voice of Music narrates the story, interspersed by such great musicians as Wynton Marsalis, Duke Ellington, Bruce Springsteen, Hank Williams, Tony Bennett, and many more. Even Elvis makes an appearance. Frankie becomes a world-renowned musician, playing from classical to jazz to rock and roll. His magnificent talent touches numerous lives along the way.

The story covers many years, beginning with World War II to present day. Its enriching wisdom makes this book a classic with thoughts such as: “Music is in the connection of human souls speaking a language that needs no words.”

I’ve read and reviewed other excellent books by Mitch Albom, but this book is in a class by itself. Musicians, especially guitarists, will love this book. Actually, anyone who loves music will cherish this story. I highly recommend The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto.