Customer Reviews

From Kansas to Cannibals: The Story of Osa Johnson (Avisson Young Adult Series)

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Osa Johnson WAS the new woman of the twentieth century. She did not stay home and tend to her husband and raise kids. She tended to her husband while enjoying the adventure he pursued. The twentieth century was a time of change for women in America. This book is a wonderful way of introducing young people to the changes made by this woman for other women of her time. In fact, I think adults would also enjoy reading this as much as I did. It sparked an interest that continues to grow.

I never understood the fascination with this woman, often hailed as being a flyer and adventurer and crackshot hunter. Neither she nor her husband Martin ever flew their aircraft, Osa was often protected by an off-camera sharpshooter, and as for adventure, maybe, but she became an alcoholic due in part to depression over being away from home so often. She smiles on-camera as Martin belittles her. She seemed to be a tool for Martin, a cute face who helped him sell half-bogus and often times staged films. One book they wrote deals with cannibals. Howeverm tha cannibal theory has been all but debunked, and they knowlingly filmed head-curing ceremonies, passing this off as cannibalism. They starved animals out of their hiding areas for the sake of a photo.
To cal this woman a great American Hero or something is silly. Want a real female hero from Kansas? Read up on Amelia Earhart, who DID fly her aircraft and didn't need a man to make her wealthy.
Another in a line of slobbering books, making heroes out of very questionable people.