Customer Reviews

Land of the Burnt Thigh (Borealis Books)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Two young women (sisters), from a fairly well-to-do family back East, bought into the turn-of-the-century land-grab hype, and decided to stake a claim to free land in South Dakota. It had recently been acquired from the Sioux Indians by the Federal Government, and was ripe for the taking by persons willing to abide by the rules of claim, which required living on the land for eight months. Eight months in South Dakota, in the dead of winter, in a wooden box called a house, about eight feet by ten feet in size. The only insulation was torn tar paper on the outside of a house which had no stove. When the snow didn't come through the cracks, the blowing sand did. Frozen water had to be melted for drinking, and there was no well on the land.

This is the story of how they lived, endured, and survived, during their time on the land they claimed. Living through almost the same hardships of the Pioneers from 100 years earlier, they were miles from any neighbors, were terrified of the Indians, and for a while, had no horse. And no income.

As I laid in my comfy, warm bed, reading this book a few years ago, I continually felt guilty, for my part, for what they endured to achieve what they wanted. We take so much for granted today, in our country, and never give pause to what those before us went through, suffered through, and the prices they paid. This is a fascinating look into a short period in the lives of these two sisters, and a reminder, that few things of value in life are easily obtained.

This was a such a good book to read! As a 20-something woman myself, living in South Dakota, the story of how these two young women made a life for themselves on the South Dakota prairie was so inspiring. You come to realize how newly settled this land is. The book was an easy, enjoyable story. Kohl writes in such a way as to draw you into the story and you really come to know the characters and love the harsh land. It's a true story with plenty of adventure. Anyone wanting to learn more about homesteading, especially the small population of single women who homesteaded by themselves, will find a fun read and will learn a ton about the process of homesteading and some of the key events that happened in South Dakota's history. She tells about her encounters with the Native Americans (they homestead on a Reservation), wild-life, strangers passing through, and their struggles proving themselves as capable women to themselves and others. Love this book!

The story is about homesteading in South Dakota in the early 1900's. I found it extremely interesting due to the fact that both my paternal grandparents and my maternal great grandparents homesteaded in South Dakota. My maternal great grandparents homesteaded in Tripp County near the Rosebud. I also enjoy reading about early life in the west. It would be the time I'd like to time travel to.
These women were unbelievable in their hardiness, stubborness, their ability to keep starting over as life dished out it's heartaches and hardtimes.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy the history of this period and those who enjoy reading about the strong women of the west.

I enjoyed this book so much that I purchased a copy for a gift. The book arrived promptly and in good condition. Sadly this copy was a barebones copy without the introduction. The introduction provides background and helps the reader really understand the context of the story. I returned it.

I really enjoyed reading this story. I loved the detail of every day life of the homesteaders. I gave it 6 stars because of the history in this book. Loved it.

This book was interesting and told of the hard times two sisters experience in the West in Indian Territory. I found it particular interesting as I had visited the area several years prior.