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The Widow's War

18 years ago

Ok, I just finished the Widow's War and am ready to discuss it if anyone else is interested.

I liked this book, a lot. I thought it well written and believable. It seems like there could be a sequel and I hope Ms. Gunning doesn't write it because I prefer to leave it as it is with my own imagination. I was thinking as I was reading it how interesting it is that so many devout religious people are so irreligious when it comes to their fellow humans. I could relate to Lyddie's desire for a place of her own and the lengths she was willing to go keep it.

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Comments (5)

carolyn_ky
18 years ago
I read this awhile ago and so am vague on details, but I do remember the basics. I thought the author did a pretty good job in making a strong woman while keeping her story in the time period. I kept being afraid she would be one of those who makes her heroine too modern in outlook.

I enjoyed the book very much and would have really liked to punch her son-in-law in the nose. Greed will out!
deborah47
Original Author
18 years ago
I also felt sorry for her daughter (how do you pronounce that name? Mehitable). I think it made for a nice contrast/ comparison between a woman who follows the societies rules and one who doesn't. Even though she rebelled and was ostracized I think in the end she was happier. I believe that in the era (1766) when this book took place women were starting to realize their value and wanted rights. Mercy Otis Warren, Abigail Adams and also Mary Wollstonecraft would have been her contemporaries. I agree that she didn't make her too modern and the solution at the end was reasonable given the circumstances. And yes, I wanted to punch Nathan in the nose too!
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Sarah and Doriann, I finished Motherless Brooklyn. It falls into the category of "A good book which I did not greatly enjoy." I always think of this style as hard-boiled, sort of a 40's detective genre. The book was well-written and interesting and I would recommend it--and I will. I still think the Tourette's part made it more difficult for me, heartbreakingly so. As far as never knowing someone with Tourette's... well, maybe you have. Lionel's symptoms were extreme and quite rare, fortunately for most Tourette's folks. Too, while the age of onset is usually in the pre-teen years, the syndrome can go into remission or become mild as one gets older. Sorry for if this is sounding like a public service announcement but I sometimes can't resist, especially as whenever this is portrayed on the (stupid) television, it is always in the extreme. Here is a link that might be useful: What is Tourette's?
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vickitg
18 years ago
I just started reading this, and I'm already liking the main character and find that the whole story is drawing me in.

I'll get back here to post once I finish.
vickitg
18 years ago
I really loved this book. It's the first book in ages that I stayed up late to read, and stole time from my desk to read. I'm only sad that I've now finished it because I wanted to keep on reading.

SPOILERS SPOILERS

I really wanted her to end up with Sam, but I guess that would have taken it too far. Did anyone else feel that way?

I loved the descriptions of the work she had to do, and I really liked the character.

I don't hope for a sequel, but I do hope this author writes other books with equally good stories and characters.
deborah47
Original Author
18 years ago
My romantic side wanted her to end up with Sam but my realist side knew that in that culture and time it never would have worked. The pressure from the outside world would have been too great. I think in the back she even states that at that time it was illegal for a white woman to seduce an Indian. I was proud of her when she stood up for herself and thought she was quietly strong woman and I would have liked to have known her. Her daughter disappointed me a lot but I guess she was prisoner of sorts.

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