Dakota
Subtitle: or what's a heaven for
By: by Brenda K. Marshall
Contributors: North Dakota Institute for Regional Studies
Publisher: Institute for Regional Studies, North Dakota State University
Published: 2010
Place of publication: [Fargo, N.D.]
Language: eng
Number of pages: 473
ISBN-13: 9780911042726
Subjects: Fiction; Frontier and pioneer life; Female friendship
Description: The lives and schemes of frontier politicians, Northern Pacific Railroad executives, bonanza farmers, and homesteaders converge in the story of Frances Houghton Bingham, who marries the son of a Red River Valley bonanza farmer in order to remain near her new husband sister. Emotionally complex, willful and resourceful, Frances is seduced by the myths of opportunity driving the settlement of Dakota Territory, and dares to dream of a new world in which to realize her unconventional desires. Providing a counterpoint to the dramatic risks taken by Frances is the generous voice of Kirsten Knudson, the daughter of Norwegian homesteaders. As Kirsten grows from a voluble girl to a formidable woman, her observations (equal parts absurdity and insight) reveal the heart of the novel.--from book jacket.