19th century Historical Fiction

Brave Buffalo Fighter

Book cover: 'Brave Buffalo Fighter'
Author(s): 
John D. Fitzgerald
Number of pages: 
178 pages
Copyright: 
1973
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

This story is told in the style of a journal written by a ten year old girl who travels by wagon train with her parents and her twelve year old brother from St. Joseph, Missouri to Fort Laramie (Wyoming) in 1860. The author relates a very detailed account of how life was lived on a highly organized wagon train (and some comparisons with one that was slopped together and suffered great difficulties from it). We also see the growth of character in the family (particularly the mother) who must accustome themselves to hard labor and ignoring their previous station in society. There are many beautiful examples of how our behavior and attitudes can change the lives of others and how intensely the choices we make can be crucial to the things that matter most. The story as a whole offers great themes of heroism and sacrifice and should provide lots of material for thought and discussion. A very unique and worthwhile book.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why does Mamma have so much difficulty adjusting to life aboard the wagon train? How does the journey change her life?

2. Why do the Cleavers find themselves in trouble with the others on the wagon train?

3. After the trial of the Cleavers (Chapter 5), Papa tries to explain to Mama why things turned out the way they did. He says "There are times, Ellen, when a person must live for others before they can have a full life for themselves." Explain how this might be considered a theme in the book by applying it to the actions of Mama and of Jerry.

4. Did Jerry make the right decision in Chapter 13? Explain why or why not in terms of practical considerations and his Christian faith.

Giant of the Western Trail by Rev. Michael McHugh, about Fr. Pierre-Jean de Smet, has many interconnections with Brave Buffalo Fighter. In addition to many details of Indian life in the same geographical locations, it provides some Catholic perspective to that time and place in history. Since both books are also appropriate to the same grade levels (7th - 12th), they would be great to read in close proximity. I would suggest Brave Buffalo Fighter first because it is more novel-like and exciting and provides an excellent preview to the story of Fr. deSmet.

Additional notes: 

This title was donated for review by Bethlehem Books.

Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
9-29-03

Byrd of the 95th

Author(s): 
Showell Styles
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

This book is now included in the Bethlehem Budget Book The Flying Ensign, also reviewed on this site.

I really liked this book. I can vouch for my wife's statement that this is a great read aloud. I read it to my children at bedtime (ages 3 through 9) - they were engaged... though the younger ones usually fell asleep. The older two LOVED it.

Like the first book, there are plentiful descriptions of landscape, escapes, rescues, heroes, villians and architecture. The latter two are grouped for a reason. This book finds the ensign and all the principle characters of the last book together again. This time however, the story centers around a diversion to rescue the beautiful Anita and her noble father Don Claudio del Riego (one of the wealthiest noblemen in French-occupied Spain). They have been kidnapped, along with their hidden cache of jewels, by the traitorous El Cuchillo - a brigand from an ancient and once respected family - who makes his home in the family castle in the mountains. The castle features a knife-like spike of rock projecting up from within the fortress.

That the Spanish nobleman is now allied with the occupying French force, or that he chose to be a brigand rather than a noble may each be subjects for discussion of how the author gave him his nickname and abode - El Cuchillo - The Knife.

I had a hard time unraveling some of the battle scenes the author describes in the story until I got to the very helpful map on pg. 277. There's a lot of interesting military history, but I would have appreciated a few more maps.

It should also be noted that the author, while painting the valor and honor which the young ensign felt and aspired to, does not refrain from describing some of the gruesome aspects of battle. Unlike so many Disney stories (thank goodness) men actually die in this book. Children are neither idiots nor prudes in realizing the effect of violence can be death! You may want to read it to your kids - you can. But, for younger listeners, you may wish to keep an eye out for the few graphic descriptions. For instance: "In the ranks a few yards away gaps appeard - men flung into fragments by the flying [cannon] balls, men struck down and screaming in agony." Or in the story above: "... saw one twelve-pounder ball hurtle through the ranks a few paces from him, tearing two green-coated men into red fragments and ripping an arm from a third."

This is an enjoyable, readable story about a heroic young man who braves dangers and wins. In other words, a good hero story for kids. And the pretty young sable-haired Anita should be appealing to both boys and girls as a person who knows courage as well as courtliness.

Additional notes: 

This book was donated for review by Bethlehem Books.

Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
3-19-03

Cleared for Action

Book cover: 'Cleared for Action'
Author(s): 
Stephen Meader
Number of pages: 
639 pages
Copyright: 
1940
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

This "Budget Book" offers four full-length stories in one volume...

Clear for Action by Stephen Meader (copyright 1940)
Clear for Action tells of American sailing at the beginning of the War of 1812. Jeff Robbins is a young sailor from Maine, taking his first voyage aboard a cargo schooner bound for the Carribean. All aboard are nervous about being overtaken by British vessels who have been intercepting ships, blocking harbors and making trouble all along the Atlantic Coast. Jeff's world is turned upside down when their schooner is apprehended and he and several of his shipmates are forced into service on a British frigate. Clear for Action is an interesting and worthwhile adventure story that provides all kinds of insightful angles on the War of 1812 and offers a unique contrast to very-British Midshipman Quinn collection. The story wraps up amidst interesting plot-twists - a deserted island, buried treasure and big plans.

Reviewed 4-29-02

Whaler Round the Horn by Stephen Meader (copyright 1950)

Stephen Meader's "whaling yarn" brings to life the exciting and dangerous adventures of a New England whaleboat sailing all the way around Cape Horn (at the tip of South America) to the Pacific Ocean. Young Rodney Glenn, an orphan from New Hampshire, has always wanted to be a whaler, and we follow him aboard his first time at sea. Everything is new and exciting to his young eyes and young people of today will readily relate to his adventures.

Historically speaking, it's nice to find a story that gives an honest look at the interesting but sometimes ugly world of whaling without the politically correct shock and contempt with which whalers of the past are generally treated today. This was uniquely important to me in that one of my great-great-great grandfathers was a Portuguese whaler from the Azores. The first time I told my daughter about this ancestor (who was also a third order Carmelite) she reacted with disgust, given her great interest in whales and the number of books and shows on whales she had eagerly digested.

In addition to the whale theme which contains undercurrents of Moby Dick, 19th Century Hawaii provides a unique contrast with the home port in New England and the main character's adventures through massive storms (the Perfect Storm has little on this), harrowing escapes from the "jaws of death" and adventures on a deserted stretch of one of the Hawaiian Islands make for a memorable and engaging story.

Reviews of the other two stories in the Budget Book Cleared for Action by Stephen Meader will be forthcoming.

Additional notes: 

Copyrights 1940-1950

This book was donated for review by Bethlehem Books

Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
2-22-03

Downright Dencey

Book cover: 'Downright Dencey'
Author(s): 
Caroline Dale Snedeker
Number of pages: 
271 pages
Copyright: 
1927
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

This charming story, a Newbery Honor Book for 1928, has just been reprinted by Bethlehem Books. Set on the Island of Nantucket, off of Cape Cod in Massachusetts in the 1810s and 1820s, the story follows the Coffyn family in the largely Quaker community of Nantucket, and especially their daughter Dionis "Dencey". Dencey is a young girl from a proper Quaker family with a temper and a heart of gold. She befriends an outcast boy and teaches him to read in order to make up for hurting him in a fit of temper. Their friendship baffles Dencey's parents and the community but bears fruit in unexpected ways. It is a lovely story, filled with truths about faith, family and friendship. It is a little complex, though, and (as recommended by the publisher) is probably best for ages 12 and up.

Additional notes: 

This book was donated for review by Bethlehem Books.

Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
7-31-03

Hans Brinker Or the Silver Skates

Author(s): 
Mary Mapes Dodge
Number of pages: 
288 pages
Copyright: 
1873
Publisher: 
Dover Publications
Binding: 
Paperback
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

Hans Brinker is a story designed to bring children of the 19th century (from around the world) an understanding and appreciation of the culture, traditions and history of Holland. The story focuses on the Brinker family. Ten years before the story begins, the father was seriously injured working on the dikes (which keep the water out of the reclaimed land of Holland), leaving him with the intelligence of a small child. Mrs. Brinker struggles to meet ends while remaining faithful to her husband's wish to never sell a watch he had given her. The two children, Hans and Gretel, are shunned by many at school for their shabby clothing. Meanwhile the story develops with a number of Hans' schoolmates who take a skating trip along the frozen canals through several important Dutch cities. The boys visit various churches and museums, allowing the reader to be impressed by many interesting tidbits from Holland's history. In the end, Mrs. Brinker and her family's perserverance faithfulness is greatly rewarded. A heartwarming classic tale and a great read-aloud for the family.

Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
4-27-02

Initiation

Author(s): 
Robert Hugh Benson
Publisher: 
Lepanto Press
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

Set in aristocratic England of the late 19th century, this novel by a convert to Catholicism explores the concept of our participation in the Atonement. Young Sir Nevill Fanning is thoughtlessly and unconsciously pagan (though outwardly Catholic) and heir to his dear Aunt Ann's estate. Early on, he falls in love with a Protestant, and this raises various issues both within his aunt and within himself. A Mr. Morpeth represents the holiness and wisdom of the Church as Nevill and Ann work out their salvation.The novel is at once a profound explanation and touching portrayal of intercessory prayer and atoning suffering, using the unique idiom of the novel, in which the author can create and then unfold an entire cast of characters. Psychological insights and matters of spiritual growth are magnified and clarified in the lens of story. For various reasons, I have recently read a lot of Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, and it is all the more interesting to enter into an English countryside world not too far removed from theirs in place or time, but very much removed in theological reach.It would have been helpful if the publishers had included a table of contents. Several striking passages proved very hard to relocate. There is an extraordinarily sweet and insightful passage about people who see little "signs" in various things. (See Book 2, chapter V, section IV, or, page 261) Even the first passage about initiation, a thoughtful reflection on the difference between those who have come to accept what happens and those who have not, is very hard to find. It's on page 71, and it is clearly the prologue to the interior substance of the story.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

This book was donated for review by Lepanto Press

Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
3-26-01

Jamberoo Road

Author(s): 
Eleanor Spence
Number of pages: 
183 pages
Copyright: 
1969
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Setting: 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

From the opening pages, there is an air of mystery and suspense. Who is this stranger riding on a horse and what does he want? Jamberoo Road is a story set in 1830 on the Australian coast of a group of ten orphans and Misabella, a hard-working woman of indomitable spirit, and for many of them, the only mother they have known.

Together they are carving out a homestead in this lush and untamed land. In this sequel to The Switherby Pilgrims, many of the children are no longer children, but on the verge of adulthood, ready to make a place for themselves in the world and that involves hard choices. For Cassie, that means accepting her first job as governess to the sister of the handsome, gentlemanly Edward Marlow. But what about Eben, her companion and friend from youth? Will independent Cassie become enamored with her new position as governess in a wealthy colonial family? Cassie is not the only one who has to make hard choices. Impetuous Luke too must decide whether or not to be led down a dangerous “road.”

As the plot unfolds, there is trouble in the area as a group of natives led by Billy Major covet the Marlows’ prize horses. Will Billy Major and his band succeed in stealing the Marlows’ horses and at what risk does he hope to carry out his plan?

Wrapped in an exciting adventure story, this story also covers the dilemma many young people have to face with choices, especially those dealing with lifelong consequences.

Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
7-3-2007

North and South

Author(s): 
Elizabeth Gaskell
Number of pages: 
585 pages
Copyright: 
2005
ISBN: 
0393979083
Publisher: 
W. W. Norton & Company
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

Although North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell is a novel that deals with a complexity of social issues related to the industrialization of Victorian England, it is the development of Margaret and Mr. Thornton’s relationship that carries the day. At nineteen, Margaret Hale is forced to deal with a series of dramatic changes that effect her life, eventually transforming her into a young woman who can think and reason for herself regardless of social mores.

Having spent her whole life in the south of England, Margaret is devastated when she hears the news that she will have to leave her beloved home. After wrestling with his conscience, her father feels compelled to leave his small, pastoral parish in the south for a job tutoring in the industrial north.

The book, however, is not really about the two contrasting cultures of the north and south, so much as a coming-of-age story about a young Victorian woman, against the backdrop of rebelling mill workers, and how she must also wrestle with her conscience in the many conflicting situations that arise.

The story hinges on the word “change.” Margaret deals with the changing religious beliefs of her father and brother, the changing relationships between master/owner and worker/servant, and the changing expectations of family roles, among many other issues.

The story is also about changes that happen to Margaret. She is transplanted to a new home, city, and environment with different societal attitudes and mores; in fact, a radically different world, society is changing (the world is becoming more industrial), and those around her are changing and leaving.

From the story’s opening, Margaret deals with a series of changes that impact her life. Her cousin, who she grew up intimately with as a sister, marries and moves away. Soon after, Margaret receives a proposal of marriage, which she is unprepared for and takes her by surprise. Then her father announces they are to move. When she arrives in Milton, the changes seem to intensify and multiply, piling one on top of the other, overwhelming her and crushing her spirit until she collapses, her conscience shattered. It is only at this point, when she recognizes her esteem of Mr. Thornton’s good opinion, that she begins to let down her self-righteous facade and opens herself up for love.

North and South is a most remarkable book in that it generates discussion. It is a book of class distinctions, social mores, workers’ rights vs. owners’ rights, a woman struggling to live out Christian principles in a secular world, pride vs. humility, and much more.

It is about a woman who bucks the system, but not because of self-centered reasons, so much as striving to put Christian principles into action. While the backdrop is the workers rebelling against the “masters,” Margaret is rebelling against the social mores of class and gender, especially concerning the relationships between men and women and in particular regarding marriage. At nineteen, she is unsure of her feelings and thoughts and is struggling to make sense of it all. These multiple layers allow the reader to probe beyond the love story. While the social issues and especially the conflict between the owners and the workers may seem to take precedence; North and South is primarily a love story. It has been compared to Pride and Prejudice with greater depth because of the social issues.

Although North and South is a romantic tale, it mimics reality. As Margaret and Mr. Thornton’s relationship unfolds, it is filled with misunderstandings and frustrating circumstances that are not resolved until the end. As the tension builds between the mill workers and the owners, their relationship also seems to grow. Just when Margaret begins to see Mr. Thornton for the truly good person that he is, their relationship blows up along with the strikers festering discontent. Similar to the conflict between the owners and the workers, Margaret and Mr. Thornton’s relationship is likewise stalemated because they refuse to see the other side’s perspective. Impeded by their own human weaknesses, they seem blind to the goodness in the other and unable to rise above their human faults. It is their continual striving to do the right thing that sets things aright in the end.

Unlike the original Pride and Prejudice, Margaret is the one with both the pride and the prejudice. She has preconceived notions of Mr. Thornton and Milton even before she meets him or lives in Milton. Only after she lives there some time and is removed to the south again does she come to love and fully appreciate Milton and Mr. Thornton.

What adds greatly to the development of the story is how Gaskell deftly moves from one point of view to the other. She seems to know intuitively when to switch the point of view, so that just when we think we begin to understand a situation from one character’s point of view, we realize that from another’s, there is a totally different perspective. By doing so, Gaskell sheds light on the foundation of much conflict: misunderstanding.

There are also moments of tenderness and sweetness in the story, primarily on Mr. Thornton’s part. At the end of the story, his act of thoughtfulness is quite romantically touching.

Although I viewed the DVD first, inspiring me to read the book, I recommend reading the book first, since there are some major changes to the book, some are improvements and some are not. The character of Mr. Thornton has been altered. After I read the book, I went back and saw the movie again. There are many nuances related to what the characters are thinking and social mores that are not fully understood by watching the movie alone.

Gaskell does not offer pat answers to the complex problems of labor and management issues. She displays a definite understanding of both sides of the issues and proposes Christian ideals as solutions to the many problems.

Likewise, because of the constraints of the Victorian age, many of the misunderstandings between Margaret and Mr. Thornton are exacerbated. It is only through a Christian understanding of love that their relationship begins to blossom.

North and South is a book to read and reread again, because of the depth of the story and the many themes Gaskell addresses. Thoroughly entertaining and engaging, it is easy to immerse yourself in the lives of the characters. After many heart-wrenching struggles, Margaret emerges in the end a transformed and better person.

Although this story was written for an adult audience, it would be appropriate for high school age students. Edited for college use, The Norton Critical edition includes annotations, reviews written by her contemporaries, correspondence related to the novel, her short story “Lizzie Leigh,” recent critical essays, and more.

Additional notes: 

A Norton Critical Edition edited by Alan Shelston.

Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
6-11-2007

Old Sam, Dakota Trotter

Book cover: 'Old Sam, Dakota Trotter'
Author(s): 
Don Alonzo Taylor
Number of pages: 
198 pages
Copyright: 
1955
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

This Bethlehem Budget Book contains two books in one softcover volume: Old Sam, Thoroughbred Trotter (copyright 1955) and Old Sam and the Horse Thieves (copyright 1967).

Old Sam is the story of two young boys (ages 10 and 12) living in the wild Dakota Territory of the 1880s and their crippled - but extremely capable - horse named Old Sam. They are based on the author's own homesteading experiences as a young boy. Although there are similarities in time and location, unlike the Little House books which focus so much on family life, the Old Sam books are more like adventure stories about the two boys and their horse exploring the strange untamed land around them, "hunting" for wild animals and "bad guys" and proving to others how great Old Sam really is. A delightful story even on a very simple level, with many funny and interesting plot twists (I had to re-read favorite chapters aloud to Daddy at dinner time under persistent urging from my children), the book also portrays an important historical look at pioneer life and the author shares wisdom in experiences relating to using one's head, dealing with neighbors and the importance of courage, fortitude and basic competence. Naturally, the book makes especially great reading for boys and horse-lovers. Our family enjoyed this book so much as a read aloud that my husband and I ordered a number of copies for Christmas presents for our godchildren.

The second story focuses on Johnny and Old Sam's role in unraveling the problem of a band of horse-thieves plaguing the neighborhood. Although still quite young, Johnny's competence and fairness earn him the respect of the Sheriff and other important men of the town. A really great story, this is bound to be a family favorite. It is the sort of story that will likely help reluctant readers (especially boys in mid-grade school) learn to appreciate a really good book. It also touches upon some tough questions about fairness and justice that young readers can grapple with alongside the hero of the book.

Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
12-18-01

The Flying Ensign: Greencoats against Napoleon

Book cover: 'The Flying Ensign: Greencoats against Napoleon'
Author(s): 
Showell Styles
Number of pages: 
297 pages
Copyright: 
1962
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

In their latest "Budget Book", Bethlehem Books gives us a double dose of adventure featuring Ensign Peter Byrd of the "Fighting 95th" Riflemen of the British army.... The Flying Ensign (copyright 1960)

In the first story, the treacherous mountains of Northern Spain in winter provide a unique backdrop for the harrowing and courageous endeavours of "the Flying Ensign" and his comrades in rescuing their friend from certain death behind enemy lines and subsequently attempting to rejoin the ranks of the British army as they retreat from a desperate and lop-sided challenge to Napoleon's forces.

Fans of Showell Styles' Midshipman Quinn stories will recognize the similar attention to detail and themes of courage and ingenuity tied up with actual historic events in the Flying Ensign but with fresh characters, settings, and adventures. The landscape, architecture and culture of Spain are a fascinating place to experience mountain climbing adventures, hair-raising rescues and escapes and a wide variety of heroes and villains on both sides of the battle lines.

A quick and engaging read for ages 10 and up or a great read aloud for the whole family.

Also see our review of the second book in this volume - Byrd of the 95th.

Additional notes: 

Copyrights 1960/1962

Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
2-21-03

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