READING—SIOUX REVOLT IN THE WEST
The Lost Wife by Susanna Moore
This spare historical novel focuses on events leading up to the Sioux Uprising of 1862. It is loosely based on a memoir by Sarah Wakefield who with her children was held captive for six weeks by the Sioux Indians. In The Lost Wife, Sarah Butts, later Brinton, leaves an abusive husband in Rhode Island and travels the long distance to the Minnesota Territory to make a new life with her good friend Maddie. Maddie has died and Sarah marries the local doctor who is physician to tribe members at the Indian agency.
How Sarah adapts to life among the Sioux, learns their language, and works with the women, will affect her reception later by both the white women and the tribe. Told from Sarah’s perspective, the novel is full of details of the physical landscape and both mundane and grisly aspects of her daily life, but short on emotion. The one exception to this is Sarah’s relationship with Chaska, one of her captors. This relationship colors how she is treated upon release by her former neighbors and her husband.
The novel is short, but not a fast read. It highlights a shameful incident in the settling of the American West. (~JWFarrington)
VIEWING—UNSOLVED MURDER CASES
Unforgotten, Season 5 (PBS Masterpiece)
I miss Nicola Walker. Her role as DCI Cassie Stuart in the first four seasons was central. She has been replaced by prickly Jessie James, played by Sinead Keenan. DI Sunny Khan is grieving Cassie’s death and has personal issues at home. Newbie Jessie’s dismissive approach to her team is harming morale, but she has a personal crisis of her own.
The case of a body part found in the chimney of an empty house is complex and many layered, and some of the varied cast of suspects have complicated pasts and questionable issues. This season has six episodes, all focused on this one case. Despite the tension between them, Sunny, Jessie, and the team eventually solve it. I like this series but didn’t love this season as much as previous ones.
NOVEMBER REFLECTIONS
In the Northeast especially, November brings dark nights and cold days. Around Election Day each year, I reflect on my father’s short but impactful life. This year was the 50th anniversary of his death, more years gone than he lived. And yet, he remains vivid in my memories.
November is also a time to celebrate. Thanksgiving Day provides us with an opportunity to be mindful of and thankful for all that we have. This year, I am especially grateful for my extended family: son, daughter-in-law, granddaughters, siblings and their spouses, nieces and their families, and especially my Chief Penguin.
This week we unexpectedly lost a sibling, the Chief Penguin’s brother, a doting uncle. Siblings share experiences from their past lives; when one is gone, the puzzle is missing a piece, and a space remains unfilled. I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving with family and friends filled with joy and love!
Note: Header photo of November dawn ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved.)
