andipants's review against another edition
4.0
I honestly loved this book. Basically my entire adult reading life has been spent trying to recapture the magic of reading the Little House series as a kid, and this pretty much did it for me.
The plot follows the story of [b:Little House on the Prairie|77767|Little House on the Prairie (Laura Years, #2)|Laura Ingalls Wilder|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1559209202s/77767.jpg|2884161] almost beat for beat, with a few exceptions, most significantly in that it follows historical fact over the fictional timeline in having Caroline be pregnant with Carrie when they travel to Kansas and give birth there (and it also omits the chimney fire scene, which I don't think is a major sin or anything; just something I noticed). The scenes and dialogue are often lifted straight from Wilder's original, but reframed and expanded with Caroline's thoughts and feelings and memories. And of course, there are occasional scenes that likely happened but Laura would not have been present for or aware of. It is an adult book, with adult characters, and yes, Caroline and Charles have a couple (very tame) "adult" scenes (which for me as a fan from childhood was kind of like acknowledging the fact that your parents had sex -- yeah, it's kinda awkward, but we're grown-ups here, people). The pacing is not fast, but this is an introspective book, meant to be savored, and boy, did I.
If there was one thing I didn't love, it's that Caroline here is still hella racist. Absolutely, wholeheardtedly racist. I mean, I know that's how she was in the original books, and almost certainly in real life as well, but there were a couple scenes where she came so close to having like, a tiny shred of empathy, or the smallest bit of self-doubt, but no. Have pages-long introspection and doubt about literally every other aspect of your life, perspective, relationships, whatever, but never once have the slightest hesitation about being super fucking racist. I'm not sure that it would have made it much better if she had shown some discomfort or self-awareness, honestly, but as it was, that was way more uncomfortable than having to acknowledge that Ma Ingalls used the outhouse or had sex.
The plot follows the story of [b:Little House on the Prairie|77767|Little House on the Prairie (Laura Years, #2)|Laura Ingalls Wilder|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1559209202s/77767.jpg|2884161] almost beat for beat, with a few exceptions, most significantly in that it follows historical fact over the fictional timeline in having Caroline be pregnant with Carrie when they travel to Kansas and give birth there (and it also omits the chimney fire scene, which I don't think is a major sin or anything; just something I noticed). The scenes and dialogue are often lifted straight from Wilder's original, but reframed and expanded with Caroline's thoughts and feelings and memories. And of course, there are occasional scenes that likely happened but Laura would not have been present for or aware of. It is an adult book, with adult characters, and yes, Caroline and Charles have a couple (very tame) "adult" scenes (which for me as a fan from childhood was kind of like acknowledging the fact that your parents had sex -- yeah, it's kinda awkward, but we're grown-ups here, people). The pacing is not fast, but this is an introspective book, meant to be savored, and boy, did I.
If there was one thing I didn't love, it's that Caroline here is still hella racist. Absolutely, wholeheardtedly racist. I mean, I know that's how she was in the original books, and almost certainly in real life as well, but there were a couple scenes where she came so close to having like, a tiny shred of empathy, or the smallest bit of self-doubt, but no. Have pages-long introspection and doubt about literally every other aspect of your life, perspective, relationships, whatever, but never once have the slightest hesitation about being super fucking racist. I'm not sure that it would have made it much better if she had shown some discomfort or self-awareness, honestly, but as it was, that was way more uncomfortable than having to acknowledge that Ma Ingalls used the outhouse or had sex.
celandine's review against another edition
5.0
An in-depth look at Pioneer life for women, told from the view of our favorite "Ma" Caroline Ingalls. There's almost a dreamy quality to the writing, as Caroline seems very much introspective in this narrative. She can be almost a little whiney at times, but glimpses of Pioneer life and hardships, of moving from family, seem so painful and press deep inside, that who couldn't be?
mariahhanley's review against another edition
5.0
This was phenomenal. I loved the different view of one of my favorite books from childhood.
sandypotato's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
thevegan6323's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bargainsleuth's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to like this book more than I actually did. The book wasn't that long, but it felt like it.
It is an interesting character study and not too heavy on plot. It takes pages for anything to happen (for example, it takes 9 pages for the family to cross the creek and I never felt the drama because it was so drawn out). The story matches up well with the details from Pioneer Girl, but that didn't make it more compelling. I can't believe Caroline wasn't capable of more moments of joy, even though she was living a hard life. Anytime she is happy, she checks herself and refuses to reveal it to her family.
It is an interesting character study and not too heavy on plot. It takes pages for anything to happen (for example, it takes 9 pages for the family to cross the creek and I never felt the drama because it was so drawn out). The story matches up well with the details from Pioneer Girl, but that didn't make it more compelling. I can't believe Caroline wasn't capable of more moments of joy, even though she was living a hard life. Anytime she is happy, she checks herself and refuses to reveal it to her family.
sabregirl's review against another edition
3.0
I was very disappointed in this book which is heartbreaking because I was really looking forward to reading it. And I had been waiting to read it for MONTHS. This book made me hate Caroline Ingalls and I didn't think that was possible. I know it was a different time and all that such but it felt so ages before it should be. Worrying about if her thoughts or something will corrupt Carrie? Or a possible new child? Really? I don't even read that in Medieval History Books. The beginning of the book was a mess, too many descriptions and too flowery. Like the author wanted to show how amazing all of these scenes were but it just coudn't quite reach it. So disappointing. The last 100 or so pages were the best of the book, but things happened quick and it was like WHAT? Even though I was expecting it because I have been reading about The Ingalls family for over 20 years.
athenany's review against another edition
5.0
This was an incredible book. Sarah Miller is very true to Laura Ingalls Wilder's tone while still retaining a voice of her own that gives life to the often understated Caroline Ingalls. Seeing Pa, the girls, the neighbors and the Indians through her eyes sheds new light on Laura's books. Ms. Miller, if you happen to read this, please write a sequel!
thegeekybibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
When I was a little girl, I constantly read and reread the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I read Little House in the Big Woods to my boys when they were small, and we used to watch the television series together quite often, as well. The Little House books have always held a special place in my heart.
Then I heard Caroline: Little House, Revisited was to be released; telling the story of the Ingalls family journey to Kansas through the eyes of Caroline. To say I was excited almost seems an understatement about how I felt when I heard the news, and I was beyond delighted when my advance copy arrived in the mail.
Many of the events that take place in the book will be familiar to Little House fans in this retelling. One notable difference is Miller's use of a historically correct timeline, rather than the fictional one Wilder used. That might cause a bit of confusion for the casual Little House fan (if there is such a thing), but not so much that it detracts from the story, in my opinion.
The trip to Kansas certainly has darker overtones when viewed through Caroline's perspective. Though she never speaks of it, she constantly worries about her unborn child, fearful that something will go wrong with the pregnancy. At other times, she dreads the thought of giving birth without a woman available to help her—thankfully, that wasn't the case, but it was a very real possibility for her, and she was well aware of it.
The book also tells of the difficulties of traveling such a long distance in a wagon, something that I don't recall being featured in Wilder's story. Through Caroline, we get a good look at how rough it is: no bathing, no time to do laundry or mending, and the complete upheaval of any semblance to a normal routine. The thing that struck me most was Caroline's frustration with preparing meals. Unused to cooking outdoors over an open fire, she is constantly unhappy with the end result, and feels ashamed to serve her family sub-standard meals. I've had a more than a few cooking mishaps over the years, and I could easily relate to her frustration about it.
Caroline: Little House, Revisited is a beautifully written story that I think will appeal to most fans of the Little House books. I loved the story and was thoroughly enjoyed the fresh perspective. By the time I reached the end, I found myself hoping that we could see more of the family's travels through Caroline's eyes. How wonderful that would be!
I received an advance review copy of this book courtesy of William Morrow via Goodreads Giveaways.
Then I heard Caroline: Little House, Revisited was to be released; telling the story of the Ingalls family journey to Kansas through the eyes of Caroline. To say I was excited almost seems an understatement about how I felt when I heard the news, and I was beyond delighted when my advance copy arrived in the mail.
Many of the events that take place in the book will be familiar to Little House fans in this retelling. One notable difference is Miller's use of a historically correct timeline, rather than the fictional one Wilder used. That might cause a bit of confusion for the casual Little House fan (if there is such a thing), but not so much that it detracts from the story, in my opinion.
The trip to Kansas certainly has darker overtones when viewed through Caroline's perspective. Though she never speaks of it, she constantly worries about her unborn child, fearful that something will go wrong with the pregnancy. At other times, she dreads the thought of giving birth without a woman available to help her—thankfully, that wasn't the case, but it was a very real possibility for her, and she was well aware of it.
The book also tells of the difficulties of traveling such a long distance in a wagon, something that I don't recall being featured in Wilder's story. Through Caroline, we get a good look at how rough it is: no bathing, no time to do laundry or mending, and the complete upheaval of any semblance to a normal routine. The thing that struck me most was Caroline's frustration with preparing meals. Unused to cooking outdoors over an open fire, she is constantly unhappy with the end result, and feels ashamed to serve her family sub-standard meals. I've had a more than a few cooking mishaps over the years, and I could easily relate to her frustration about it.
Caroline: Little House, Revisited is a beautifully written story that I think will appeal to most fans of the Little House books. I loved the story and was thoroughly enjoyed the fresh perspective. By the time I reached the end, I found myself hoping that we could see more of the family's travels through Caroline's eyes. How wonderful that would be!
I received an advance review copy of this book courtesy of William Morrow via Goodreads Giveaways.