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mcnallyswife's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
existinbliss's review against another edition
3.0
Wow, this is the final book in the trilogy of One Thousand White Women, and I have been shaken to my core. There were some twists and turns in "Strongheart" that I never saw coming especially as a reader."Strongheart" moved me, and kept me on the edge of my seat. It was a very heartwarming, beautiful story. I could not help but pick up this book as I had to know what happened to Molly McGill, although I was unceratin of the fate of May Dodd.
I think Jim Fergus did a wonderful job writing this third book: I loved the telling of how JW Dodd and Molly Standing Bear collaborated together to get the journals of Molly and May published. I absolutely loved Molly as a character: she was real and raw. Molly made sure that the journals were clear, honest, and concise, and that the journals would remain that way or she would "stick it to" JW. It took me a little bit as a reader to understand that JW Dodd and Molly Standing Bear were direct, distant descendants of the main characters: May and Molly, and that the two of them had a prior history together when younger.
However, this book was not just about the publishing of the journals between JW and Molly: it was also the ongoing tale of the white women who came to the plains to live among the Cheyenne. These strong, warrior women were determined to fight, especially after the attack on their village and the battle at Little Bighorn. These women were resilient, determined, and wanted to ensure the band would be able to live free as they always had for many years before. That is not to say that the things were all sunshine and butterflies: times were hard. However, there was still much tenderness, knowledge, and love that came to these women.
I was disappointed at how the trilogy ended, the story did not satisfy me as a reader. I thought that Jim Fergus really left us all out here, high and dry, and desperately wanting more. Sadly, I was left with more questions than I was answers which was disappointing considering the amount of time I have invested in this series. I would love to know if May Dodd ever made it with her lover, Chance, back to Chicago. Did she find her children? Did Molly McGill and Little Hawk welcome their baby? Did they survive the cold winter? I want more! I have so many unanswered questions!
3/5 Stars: I loved this series, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. This series really got me out of my comfort zone as a reader, and got me into historical fiction. I have become a huge fan of American History, and Native American history: as my husband is Native American. I loved the storyline, and the writing style. I have to admit as much of a fan as I may be of Jim Fergus and his writing style, there were certainly times where I was very bored with the book and the storyline, which most certainly explains why it took me almost a month to finish this book! I think that is why I simply could not give this book a five star rating. as previously mentioned I was left with more questions than answers at the end. I would love to see another book published continuing this story!
I think Jim Fergus did a wonderful job writing this third book: I loved the telling of how JW Dodd and Molly Standing Bear collaborated together to get the journals of Molly and May published. I absolutely loved Molly as a character: she was real and raw. Molly made sure that the journals were clear, honest, and concise, and that the journals would remain that way or she would "stick it to" JW. It took me a little bit as a reader to understand that JW Dodd and Molly Standing Bear were direct, distant descendants of the main characters: May and Molly, and that the two of them had a prior history together when younger.
However, this book was not just about the publishing of the journals between JW and Molly: it was also the ongoing tale of the white women who came to the plains to live among the Cheyenne. These strong, warrior women were determined to fight, especially after the attack on their village and the battle at Little Bighorn. These women were resilient, determined, and wanted to ensure the band would be able to live free as they always had for many years before. That is not to say that the things were all sunshine and butterflies: times were hard. However, there was still much tenderness, knowledge, and love that came to these women.
I was disappointed at how the trilogy ended, the story did not satisfy me as a reader. I thought that Jim Fergus really left us all out here, high and dry, and desperately wanting more. Sadly, I was left with more questions than I was answers which was disappointing considering the amount of time I have invested in this series. I would love to know if May Dodd ever made it with her lover, Chance, back to Chicago. Did she find her children? Did Molly McGill and Little Hawk welcome their baby? Did they survive the cold winter? I want more! I have so many unanswered questions!
3/5 Stars: I loved this series, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. This series really got me out of my comfort zone as a reader, and got me into historical fiction. I have become a huge fan of American History, and Native American history: as my husband is Native American. I loved the storyline, and the writing style. I have to admit as much of a fan as I may be of Jim Fergus and his writing style, there were certainly times where I was very bored with the book and the storyline, which most certainly explains why it took me almost a month to finish this book! I think that is why I simply could not give this book a five star rating. as previously mentioned I was left with more questions than answers at the end. I would love to see another book published continuing this story!
liddymyrs's review against another edition
3.0
I didn’t love this book as much as the second book. The story of the editor and shape shifter was not believable and little bit forced. Although I liked that it calls attention to the issue of the disappearing Native American girls. Which is an on going issue.
jennie_cole's review against another edition
2.0
Strongheart is the final novel in the One Thousand White Women series about the fictitious brides for natives program. In the first novel we meet May Dodd and her cohort of brides with the novel ending with the murder of the women and their babies during a US Military attack on their tribe. In book two we meet Molly McGill, part of a second cohort that was mistakenly sent, and find out what happened to some of the first set of brides. In this third novel we are reintroduced to May and Molly who we both believe to be dead. This story resolves the what happened question for several of the characters and is told via May & Molly's diaries as well as the chapters about two of their descendants that work to tell their stories to the world.
This is an action packed novel where evil characters get their due and women find their place in the world. It is filled with mysticism and Strongheart Women. While this book is required after the publication of Mothers of Vengeance I do not feel like the second and third were required. The first novel was a great story that stood on its own and these were not as good. Most of the book is how did these women who we saw die survive and then them finding their way to each other. My recommendation is that if you have read book two then you need to complete the story with book three since you are left with a cliffhanger but if you have only read book one you can leave it there.
This is an action packed novel where evil characters get their due and women find their place in the world. It is filled with mysticism and Strongheart Women. While this book is required after the publication of Mothers of Vengeance I do not feel like the second and third were required. The first novel was a great story that stood on its own and these were not as good. Most of the book is how did these women who we saw die survive and then them finding their way to each other. My recommendation is that if you have read book two then you need to complete the story with book three since you are left with a cliffhanger but if you have only read book one you can leave it there.
nessylou's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
kbranfield's review against another edition
3.0
Strongheart: The Lost Journals of May Dodd and Molly McGill by Jim Fergus is a bit of a mystical novel that is the third installment in the One Thousand White Women trilogy. This newest release can be read as a standalone but I recommend the previous novels for important backstory.
In this outing, Chicago magazine publisher JW Dodd returns to visit Molly Standing Bear on the reservation. They easily pick up where they left off and enjoy one another’s company. Molly is quite mysterious and she is very likable. She again gives the JW diaries written May Dodd and Molly McGill. These diary entries pick up where the second book in the trilogy, The Vengeance of Mothers, leaves off.
May Dodd, Molly McGill and the other white women were traded to Cheyenne in an effort to for lasting peace between Native Americans and the rest of the US. The diaries provide an in-depth look into their lives on the plains. These women are not only brave but they are a force to be reckoned with as they prove to be more than up to the task of adapting to their new lives.
This third addition to the series is interesting but a little repetitive. Although they endure many hardships and unimaginable loss, May, Molly and the others have close friendships and they are fiercely loyal. The plains are beautifully described and spring vibrantly to life. The storyline is interesting but some of the diary passages are sometimes a little too long. Molly Standing Bear brings attention to the many Native women who disappear each year and the local authorities’ shameful disinterest in solving their cases.
Strongheart: The Lost Journals of May Dodd and Molly McGill is an intriguing novel that wraps up the One Thousand White Women Trilogy. Old and new fans will enjoy this final look into the fates of these strong women who were traded to the Cheyenne in exchange for horses.
In this outing, Chicago magazine publisher JW Dodd returns to visit Molly Standing Bear on the reservation. They easily pick up where they left off and enjoy one another’s company. Molly is quite mysterious and she is very likable. She again gives the JW diaries written May Dodd and Molly McGill. These diary entries pick up where the second book in the trilogy, The Vengeance of Mothers, leaves off.
May Dodd, Molly McGill and the other white women were traded to Cheyenne in an effort to for lasting peace between Native Americans and the rest of the US. The diaries provide an in-depth look into their lives on the plains. These women are not only brave but they are a force to be reckoned with as they prove to be more than up to the task of adapting to their new lives.
This third addition to the series is interesting but a little repetitive. Although they endure many hardships and unimaginable loss, May, Molly and the others have close friendships and they are fiercely loyal. The plains are beautifully described and spring vibrantly to life. The storyline is interesting but some of the diary passages are sometimes a little too long. Molly Standing Bear brings attention to the many Native women who disappear each year and the local authorities’ shameful disinterest in solving their cases.
Strongheart: The Lost Journals of May Dodd and Molly McGill is an intriguing novel that wraps up the One Thousand White Women Trilogy. Old and new fans will enjoy this final look into the fates of these strong women who were traded to the Cheyenne in exchange for horses.
arthur_pendrgn's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't realize that this was a continuation of A Thousand White Women when I originally picked it up. I was thrilled once I realized that, having liked the other two books a great deal. I didn't like this one as much. The largest problem is that all of the voices in the journals sound the same. There is nothing to distinguish them in terms of vocabulary, syntax, sentence structure, phrasing. Considering differences in education levels and eras, there should have been. The return of favored characters diminishes the emotional connection with the previous books if I choose to reread them. Drawing attention to the modern day kidnappings of indigenous women is important, but odd in terms of the novel. It completely changed the direction of the novel as does the insertion of the modern tale of JW. Could the sections of JW and Molly be together at the end of the narratives from the journal to a greater effect?
jessica1411's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
i_hype_romance's review against another edition
5.0
A huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
I have been a devoted campaigner for this series since I read One Thousand White Women ten years ago. I loved the second book in the series, The Vengeance of Mothers. I was very, very excited to hear the rest of the story.
The final book in this series follows the Cheyenne brides who survived the Battle of Little Big Horn. It is an insightful, incisive read that addresses the effects of cultural destruction and assimilation. The descendants of the women who escaped the battlefield have struggled to preserve their traditions and history. One of the 21st century descendants has incorporated that history into her fight against the abuse and disappearance of indigenous women and children.
The questions I had about the fate of the main character from One Thousand White Women were finally answered in this installment. It is an indictment upon the treachery and cruelty of the U.S. government's treatment of indigenous peoples. It is a reminder that their is deep ancestral pain that has shaped the lives and dreams of tribal members for over 400 years. It is a a call to action to acknowledge the roles that manifest destiny and organized religion played in the subjugation and oppression of an entire civilization.
I highly recommend this book . However, it is not a standalone and should be read in chronological order as part of the series.
I have been a devoted campaigner for this series since I read One Thousand White Women ten years ago. I loved the second book in the series, The Vengeance of Mothers. I was very, very excited to hear the rest of the story.
The final book in this series follows the Cheyenne brides who survived the Battle of Little Big Horn. It is an insightful, incisive read that addresses the effects of cultural destruction and assimilation. The descendants of the women who escaped the battlefield have struggled to preserve their traditions and history. One of the 21st century descendants has incorporated that history into her fight against the abuse and disappearance of indigenous women and children.
The questions I had about the fate of the main character from One Thousand White Women were finally answered in this installment. It is an indictment upon the treachery and cruelty of the U.S. government's treatment of indigenous peoples. It is a reminder that their is deep ancestral pain that has shaped the lives and dreams of tribal members for over 400 years. It is a a call to action to acknowledge the roles that manifest destiny and organized religion played in the subjugation and oppression of an entire civilization.
I highly recommend this book . However, it is not a standalone and should be read in chronological order as part of the series.
autismreading_mom's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book and am so grateful to NetGalley for providing me an uncorrected digital galley .This is the third in a trilogy that started with One Thousand White Women. Each book can technically be read as a stand alone, though the story will make a lot more sense if you've read the first two. Strong heart is a story about women who were married to Indians during the annihilation of the Indians by the U.S. government during the 19th century. It showcases their struggles, relationships, and hardships. Loved it!