Synopsis

Part autobiography, part fiction, this book tells the story of a pioneer family settling in Indian Territory in the plains of the American Southwest.

Review

This American classic can problematic to modern readers. Ma's meek demeanor and the frequent reminder that "children should be seen and not heard" are not likely to resonate with youth of the 21st century and are likely more fiction than autobiography. Additionally, while the book had a clear beginning and end, the middle was more a series of events rather than a clear narrative. However, the detailed descriptions of pioneer daily life, perils and methods of creating creature comforts are interesting in a documentary sort of way. It's almost instructive in it's passages on the building of a log cabin and rocking chair. The constant optimism sometimes feels refreshing and at other times feels grating.

One surprising element of the book is the way it addresses the issue of Native Americans. At the beginning of the book, Pa decides to settle several miles into Indian Territory with assurances from the U.S. government that it will soon be opened to settlers. This creates tension with the Osage Indians living in the area. The feeling of manifest destiny and fear of Native Americans is realistic for white pioneers at the time. However, the portrayals of Native Americans tend toward stereotypes of noble savage and wildman. The tension over land and culture is felt periodically throughout the book and brings about the eventual climax, though it is simplified through a six year old's eyes.

This book is a must for any juvenile collection. It is entertaining and an American Classic. Some elements of the book are timeless, others are a bit more dated or downright offensive when looked at through modern eyes.

Critical Reviews

No critical reviews available.

Additional Bibiliographic Information
Published by HarperCollins in 1935

335 Pages

Ages 9-12

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another very well written and delightful story by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

This is the harrowing tale of an adrenaline junkie/doomsday prepper named Pa. Pa wants to leave Wisconsin because there are so many people there, his family is no longer in danger of being eaten by wild animals. He possibly has had some run-ins with the law. With the oppressive encroaching of society upon him, he knows his stranglehold on his wife, three daughters, and racist dog will soon be at an end. So he decides to pack up his wife, three daughters, and racist dog and take them far away from all of the family and friends they've ever known in hopes that their crushing isolation and dependence on him will push them further under his odious control.

Pa sets out in the winter with his hapless family and travels until he has found the most unsafe spot he can think of, right next to a trail traveled by Indians and roving packs of wolves, and panthers. To keep Laura, the most independent member of the family mollified, he promises to her a gift of a brown little Indian baby, a promise that she takes VERY seriously. Pa is simultaneously happy to have settled in the middle of Indian territory but also hopping mad about all the Indians about. But he doesn't worry, because the government will force them to move. They will never force Pa to move, he is the master of his domain.

Throughout the story Pa convinces several neighbors to build his house for him, and then a well, promising to help them build theirs, only he never gets around to his end of the deal. The neighbors don't complain, because they are afraid of his domineering personality. Several times Pa and his three daughters and wife and racist dog are almost violently ripped apart by various wild animals. Every time this happens, Pa seems to get more and more excited. He imagines Baby Carrie being torn apart by wolves. The thought of being in the middle of nowhere, where no one can hear your scream and everyone you love is in danger at any second thrills him. He is a psychopath. His wife, Ma, doesn't dare to state an opinion on any matter, but obeys his every whim. That is the most important thing, Pa impresses on his family. Obedience. Obedience to Pa, or you will die violently. Laura chimes in often that she wouldn't mind dying violently, it sounds cool, and also when is Pa going to give her that brown baby Indian? But Pa never does.

Nobody tells Pa what to do.