Book notes | Prairie Fires
Caroline Fraser’s Pulitzer prize-winning book Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder is a meticulously researched biography of the much-loved author of the Little House books. From public documents such as property and financial records, and private writings such as diaries and letters, we learn that Laura’s early, poverty-stricken life was much harsher than her children’s books would have us believe. Prairie Fires provides historical, economic, and social context that gives us a broader view of the forces that shaped Laura’s life.
The first part of Fraser’s book delves into Laura’s childhood. Her father moved the family frequently, always looking for a better opportunity after failed farming ventures, severe droughts, locusts, and fires left the family in poverty, nearing starvation many times. To help support the family, young Laura started working at age nine; she started teaching just shy of her 16th birthday.
In the second part of Prairie Fires, we learn about Almanzo Wilder’s and Laura’s courtship and early years of marriage and their move to Missouri, where the Missouri Ruralist hired Laura to write a column, “As a Farm Woman Thinks.” She later worked as an editor for the farm periodical. She also had a position with the Farm Loan Association, which provided loans to local farmers.
The final portion of Fraser’s book delves deeply into the life of the Wilders’ tempestuous daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, and her tension-filled relationship with her mother. We also learn about Rose’s role as editor and writing coach for the Little House books.
The members of UMRA’s Book Club all agreed that Prairie Fires could use some major editing because the author included every single tidbit she unearthed in her research, giving too much unnecessary information. Some members of the book group thought the last portion was overly centered on Rose’s personal life and her mental illness, and that not enough focus was on Laura and her life with Almanzo when they lived is Missouri. Overall, we would not recommend this book.
—Beth Bedell, UMRA Book Club member
Book Club I to meet March 18
Fri, Mar 18 2022, 2pm
Beth Bedell will lead the discussion of Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder by Caroline Fraser when the UMRA Book Club meets via Zoom at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 18.
Upcoming Events
Our July 15 "hike" is going to be a kayaking adventure on Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) and Lake of the Isles! If you don't have a kayak (or paddleboard), Wheel Fun Rentals, located next to the new concession stand rents single kayaks at $15 an hour and double kayaks at $25. The second hour is free if we rent before noon. Life jackets are provided with the rental.
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Our August 5 hike will be a reprise of our hike last summer at William O'Brien State Park. This is a beautiful park with a winding trail and a great view of the countryside. The hike is about 5.5 to 6 miles and we'll go at a moderate pace with frequent water breaks. After the hike, we will eat lunch at Rustic Roots Winery, a half mile north of the park.
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