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Book Synopsis: WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZEWINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARDWINNER OF THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE HEARTLAND PRIZE FOR NON-FICTIONONE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW'S 10 BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAROne of The New York Times Book Review's 10 Best Books of the Year
The first comprehensive historical biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the beloved author of the Little House on the Prairie booksMillions of readers of Little House on the Prairie believe they know Laura Ingalls--the pioneer girl who survived blizzards and near-starvation on the Great Plains, and the woman who wrote the famous autobiographical books. But the true saga of her life has never been fully told. Now, drawing on unpublished manuscripts, letters, diaries, and land and financial records, Caroline Fraser--the editor of the Library of America edition of the Little House series--masterfully fills in the gaps in Wilder's biography. Revealing the grown-up story behind the most influential childhood epic of pioneer life, she also chronicles Wilder's tumultuous relationship with her journalist daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, setting the record straight regarding charges of ghostwriting that have swirled around the books.
The Little House books, for all the hardships they describe, are paeans to the pioneer spirit, portraying it as triumphant against all odds. But Wilder's real life was harder and grittier than that, a story of relentless struggle, rootlessness, and poverty. It was only in her sixties, after losing nearly everything in the Great Depression, that she turned to children's books, recasting her hardscrabble childhood as a celebratory vision of homesteading--and achieving fame and fortune in the process, in one of the most astonishing rags-to-riches episodes in American letters.
Spanning nearly a century of epochal change, from the Indian Wars to the Dust Bowl, Wilder's dramatic life provides a unique perspective on American history and our national mythology of self-reliance. With fresh insights and new discoveries, Prairie Fires reveals the complex woman whose classic stories grip us to this day.
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Experience the untold story of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the pioneer girl who captivated millions of readers with her beloved Little House on the Prairie books. In Prairie Fires, Caroline Fraser delves into the depths of Wilder's life, revealing the true saga of a woman who faced blizzards, near-starvation, and relentless struggle on the Great Plains. Through unpublished manuscripts, letters, diaries, and records, Fraser masterfully fills in the gaps in Wilder's biography, giving us a comprehensive historical biography that has been long overdue. This Pulitzer Prize-winning book is not only a celebration of Wilder's resilience but also a unique perspective on American history and our national mythology of self-reliance.
Discover the remarkable journey of Laura Ingalls Wilder and the woman behind the iconic pioneer stories. Prairie Fires uncovers the hardships and grittier aspects of Wilder's life, painting a vivid picture of her relentless struggle, rootlessness, and poverty. This book shatters the illusions created by the Little House books, offering a fresh and honest portrayal of a woman who lived through tumultuous times. It is a must-read for anyone seeking an authentic perspective on pioneer life in America.
But this extraordinary biography goes beyond capturing Wilder's personal history. Fraser also explores the complex relationship between Wilder and her journalist daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, addressing the long-standing allegations of ghostwriting that have surrounded the Little House books. By examining their tumultuous bond, Fraser sets the record straight and unravels the mysteries behind Wilder's iconic works.
Prairie Fires is not simply a biography; it is a treasure trove of valuable insights and new discoveries. Fraser's meticulous research and compelling storytelling make it a compelling read for history enthusiasts and fans of the Little House series alike. Whether you are fascinated by American history or simply enjoy a captivating life story, this book will transport you back in time and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the enduring legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Don't miss out on this literary masterpiece that has been hailed as one of the best books of the year. Grab your copy of Prairie Fires today and embark on a remarkable journey through the life of an extraordinary woman who defied the odds and left an indelible mark on American literature.
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