Lamentations: A Novel of Women Walking West

Lamentations is a novel that tells the story of the first group of families who crossed west to Oregon in 1842 from the perspective of the dozen women on the trip. It provides an interpretation of the womens thoughts and feelings as events played out and explores their reality as wives, unmarried sojourners, and explorers of the land. The book highlights the mental and emotional impact of events such as the naming of peoples and lands, a husbands suicide, giving birth, and interactions with Native peoples. It shows how these women moved from silent witnesses to articulate observers of a complicated world they helped to shape.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2021
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

Lamentations, a captivating novel, delves into the experiences of the first group of families who embarked on the treacherous journey westward to Oregon in 1842. Through the eyes of a dozen women who made the trip, the book offers a unique perspective on the historical events of that era. While none of these women left a written record of their journey, the daily notations of the company clerks provided invaluable documentation of the time. Drawing upon these records and her extensive expertise as a historian, Carol Kammen skillfully weaves together an interpretation of the women's thoughts and emotions as they encountered the challenges and wonders of the western frontier.

In this novel, the male characters take a backseat, allowing the women to take center stage. We hear their contemplations on the land, their sense of entitlement to be passing through, their evolving lives, the other members of the company, the Native Americans they encounter, and the shifting roles they play. Lamentations explores the multifaceted realities of women, whether they were wives, unmarried sojourners, literate observers, or intrepid explorers of the land.

Kammen gives these women a voice, allowing them to express their thoughts and feelings about the strange new world they encountered. She delves into the unspoken thoughts of these women, shedding light on their experiences as wives, unmarried sojourners, and explorers. We witness the mental and emotional toll of events such as the naming of peoples and lands, the suicide of a husband, the birth of children, and the ongoing and uncertain interactions with Native peoples from the Missouri River crossing to Oregon.

The women face numerous difficulties on their journey, including the harsh conditions of the road, the slow building of trust between some of them, and the peculiarities of the men they travel with. They navigate the complexities of gender roles and societal expectations, striving to assert their independence and make their mark on the world. As they journey westward, these women evolve from silent witnesses within a constrained gender sphere to articulate observers of a complex world they ultimately helped to shape.

Lamentations is a testament to the resilience and determination of women in a time of great change and uncertainty. Through the voices of these dozen women, the book offers a profound exploration of the human experience, shedding light on the challenges and rewards of pioneering the western frontier. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, women's studies, and the indomitable spirit of human perseverance.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 226 x 196 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496227812