Title: May B. Author: Caroline Starr Rose
First published January 1, 2012
240 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781582463933 (ISBN10: 158246393X)
Rating: 3.83
Overview
May B. is a gripping tale of survival and courage.
Set in the harsh Kansas prairie, May is left alone in a snow-covered sod house, abandoned and isolated from her family and neighbors. She must fight for her life and prepare for the unforgiving winter ahead.
As she struggles to survive, memories of her struggles with reading at school haunt her. But with determination and strength, May is determined to find her way back home.
Caroline Starr Rose’s beautifully written and fast-paced novel introduces readers to a brave and resilient heroine who will capture your heart.
About the Author
Meet Caroline Starr Rose, an accomplished author with a diverse range of titles under her belt. Her works include MAY B.
(2012), OVER IN THE WETLANDS (2015), and BLUE BIRDS (2015).
Editoral Review
May B. by Caroline Starr Rose is a beautifully-written historical fiction novel that takes readers back in time to the American frontier in the late 1800s.
The story follows the journey of a young girl named May, who has been hired to work as a housekeeper on a remote homestead in the Kansas prairie. However, just as she is settling into her new role, her employers suddenly leave her alone to fend for herself, with no food, no water, and no way to get help.
The novel explores themes of survival, perseverance, and determination in the face of unimaginable adversity. May is a strong, resourceful, and resilient protagonist who readers will root for throughout the story.
Through her eyes, we experience the harsh realities of life on the frontier, including the dangers of prairie fires, harsh winters, and the constant threat of attacks from wild animals and Native American tribes. In addition to its captivating plot and well-developed characters, May B.
also has significant historical and cultural significance. It sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of American history, namely the challenges faced by women and young girls who were sent to work as housekeepers or farmhands in isolated frontier areas.
The novel also explores the complex relationships between settlers and Native American tribes, offering a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective on this fraught historical period. One of the strengths of May B.
is Caroline Starr Rose’s stunning prose. Her writing is vivid and evocative, bringing the landscape and characters of the novel to life in brilliant detail.
The pacing of the novel is also excellent, with just the right balance of action, dialogue, and introspection to keep readers engaged throughout. However, one weakness of the book is that some readers may find the ending to be somewhat abrupt or unsatisfying.
Without giving too much away, the novel’s climax is a bit ambiguous, which may leave some readers wishing for a more definitive resolution. Overall, May B.
is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction or coming-of-age stories. Its compelling characters, evocative setting, and thought-provoking themes make it a book that will stay with readers long after the last page has been turned.
I would give May B. a score of 4 out of 5 stars, based on its excellent writing, strong characterization, and historical relevance.