There was a point in this book when I had to decide if I wanted to continue. Only one other book in the last couple of years made me think that: A Wolf at the Table. That one so brutalized me as a reader that I never picked it back up. One Thousand White Women isn't nearly as harsh--or as well written. Still, it's clear where the book is headed, and I had to decide if I wanted to be sad while I read the last third of the book. I did finish, and I'm glad I did. Glad, but not surprised.

This story of May Dodd and her life with a band of Cheyenne Indians in 1875 is interesting and diverting. It's an intriguing idea: Women traded for horses, and then the "brides" contracted to be brood mares for the tribe. I enjoyed reading how Native Americans lived then, and all the little details of tribal life. Still, the idea for this book is better than the execution. The characters never come to life for me, either the good guys or the bad. It all seems kind of flat.

Also, there's a conceit to a book that is supposed to be written as a journal that I find distracting. Everything has to be written in past tense. The journal writer is always saying "Let me tell you what just happened!" Whole conversations are included, which of course the writer has to be remembering word for word. Lovemaking scenes, which normally could just be descriptive, seem different if you picture a woman actually writing down the details. In scenes where May is obviously in pain, there she is scribbling away. It doesn't ring true.

I recommend One Thousand White Women as a glimpse into Native American life when it was on the cusp of being destroyed. But you could just watch Little Big Man.

This subject had such promise! Unfortunately the author turned it into a Harlequin Romance bodice ripper novel about exploited, misunderstood white women who could only find understanding by "volunteering" to become the wives of a Native American chief who was hoping to broker a cross cultural understanding by "marrying" his family to white women.He perpetuates every stereotype of native americans and the sexual motives of women that have come down through time. Shame on you!! This could have been a fantastic historical novel. I am sorely disappointed!! You have done a disservice to everyone involved.

It was difficult to believe that this was fiction. The characters became very real and identifiable. The story, although initially unbelieveable subject matter became real and emotional. Great story with great character development.

I couldn't put this book down! The compelling story of a strong woman and her choice of freedom over oppression. Powerful imagery.

This is a great book. I thought it was going to be all about the American Revolution, boring. But, it turned out to be inspiring and well written. It is a great book for women to read. Makes you cherish what you have.

This book is written as a diary so it's very easy to read. The events as described are believable and keep you on the edge. I picked up this book to read and did not put it down until I finished. The historical aspect of this book is researched well and will have emotional affect on you. It's a very well thought out perspective!

I wasn't that impressed. I thought I would recommend it to my bookclub, but didn't. I would not recommend.

Although this book grabbed my attention initially, it slowed down about half way through and I had a hard time getting through it. The characters in this book just seemed "off." There are so many things that the female characters in this book do and say that just seems so unrealistic. The women in this book embrace the Cheyenne culture, lifestyle and their new husbands so immediately without any longing for their past lives, modern civilization, or any thought to when the bride experiment will be over. The women who are kidnapped and raped in the book seem to get over the experience like a chest cold. As a woman myself, I can't imagine myself in situations like these women are and being as nonchalant about it. Because the author's depiction of women in this book is so inaccurate, it makes me wonder how realistically he portrayed the Cheyenne as well. This book has an interesting premise it just could have been so much better than it was.

This is perhaps one of the very best novels I've ever read. I ordinarily have no interest in "journals" so would have missed one of the most thrilling reads ever had it not been recommended by a friend. The journaling of this extraordinary woman demonstrates such sensitivity, courage, and acceptance that the reader is brought to the heights of joy, the depth of friendship and the courage to explore the most frightening and unknown. She loves, fears, cries, laughs, experiments, remembers and anticipates with such clarity that it is contagious to the reader. I highly recommend everyone walk with her through her words, thoughts and remembrances. I guarantee you will live the days with her, and be uplifted and encouraged, saddened and joyful, laughing and tearful as you are enticed by her courage and fearless acceptance of the unknown. It is a tale of exquisite joy and sadness, fullfillment and redemption, and silent love that is both beautiful and strange to most of us. In addition the reader is educated in the many beautiful symbols and ceremonies of Native Americans. It illuminates and teaches readers that different cultures, history and beliefs can be overcome as she weaves them in and out throughout the storyt, Tears rolled down my cheeks as I closed the book at the end of the last chapter. Strong, stong, strong!

One Thousand White Women is a truly remarkable book, based on an equally remarkable premise. The author's insights into women's feelings are amazing. I felt I was there, with each character, and didn't want the book to end. Have a hankie nearby...

Good writing style, terrible concept: Post-Civil War, President Grant approves a program to marry off women from the dregs of society (ie, mental institutions, jails, ex-slaves, alcoholics, etc) to a tribe of Native Americans in order to create a mixed-race. Supposedly, this is meant to make the assimilate the Native Americans into our new American culture within a generation as the women reproduce with the Native Americans.

It's probably one of the worst historical fiction books I've ever read. Immensely demeaning to women, the protagonist is probably supposed to be a spirited woman far ahead of her time. I found her insulting and could never connect with her on any level. The author clearly means to present Native Americans in a sympathetic light, as well, but only succeeds in perpetuating too many stereotypes.

I'd like to be able to say that the storyline improved by the end of the book, but unfortunately, I never made it that far.

Wow, this book was so bad I actually feel angry at the friend who recommended it. As other reviewers here have said, the book is poorly written (full of cliches, uses a format that is unconvincing), the characters are one-dimensional (embarrassing stereotypes, unconvincing motivations), and the dialogue and plot read like a third-rate romance novel. I am stunned by 1) the terribly shallow presumptions about women's interior lives, thoughts, and motivations; 2) the corny treatment of love and sex; 3) the voluminous, vicarious depictions of rape and; 4) the insanely retrograde ethnic stereotypes, not only of the "brides" but of the Indians (noble savages to drunken savages). Finally, the motivations of the main character just do not ring true, and she is the only character who is flushed out enough to have any interior life. I can't help but think that the author just lacks imagination (including the ability to imagine another person's motivations, but also an ability to create a world outside of stale, rehashed tropes). I'm actually mad at myself for wasting the time to finish the book.

In 1854, President Ulysses Grant attended a Native American peace conference during which a Cheyenne chief named Little Wolf offered to trade 1,000 of his horses for 1,000 white brides for his tribesmen. Little Wolf hoped that the white women would help his people assimilate to the white man's way of life before there were no more buffalo to hunt. Grant rejected this proposition, but Jim Fergus' novel, One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd, follows what would have happened if Grant's response had been in the affirmative. Grant's fictional approval was based on the hopes that the women would convince the Cheyenne to move to reservations so that white settlers could peacefully live upon land formerly inhabited by the Native Americans and exploit the land for its resources.

May Dodd is in the first group of white women to marry and live among the Cheyenne. She writes in her journal, "...we are contractually obligated to bear but one child with our Indian husbands, after which time we are free to go, or stay as we choose. Should we fail to become with child, we are required to remain with our husbands for two full years, after which time we are free to do as we wish...or, at least, so say the authorities." All the women who sign up for the Brides for Indians program do so voluntarily, some to escape poverty, others to win freedom from jail, and still others, like May, to win release from a lunatic asylum. May, a woman of good breeding, had been committed to the asylum by her parents who felt she must be insane after she cohabitated with a man below her social stature and bore him two children.

Through diary entries and letters, Fergus' story traces the adventures of May and her new-found friends as they leave Chicago bound for the Nebraska prairie and their Cheyenne husbands. May's writings vividly capture the colorful personalities of her companions, along with their dialects--the Irish brogues of the Kelly sisters, the southern drawl of Daisy Lovelace, the Swiss cant of Gretchen Fathauer.

While the women hope to teach American customs to the Cheyenne, as months pass, it is apparent that for some, the reverse occurs: Many of the brides adopt the Cheyenne way of life, though others find reasons to defect.

Through brilliant writing that includes romance, violence, and the challenges of Mother Nature, Fergus shows us May's inner struggle of straddling the worlds of the white man and the Cheyenne.

Quill says: This story will raise emotions you never knew you had. Read it.

You ladies out there, pay attention: this is what gives "books for women" a bad name! I don't have the stamina to go into this book's manifold idiocies (it was assigned by my bookclub; never even heard of it before that). Just please read some of the other one star reviews and have more self-respect than to stoop to read this absurdity.

Corpse Whisperer

One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd was a fast read. I think that the author made the story realistic and I was living with that Indian tribe.
There were enough details to bring the story to life. I'm not a big fan of historical novels, but I really enjoyed this one.

My friends and I have started our own informal book club, and someone chose this book. I was kind of skeptical after hearing the description of the book, as well as some of my friends.were. But we all love it! We all have said that we cant put it down! I am the first one to finish, and I thought the whole book was great. It draws you in emotionally, and I felt deeply for the characters. Also, this book is great for a book club b/c it has questions in the back that you can discuss. I would defintely recommend this as required read!

I really loved this book. There were some things that were a stretch, but it was a nice and smooth read.

As other reviewers pointed out the characters were stereotypical and of course it wasn't historically accurate. All said though, I really enjoyed this book for a relaxing Saturday Afternoon read. The book kept my attention and was build on an interesting premise. I have lent it to a few people and everyone enjoyed it.

It's a shame their isn't a lemon law for books because this one would surely be returned. I'm going to use it as kindle for my fire next winter because I can't bear to give it away and have someone read this mess.

I read the Acknowledgments and the list of books cited and thought I the book would be a historical novel. Instead it was a hysterical novel. Hysterical because it made me laugh that the characters were so cliche and I wanted to cry because the plot was so bad.

A list of the stereotypes are:

The Heroine - An beautiful heiress who gives up her wealth for love and works in factories among the poor, has her lovers babies out of wedlock (but wouldn't marry him for no other reason but plot development) and is punished for her love. And every man and women is drawn to her intelligence and loyalty.

The Irish Rogues - They speak broken English, are criminal minded and just overall bad characters.

The Befallen Southern Belle - Horrendeous racist character who lost all in the Yankees, including her inheritance, family and beloved.

The Amazon Black former slave - She escaped from Slavery to Canada as a young teenager, yet signs up for this program (which happens to be for 1000 "White" woman, so I don't know how that slipped the author's notice). She becomes more savage than the savages.

The Gay Pedophilic Episcopalian Priest - Enough said.

The Annie Oakley Character - Enough Said

The Educated Army Officer - Shakesphere reading and logical who falls for the Heroine (but of course).

The Stupid Scandinavan Woman - She could wrestle a bear and win (not the predecesor for beer commercial women).

The Judgmental Missionary - She's out to convert even the Christians to Christianity.

The Stoic Heathen American Indians - None were ever given a voice

The Half-Breed (Native Amer/White) - He reeks of badness, I guess an omen for the book.

This book was just plain old stupid with stereotypes stolen from every 50's western, and romance novel and comic book. The only reason I finished was to get my money's worth and to truly see if it was horrible all the way through.

I don't read romance novels anymore, but I do know there was a time in the 80's when being raped was the rage in them. To the author, "THERE IS NOTHING ROMANTIC OR NOBLE ABOUT BEING RAPED." In his acknowledgement he states he got an idea about women's romantic ideas from somebody. He should seriously recommend a good therapist to his friend.

I also love the way he could even have the black Amazon get together with a Native American, so he invents a black Cheyenne who was kidnapped from runaway slaves. Those slaves must have gotten the Western star mixed up with the North Star. It was as if he couldn't even fathom two minorities mixing. Was he afraid the Natives would change their minds and ask for 999 more black women? And I love the way the Amazon could break into a spiritual at the most opportune times.

If I ever see this author at a signing, I'm going to demand my money back for misrepresentation of him being a writer.

This was a wonderful book. Hard to put down. Well written and very informative.

This is a wonderfully written tale. The author goes to great lengths to explain that this is not a true story but it drew me in to believe that it could have been. It is full of characters of all shapes and sizes. May Dodd is a progressive woman who eloquently describes life in the 19th century.
Linda C. Wright
Author, One Clown Short
One Clown Short

This book served as a distraction on a long and bumpy plane flight, but otherwise I probably wouldn't have gotten much past Mary Dodd's train journey "out West." How much harder this book would have been to write had our heroine's small group not included such a fine array of the ethnic stereotypes that have succored the authors of potboilers down the years: the faded Southern Belle complete with lapdog (that her Cheyenne mate, amazingly, presumably feeds and shelters), the lumpy and warm-hearted Germanic (Austrian) madchen, the regal black woman, the felonious Irish twins, the mannish British woman... Oh, and the almost impenetrable "accents"... surely they wouldn't have been necessary had there been any meaningful characterization. I'm sorry: this is just not a good book. But, Mr. Fergus, you're probably not a bad writer when you write about what you know -- which certainly doesn't include women of any era, much less of the nineteenth century.

This was an excellent, imaginative, heartbreaking piece of literature. The author takes a little-known historical fact and blows it up into this monster of a tale. So much heart break, so much shattered hope. Read this, pass it on to friends. You'll have to discuss after you finish.

The book was way too predicable. By the title, one would think it would have some sensual feel to it, but it was all G rated sex,then again hard for a man to write how a woman responds. I give it a 10 for using the most stereotypical people and plots in a book. And for all the research the author supposedly did, well, that remains to be seen.
The term squaw is a most offensive, disparaging and disrespectful term for Indian women. May Dodd uses the term freely as do others. This is a misconception that "white folk" perpetuate and Mr. Furgus falls right in line with that. For all his "research" he surly most have known that Indians do not address themselves with this derogatory description. I was also surprised at how often even the term savage was used.
I too was put off by the stereotypes. When a man writes in the first person of a women, his perspective is bound to fall short. Furgus has a lot of male perceptions of what he "thinks" women feel. That's why they get over the rapes, love the "savage sex", have easy pregnancies, are in super great shape because of all the hard work, control the savages with their modern lib, yada, yada, yada.
May Dodd would have found herself smacked around by a white man, let alone an Indian for all of her posturing and pushing that women are equal. Look how long it has taken in this century. That cutesy pushing way of hers may have worked for 2008, but believe me men did not find that attractive or tolerate it in the 1800's, least of all the so called "noble savages".
I think the ending and May's last entry in the diary, completely put me over the top. May is bleeding to death, freezing and trying to keep her baby warm, but we are to believe that between all of that she would write in her bloody journal. It would have been more believable to me, if that part was recounted by someone else. All in all, it was as Randy Jackson would say, "it just okay." The premise sounded more promising than the book could deliver.

The concept sounds corny, but it is a really well written tale. Arrived in good condition.

This is by far the best book I have read in many years. Have passed it on to all my friends and they have had the same feelings. MUST READ.

The premise of this book attracted my attention. It promised to be an original examination of "What if...?". However, the story and the characters never seemed to develop beyond simple, superficial, often condescending sketches. Therefore, the story failed to ring true in the way of other great fiction. I don't mean that it lacked historical accuracy, which it likely did, but that it failed to present "real" characters, whose experiences provoke "real" insights. Perhaps the lack of authenticity is due to the fact that a white man is trying to write from the perspective of a woman and tell a story about Native Americans. In the end, the stereotyped characters (wild Irish twins with a taste for booze, a displaced southern belle with a lap dog, a brutish but kind-hearted Swede, a freed slave that reverts to some type of tribal roots and becomes a bare-chested warrior) that he attempts to capture with strange dialects indicated by italicized phonetic spellings of a few words here and there remain unbelievable at best and often insulting.

In addition, the style of the writing served as an ongoing distraction. The story is told through journal entries. However, I never believed that the narrative was written in a journal. Although the author tries to convince us by repeatedly stating that the character is indeed writing in a journal, the text quickly transforms to a type of first person narrative that is not at all consistent with journal writing. For example, May will introduce a section by explaining that she is resting by the fire recording the events of the previous day. Then someone will interrupt her, and the writing will switch to the present conversation in a level of detail, absent of thought and analysis, that just does not fit in the context of a journal.
The issue, displayed by the inconsistency of the style, is actually a manifestation of a larger problem with the story. Too often, the author wants the reader to believe something about the story or about a character just because he tells us too. The ultimate example of this is the heroine status assigned to May, particularly at the end of the book. We are to believe that this woman is revered by many as a leader and a hero. However, this image is never fully developed through the story. In some very superficial ways, May shows herself to be a strong character, but not to the extent that she warrants the praise that the author piles on through the other characters.

Ultimately, it appears that the author tried very hard to present a complicated, nuanced account of the strength of human relationships despite great social injustice against the backdrop of one of the greatest tragedies of American history. However, there is little nuance in the simple characters and unbelievable plot. The lessons the author intends are often blunt and transparent and fail to depict the depth or complexity of real people in real conflict.

This is a highly original work of historical fiction. Written as if were a personal journal, the story captivates the reader right from the get-go. The book is premised upon a real life incident where, at a nineteenth century peace conference, Native Americans of the Northern Cheyenne tribe suggested to the United States Army authorities the trading of one thousand horses for one thousand white woman as a way of promoting assimilation. While this proposal was never agreed to, it does form the basis for this book, where such an agreement does, in fact, takes place.

Written as the journal of May Dodd, a free thinking, intelligent, and independent woman, it is through her eyes that the reader sees events unfold, as the first group of women are traded and introduced to life on the western frontier as brides for male members of the Cheyenne tribe. The reader will discover what drove these women to engage in such an adventure and what it was that happened to them.

Entertaining and engaging, this is a skillfully developed story and a worthy debut novel. The only criticism is that the voice of May Dodd seems, at times, to be almost too contemporary and serves to distract the reader a bit, and some parts of the story read as if it were a romance novel. Moreover, the book seems more focused on the plot, rather than on character development, although this does not take away from the enjoyment of the overall story, as the plot is so intriguing. Those who like the historical fiction genre will not be disappointed by this imaginative and ambitious novel.

One of the best books I have read in a long time. A must read!!

Stepping Off the Edge: Learning & Living Spiritual Practice

In 1874, Cheyenne war chief Little Wolf makes an unusual proposal to the President of the United States: In order to heal the wounds between the red and white races, Little Wolf offers to trade the United States government 1000 horses for 1000 white women. The women will marry his warriors. The resulting children will meld the two civilizations and bring peace. This is engaging, rewarding fiction, superbly researched and spell binding. It is fiction. I repeat: FICTION! Try and put it down.

I ran across this book and "Across the High Lonesome" (Which is also an excellent read) while browsing my local bookstore and decided to give them a try. I am always ready for a relistic western. This one grabbed me from the first page and did not let go. A great mix of characters, dialog, and action with a few surprises. The book also makes you think about cultures and why we are the way we are. That being said I would not classify it as high literature, but it is an entertaining "What if." It might have been helpful if the author had written an addendum, outlining what was real and what was made up. The one part that really rang false to me was how quickly the white women adapted to the Indian ways seemed farfetched, but then as a device to highlight the differences between the European and Indian cultures it works. I guess what I am saying is this could never have happened in real life, but maybe it if it had things might have been diferent.

I really enjoyed this well-written historical fiction novel about a group of outcast white women who participate in secret government program to assimilate the Cheyenne. I've recommended it to a number of friends and family members. I do suggest you buy the paperback edition, which includes a very interesting essay by the author, Jim Fergus.

This novel is the work of a highly skilled author, from the very concept of the book on to the myriad of its details and, finally, insofar as the language with which the story is told.

The premise is brilliant, no other word for it, based on an obscure (and peculiar) historic moment--but reversing the real-life situation.

Author Jim Fergus took this germ of an idea and worked it into a full-length plot that is rich in historic detail. He clearly put an amazing amount of research into his writing.

At no time does he lose the momentum of his narrative, told in the first-person voice of his heroine.

While there is no way this book could have had a happy ending, the conclusion of this book could have been a bit more definitive. The heroine deserved a clearer outcome...and so did the readers.

Hurray for audiotapes...it kept us sane for 1800 miles across the middle and southwest U.S.! My book club actually was the instigator for my purchase, and I had planned to buy a book, but when the only version of this title available was audiotape, I WENT for it given I had a long road trip in front of me. Although my husband rolled his eyes at some of the female conversations, even HE got hooked to the story, the variation in voices, tone and intrigue that the reader brought to the story. It was a fluke that turned out to be a story both my husband and I enjoyed as well as learned some history!

This book was interesting but disappointing to me. The characters were one dementional to me. Nowhere in the book did it describe the hardships of their day to day lives. It seemed to me I did not learn much at all about the Indians in the story. I can't really say after reading this book that I understand any of the true feelings of any of the women or the men in this book.

Of nine people in my bookclub, I was the only one who liked this book. They all cited what the other negative reviews cite: inaccurate, disbelief in the female voice, harlequinesque, canned characters, etc. But despite agreeing with most of their points, I liked it. I always wanted to keep going and thought it as pure fun. I never once took it for more than what it is, fiction. If you're looking for a piece that sticks to the facts and makes you believe, then this isn't the one for you. If you're looking for a fun read but can't stand romances or chick lit, then you found it.

I would like to address other reviews that made statements regarding the content of this book being unbelievable, wouldn't have happened, etc. This book is purely fiction and subject to the choices made by the author to illustrate a point or tell the story. There is no such thing as "this would never happen" Sometimes it is difficult to believe many things that actually took place in our history, don't insult would be readers with your 'take' on how the story should unfold. It is written as it is, for pure entertainement. Which I believe Jim Fergus executed quite well. This book kept me glued to it's pages throughout it's entirety. I would highly recommend it to others. It is a refreshing tale written with accuracy, the characters were well developed and interesting. Thanks for a good read!

This book intrigued me with a delightful dose of adventure, romance, betrayal, comraderie, excellent character development and a great story. Once caught up in the tale, I identified with the main character. Although fictional, I can imagine that some of the societal pressures put on women of the early 19th century were based on fact. I recommended this engaging book for our 12 member book club and every one actually read it and loved it (a rarity). The story was so well written that I had to keep reminding myself that it was fiction. I've since bought several more copies and have given them to friends whom I thought might enjoy this unusual and delightful read. This is a definitely a 'five-star' for me.

Very interesting development of an idea that would have never been implemented.
It is quite easy to read for the most time and very entertaining.

Picked this up at a used book sale. I really like historical fiction and this did not disappoint. I think it would make a great book discussion, many conversations about the role of women and men

This book is unlike any other that I have read. The author is sure to let you know from the beginning that it is fiction, however after reading this book you will do some wondering. Don't take this book on a vacation- you will never want to leave the hotel and do anything else! Already interested in Native American History, this makes me want to do some research and learn more about the Cheyenne Tribe.

I recommend this novel for anyone who is interested in history of the west. It is a page turner. The story is told from the perspective of a caucasian woman in her journals. It is about women who adjust to a totally foreign environment, about the marvelous way of the Cheyenne & about the US government during the mid 19th century (civil war era). I recommend this book.

Been on a bit of a western reading Jag lately after reading Dances with Wolves and Across the High Lonesome(both are excelletn by the way) when I stumbled across this book. I ended up reading this book over the course of one weekend. I found Fergus' research on the Plains Indians and how he wove it into a fictional story fascinating. He does lean on stereotypes in places but the fictional premise of this novel drew me in and would not let go! Perhaps not a classic, but a very worthy historical fiction.

May Dodd is the daughter of a wealthy family in Chicago who humiliates them by running off with her lover and having two children by him without marrying. Her family has her committed to an asylum as her indiscretion could only be caused by insanity. But she is ultimately given an opportunity to gain her freedom from the asylum - she must relocate west and become the bride of a Cheyenne Indian.

Little Wolf is the Cheyenne Chief who proposes to President Grant that the two nations trade 1000 white women for 1000 horses. It is Little Wolf's belief that by having children with the white brides that the offspring will bring the Cheyenne closer to the white world and thus begin the process of assimilation. The US Government takes the Indian Nation up on its offer in secret sending only those women who volunteer or want the freedom to escape their current lives, such as women in asylums and jails. May Dodd jumps on this opportunity and becomes a leader amongst the other women who believe the west has something to offer.

This novel is comprised of the journal entries of May Dodd and letters that she writes to loved ones back home understanding that they will never be mailed. Her writing chronicles the daily life of the Cheyenne from the elaborate wedding ceremony the white women experience, to the everyday chores and friendships that are born on the vast prairies. It is a unique look at how the Native American life may have been in the late 1800s, but also provides a sharp contrast between that life and that of the whites. The story is not without conflict and does a good job of presenting the perspective of the Native American as the white man trampled over their lands and customs.

Something about this book just didn't grab me and hold on. It was interesting and informative, but I had trouble buying into the May Dodd character. She was a bit too strong willed to be plausible. While others around her experienced terrifying fear, she almost brushes her own experience with fear and danger aside too callously. Not to say that she didn't acknowledge the people and circumstances that scared her, but it was minimized in such a way that it became hard to read her as a believable character. The story is moving, but was missing something that is hard to put a finger on.

I loved this book! At the very beginning I was a bit skeptical but once I got into it I couldn't stop listening. I read some other reviews that mentioned finding men writing in a woman's voice not believable but I disagree. An author is a story teller and can tell a story from many perspectives, you need to use your imagination... it's fiction! After only a little way into the book I was immersed in the time, place and beauty of the setting. I loved the characters, a lot of variety and different peronalities. The Native American way of life was quite interesting and although this book was written in a plain spoken way it really came alive for me. I would highly suggest this book to anyone. It's an easy read and I think a "page turner."

I asked some friends what was the best thing they'd read lately. When they mentioned the title of this book I could not imagine what it was about and visualized something like the Million Man March...in reverse? :-)
Even when they told me a bit of the plot line I wasn't sure about "One Thousand White Women". But they said they couldn't put it down so I gave it a try. I loved it - so much so that I bought it as a gift for someone else. The book intertwines a bit of a real story with 'what might have been'. I found myself so engrossed in the book that I forgot it was fiction...and wished it wasn't.

I loved this book and am so sad that it ended. I hope his other books are as good as this one because I really liked his writing style. I read all the time and this is the best book I have read in a long time. Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down. I would highly reccomend it!

One of the best books I've read in a long time! Right up there with Memoirs of a Geisha, from the point of view of a man writing as a woman and getting it so perfectly. Also because, like Geisha, the book transports you to another place and time and you feel like you have met a whole bunch of new friends. Read it!!!!

The subject matter of this book is really interesting. Even though the author says it is fiction, I really could see this happening. I felt it was a little slow in the begining but it picked up. I would recommend this book to others.

A delight to read,a true window into the past.
I have shared this book with friends and family,and all who have read this book are excited about, and pleased with the story.
Refreshing,and different in content,this book was a real page turner,and I was very disapointed when it ended.