Caroline: Little House, Revisited - Classic American Pioneer Story | Historical Fiction Novel for Adults & Teens | Perfect for Book Clubs & Homeschooling

I will admit that when I read the original series, with all its warmth and nostalgia softening the edges of the hardship this family endured, I often chuckle a little at Wilder’s characterization of Caroline Ingalls - this prim, unruffled woman dutifully following her never-satisfied, possibly slightly crazy husband ever westward, always with some dusty platitude on her lips and an apparent will to quell any spirit in her daughters. Laura’s affection and respect for her mother are obvious, but you do wonder what is going on in Caroline’s mind beyond the next proverb.This book fills that question generously and beautifully, and frankly I will never read Caroline in the originals so uncharitably again.Taking a sort of halfway point between the historical family and Wilder’s adjusted fictional time frame, this book doesn’t pretend to be an “accurate” portrayal of the actual Caroline - I assume she left no journals, so there probably isn’t much to work with besides Wilder’s books and whatever details of actual pioneer life the author has researched - and she’s done her homework. What we get is a window into an imagined Caroline’s inner world, and what a vivid and wonderful window it is - one that feels authentic to the original character and yet far more complex, human, and empathetic, as one would expect from an adult book.And it is an adult book. There is frank acknowledgment of things Wilder, writing in a more innocent age and for children, never addressed. But I found it all handled gracefully and beautifully - yes, there is sensuality and even sex in this book, somehow to the horror of one-star reviewers who seem to believe women of the past did not experience sexual desire or enjoy this aspect of married life or that even if they did we shouldn’t talk about something so scandalous. For all those who can appreciate tasteful and meaningful renderings of this vital and normal aspect of loving relationships, you will find nothing to offend you here.The writing is lyrical, poetic, and dense, which may be a turn-off for those expecting something akin to Wilder’s minimalistic style, or indeed for those who prefer straightforward modern prose to period literature. I personally found it sumptuous - a feast of language, from a master of words. Caroline’s inner world is depicted with deep emotion and raw vulnerability. We see how she can both deeply love her husband and yet be sometimes, very realistically, resentful of how his wandering foot affects the stability and safety of their family. We see how her deep piety and sense of duty grounds her, grants her the strength and patience and endurance for a road that would have made lesser women turn back. We see the motivations for her words and actions in the original books - much of the dialogue being lifted directly from them, now enriched with the thoughts behind it. There is still something of the flavor of Laura’s writing in much of this book, and not just in passages that pull directly from her books - it really does feel like a grown-up version of Little House.This is honestly the most enjoyable book I’ve read in several years, and will hold a permanent spot in my collection. Kudos to the author for such a brilliant piece of work.