Reshaping Rural England: Social History, 1850-1925 Book

Rachel works as a cook at a boardinghouse for negro men who work at the slaughterhouses in Chicago. The boardinghouse is owned by Mrs. Dupree, a widow. When her son Issac returns from military service he sees an opportunity to gain more land for his homestead claim by marrying Rachel. She is infatuated by Issac and agrees. So begins their life together in the Badlands in South Dakota. Issac continues to buy land from those who csnnot sustain their ranches. For Issac land is everything. Rachel supports Issac but longs for his heart. When the Dust Bowl hits, Issac and Rachel must make some difficult decisions at the sacrific of their children. Supplies are limited, and Rachel does her best to keep food on the table. Issac fought against the Lakota Indians and does not want Rachel to have any association with them. Rachel longs for the companionship of neighbors, all the more difficult when most are white. Narrated by Rachel, I felt her pain and struggled and the desires she holds for her children. A grest historical novel that explores the little known journey of negro pioneers. The book was clearly well researched.