Publication
Waterville, Maine : Wheeler Publishing, a part of Gale, a Cengage Company, 2018.
Collection
Call number
Large Print Fiction S
Physical description
613 p.; 23 cm
Status
Available
Call number
Description
Fiction. Literature. Western. Historical Fiction. HTML: As the first wave of pioneers travel westward to settle the American frontier, two women discover their inner strength when their lives are irrevocably changed by the hardship of the wild west in The Removes, a historical audiobook from New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Tatjana Soli. Spanning the years of the first great settlement of the west, The Removes tells the intertwining stories of fifteen-year-old Anne Cummins, frontierswoman Libbie Custer, and Libbie's husband, the Civil War hero George Armstrong Custer. When Anne survives a surprise attack on her family's homestead, she is thrust into a difficult life she never anticipated�??living among the Cheyenne as both a captive and, eventually, a member of the tribe. Libbie, too, is thrown into a brutal, unexpected life when she marries Custer. They move out to the territories with the U.S. Army, where Libbie is challenged daily and her worldview expanded: the pampered daughter of a small-town judge, she transforms into a daring camp follower. But when what Anne and Libbie have come to know�??self-reliance, freedom, danger�??is suddenly altered through tragedy and loss, they realize how indelibly shaped they are by life on the treacherous, extraordinary American plains. With taut, suspenseful writing, Tatjana Soli tells the exhilarating stories of Libbie and Anne, who have grown like weeds into women unwilling to be restrained by the strictures governing nineteenth-century society. The Removes is a powerful, transporting audiobook about the addictive intensity and freedom of the American front… (more)
Subjects
User reviews
LibraryThing member Beamis12
I think most of us, at least those close to my own age, learned of Custer's last stand, in history class. That is though, all I ever knew about him. There was so much I didn't know, for example I never knew he fought in our Civil War where he was made the youngest Brigadeer General at the age of
So Custer's role as Indian fighter begins, as he is called on once again to help rid the west of marauding Indians. This is a graphic and violent book, the west was certainly a savage place to be. Promises and peace brokered were continually abused. The Indian way of life threatened, the settlers life one of fear, so much death of people, livestock, constant back and forth savagery.
Custer's death at little big Horn was probably the way he would have wanted to die, in many ways it seemed his destiny He came to respect the Indians and their way of life, he had no clue what to do with himself if he wasn't in the cavalry. Had he not died he probably would have ended up like Sitting Bull, a specimen to show off at freak shows. I came to appreciate what an emblematic character he was for the times. I loved Libby, her strength, her fortitude, she was quite a woman and I would like to read more about her. What happened to her after Custer's death. Annie, my heart broke for her, her treatment during and after captivity is certainly realistic. Such conflicted, harsh and judgemental times.
Soli's research is terrific, her writing vivid and certainly realistic. She does an amazingly thorough job at showing the many sides of this time period. A few photographs are included as is an author note. A harsh read, but an important one for those who have an interest in this time period.
This was mine, Angela's and Exile monthly read and while we all cringed at the violence, we all thought it was well done. So thanks again my reading buddies.
ARC from Netgalley.
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twenty five. Nor did I know anything about his wife Libby, who seems to be a special person in her own right. This book starts with Custer fighting in the Civil War, and is told from three different viewpoints. Custer himself, his wife Libby and a young fifteen year old Annie, whose family is homesteading when they are attacked by Indians, her family slaughtered, she heself taken by the Indians.So Custer's role as Indian fighter begins, as he is called on once again to help rid the west of marauding Indians. This is a graphic and violent book, the west was certainly a savage place to be. Promises and peace brokered were continually abused. The Indian way of life threatened, the settlers life one of fear, so much death of people, livestock, constant back and forth savagery.
Custer's death at little big Horn was probably the way he would have wanted to die, in many ways it seemed his destiny He came to respect the Indians and their way of life, he had no clue what to do with himself if he wasn't in the cavalry. Had he not died he probably would have ended up like Sitting Bull, a specimen to show off at freak shows. I came to appreciate what an emblematic character he was for the times. I loved Libby, her strength, her fortitude, she was quite a woman and I would like to read more about her. What happened to her after Custer's death. Annie, my heart broke for her, her treatment during and after captivity is certainly realistic. Such conflicted, harsh and judgemental times.
Soli's research is terrific, her writing vivid and certainly realistic. She does an amazingly thorough job at showing the many sides of this time period. A few photographs are included as is an author note. A harsh read, but an important one for those who have an interest in this time period.
This was mine, Angela's and Exile monthly read and while we all cringed at the violence, we all thought it was well done. So thanks again my reading buddies.
ARC from Netgalley.
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LibraryThing member whitreidtan
For much of American history, we have romanticized the West. It was wild and untamed and it was up to us to bring it under our control (damn the people who already lived there). But even discounting the lies and betrayals offered so glibly by our government, rarely were honest, unbiased accounts of
The novel opens with a terrifying and graphic raid where 15 year old Anne Cummins' family is killed and she is captured by the Cheyenne and subsequently marched, weak and starving, to the tribe's temporary village. This attack is just one in a long line of back and forth killings and retributions between the Native tribes and the US Army and lays the groundwork for the subsequent depredations into territories promised to the Indians. Then the reader moves to a snapshot in time showing Custer's bravado during the Civil War when his star was rising swift and sure and then to a drawing room party in Monroe, Michigan where a popular and beloved only daughter, Libbie Bacon, meets the Civil War hero for the second time. Moving seamlessly between these three characters, the narrative carries on through Anne's horrific captivity, Libbie and her Autie's courtship and marriage, and Custer's Army exploits ending only in the wake of the Battle of Little Bighorn. Scattered in amongst the chapters centered on these three are snippets from newspapers, army reports, and narration from secondary characters, that serve to round out the picture of these very human people Soli has drawn.
From 1863 to 1876, Custer went from a Civil War hero to an Indian fighter, alternately praised and vilified by those in government and those under his command. He was ambitious and proud, smart and focused. He was also a larger than life dandy who, despite his great and enduring love for his wife, was a terrible womanizer. Despite the hardships of an Army life, it was really the only one that Custer was cut out for even as he had to balance his need for constant action and war with his growing realization of the emotional cost of his actions and the wrongness of the government's view of and intentions toward the Native peoples. During this same period, Libbie went from pampered society miss to loyal and stalwart army wife who endured hardships alongside her beloved husband. Her experiences living so remotely and without any of the accouterments she might have expected had she stayed home in Michigan as well as her disappointments with Custer's behaviour forged a steel backbone in her. Anne, during her captivity, endured abuse and privation with an outsized grit, intelligence, and determination, never giving up on the dream of being rescued but always surviving in the present no matter how harshly she was treated.
Soli doesn't shy away from the horror of the removes, writing scenes of appalling violence that hit the reader viscerally. She also doesn't avoid the truth of the mismanagement and duplicity of the US government in its dealings with the tribes and the way that these things led directly to Custer and his fellow soldier's campaigns and actions. The sections centered on Custer, the long and slow expeditions into inhospitable lands, the interminable monotony of days and days without any Indian sightings or of the chasing after of mirages, felt as long and slow as the operations themselves. The chapters focused on Libbie or Anne were completely different in tone to the Custer chapters, more engaging but still realistic in the portrayals of possible fates of women in the West, at the mercy of others, be it captors or the US government or a husband. Soli's writing is incredibly evocative and her descriptions of the vast and expansive landscape were gorgeously done. This is an impressive and unusual Western about a time and place not often honestly portrayed and only given a brief mention, if at all, in general American history classes.
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the endurance and brutal violence of life in the territories presented. Instead, there were embellishments, aggrandizing, and outright fabrications that only served to enlarge the legend of the civilizing of the West. In Tatjana Soli's newest novel, The Removes, she strips bare the romance of the time and place through the fictionalized stories of General George Armstrong "Autie" Custer, his wife Libbie, and an invented character, a girl named Anne Cummins who was abducted by the Cheyenne.The novel opens with a terrifying and graphic raid where 15 year old Anne Cummins' family is killed and she is captured by the Cheyenne and subsequently marched, weak and starving, to the tribe's temporary village. This attack is just one in a long line of back and forth killings and retributions between the Native tribes and the US Army and lays the groundwork for the subsequent depredations into territories promised to the Indians. Then the reader moves to a snapshot in time showing Custer's bravado during the Civil War when his star was rising swift and sure and then to a drawing room party in Monroe, Michigan where a popular and beloved only daughter, Libbie Bacon, meets the Civil War hero for the second time. Moving seamlessly between these three characters, the narrative carries on through Anne's horrific captivity, Libbie and her Autie's courtship and marriage, and Custer's Army exploits ending only in the wake of the Battle of Little Bighorn. Scattered in amongst the chapters centered on these three are snippets from newspapers, army reports, and narration from secondary characters, that serve to round out the picture of these very human people Soli has drawn.
From 1863 to 1876, Custer went from a Civil War hero to an Indian fighter, alternately praised and vilified by those in government and those under his command. He was ambitious and proud, smart and focused. He was also a larger than life dandy who, despite his great and enduring love for his wife, was a terrible womanizer. Despite the hardships of an Army life, it was really the only one that Custer was cut out for even as he had to balance his need for constant action and war with his growing realization of the emotional cost of his actions and the wrongness of the government's view of and intentions toward the Native peoples. During this same period, Libbie went from pampered society miss to loyal and stalwart army wife who endured hardships alongside her beloved husband. Her experiences living so remotely and without any of the accouterments she might have expected had she stayed home in Michigan as well as her disappointments with Custer's behaviour forged a steel backbone in her. Anne, during her captivity, endured abuse and privation with an outsized grit, intelligence, and determination, never giving up on the dream of being rescued but always surviving in the present no matter how harshly she was treated.
Soli doesn't shy away from the horror of the removes, writing scenes of appalling violence that hit the reader viscerally. She also doesn't avoid the truth of the mismanagement and duplicity of the US government in its dealings with the tribes and the way that these things led directly to Custer and his fellow soldier's campaigns and actions. The sections centered on Custer, the long and slow expeditions into inhospitable lands, the interminable monotony of days and days without any Indian sightings or of the chasing after of mirages, felt as long and slow as the operations themselves. The chapters focused on Libbie or Anne were completely different in tone to the Custer chapters, more engaging but still realistic in the portrayals of possible fates of women in the West, at the mercy of others, be it captors or the US government or a husband. Soli's writing is incredibly evocative and her descriptions of the vast and expansive landscape were gorgeously done. This is an impressive and unusual Western about a time and place not often honestly portrayed and only given a brief mention, if at all, in general American history classes.
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LibraryThing member BooksCooksLooks
This book follows the lives of three people; George Armstrong Custer, Libbie Custer and a young girl named Annie. I am sure all of you know the basics of Custer’s story including the debacle at Little Big Horn. As often happens with infamous men, the women behind them are often not as well known.
The book alternates stories between George, Libbie and Annie starting with George’s joining the Union side during the Civil War and becoming a War Hero at a young age due to his actions on the battlefield. It shows the progression of Libbie’s life from a sheltered young girl who really didn’t want to get married because she felt it was more of a prison sentence and would curtail her ability to read and do what she wanted – UNTIL she was reintroduced to childhood acquaintance George Custer now returned to town as a conquering hero.
Annie’s story is far less happy. She is living with her family on the prairie when their settlement is attached by Cheyenne and she is one of a few survivors taken prisoner. She survives by the skin of her teeth and is taken from place to place and traded from Chief to Chief – the Removes of the title – in a life of simply trying to survive in a place where she is not wanted.
As the two stories work towards their inevitable crossover the reader learns about the lives of George and Libbie from his internal struggles to her adjustments to living on the frontier. Annie’s tale is nothing but struggle and sorrow except for the birth of her two children; their conceptions were not pleasant experiences for her but she does come to love them, fiercely. So much so that when she finally finds her way home she wants nothing more than to get them back.
There is nothing easy about reading this book as it is not a happy tale. This period in the history of our country is a sad one. The treatment of the Native peoples was horrifying. The wars between Native tribes were horrifying. It was a violent time all around. Ms. Soli does not spare her reader that violence – either the war or the more personal types so be prepared for some difficult scenes to read.
That being written, this is an excellent book and one that is hard to put down despite the dark nature of the story. It is not all death and destruction but there are no happy endings here. I am not spoiling any plot points as the history has been written and we know the end of Mr. Custer. There is also much written record as to how the women rescued from being held prisoner by Native Tribes were treated after they tried to reintegrate into society. But don’t let that history deter you from reading this book. It is a story that will stay with you and make you think. It does not give you a clean, clear, happy ending for there wasn’t one. In that it tells the truth even though it is a book of fiction.
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I knew absolutely nothing about Custer’s wife prior to reading this novel. Annie is a fictional compilation of many of the white women taken hostage by Native Americans during this difficult time in history.The book alternates stories between George, Libbie and Annie starting with George’s joining the Union side during the Civil War and becoming a War Hero at a young age due to his actions on the battlefield. It shows the progression of Libbie’s life from a sheltered young girl who really didn’t want to get married because she felt it was more of a prison sentence and would curtail her ability to read and do what she wanted – UNTIL she was reintroduced to childhood acquaintance George Custer now returned to town as a conquering hero.
Annie’s story is far less happy. She is living with her family on the prairie when their settlement is attached by Cheyenne and she is one of a few survivors taken prisoner. She survives by the skin of her teeth and is taken from place to place and traded from Chief to Chief – the Removes of the title – in a life of simply trying to survive in a place where she is not wanted.
As the two stories work towards their inevitable crossover the reader learns about the lives of George and Libbie from his internal struggles to her adjustments to living on the frontier. Annie’s tale is nothing but struggle and sorrow except for the birth of her two children; their conceptions were not pleasant experiences for her but she does come to love them, fiercely. So much so that when she finally finds her way home she wants nothing more than to get them back.
There is nothing easy about reading this book as it is not a happy tale. This period in the history of our country is a sad one. The treatment of the Native peoples was horrifying. The wars between Native tribes were horrifying. It was a violent time all around. Ms. Soli does not spare her reader that violence – either the war or the more personal types so be prepared for some difficult scenes to read.
That being written, this is an excellent book and one that is hard to put down despite the dark nature of the story. It is not all death and destruction but there are no happy endings here. I am not spoiling any plot points as the history has been written and we know the end of Mr. Custer. There is also much written record as to how the women rescued from being held prisoner by Native Tribes were treated after they tried to reintegrate into society. But don’t let that history deter you from reading this book. It is a story that will stay with you and make you think. It does not give you a clean, clear, happy ending for there wasn’t one. In that it tells the truth even though it is a book of fiction.
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LibraryThing member Castlelass
Historical fiction that separately tells the stories of two women: George Armstrong Custer’s wife, Libbie, a real person, and Anne Cummins, a fictional character taken captive by the Cheyenne at age 15. Libbie’s story is based around her husband’s military career, as he rises through ranks,
The power in this novel is bringing to life a past time and place through the characters. I felt the characters were well-drawn, giving the reader insight into their motivations and feelings. The historical people are brought to life and felt nuanced and authentic. I enjoyed the author’s writing style. She vividly depicts the scenery, deprivations, and challenges of life in the 1860’s – 1870’s on the frontier, at military outposts, and in the tribal camps. By employing two related storylines, the author provides insight into almost all facets of life during the period. It was a brutal time in history and is depicted as such. Content warnings include graphic violence to people and animals, rape, starvation, mutilation, racism, and sexism. Recommended to readers that enjoy historical fiction of the period, or stories of life on the American frontier.
I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for a candid review. Publication date: June 12, 2018
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finds the limelight, and tackles various assignments. Anne’s story follows her assimilation into a new culture, as she migrates with and is traded to different tribes. As the story unfolds, we come to understand that Anne and Libbie have more in common than outward appearances would indicate. The power in this novel is bringing to life a past time and place through the characters. I felt the characters were well-drawn, giving the reader insight into their motivations and feelings. The historical people are brought to life and felt nuanced and authentic. I enjoyed the author’s writing style. She vividly depicts the scenery, deprivations, and challenges of life in the 1860’s – 1870’s on the frontier, at military outposts, and in the tribal camps. By employing two related storylines, the author provides insight into almost all facets of life during the period. It was a brutal time in history and is depicted as such. Content warnings include graphic violence to people and animals, rape, starvation, mutilation, racism, and sexism. Recommended to readers that enjoy historical fiction of the period, or stories of life on the American frontier.
I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for a candid review. Publication date: June 12, 2018
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Awards
WILLA Literary Award (Finalist — Historical Fiction — 2019)
Language
Original publication date
2018
ISBN
9781432854645