Synopses & Reviews
In a compelling fiction debut, Nancy E. Turner's unforgettable
These Is My Words melds the sweeping adventures and dramatic landscapes of
Lonesome Dove with the heartfelt emotional saga of
Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All.Inspired by the author's original family memoirs, this absorbing story introduces us to the questing, indomitable Sarah Prine, one of the most memorable women ever to survive and prevail in the Arizona Territory of the late 1800s. As a child, a fiery young woman, and finally a caring mother, Sarah forges a life as full and as fascinating as our deepest needs, our most secret hopes and our grandest dreams. She rides Indian-style and shoots with deadly aim, greedily devours a treasure trove of leatherbound books, downs fire, flood, Comanche raids and other mortal perils with the unique courage that forged the character of the American West.
Rich in authentic details of daily life and etched with striking character portraits of very different pioneer families, this action-packed novel is also the story of a powerful, enduring love between Sarah and the dashing cavalry officer Captain Jack Elliot. Neither the vast distances traveled nor the harsh and killing terrains could quench the passion between them, and the loss and loneliness both suffer only strengthen their need for each other.
While their love grows, the heartbreak and wonder of the frontier experience unfold in scene after scene: a wagon-train Sunday spent roasting quail on spits as Indians close in to attack; Sarah's silent encounter with an Indian brave, in which he shows her his way of respect; a dreadful discovery by a stream that changes Sarah forever; the hazards of a visit to Phoenix, a town as hot as the devil's frying pan; Sarah's joy in building a real home, sketching out rooms and wraparound porches.
Sarah's incredible story leads us into a vanished world that comes vividly to life again, while her struggles with work and home, love and responsibility resonate with those every woman faces today. These Is My Words is a passionate celebration of a remarkable life, exhilarating and gripping from the first page to the last.
Review
“a lushly satisfying romance, period-authentic, with true-grit pioneering” Kirkus
Review
“Belongs on your must-read list. This novel is a gem.” Omaha World Herald
Review
“Clear, at times lyrical prose...providing vivid, colorful characters and historically accurate backdrop.” The Washington Post
Review
This is a beautifully written book that quickly captures readers attention and holds it tightly and emotionally until the end. Library Journal
Review
“Incredibly vivid and real and almost as though everything had been found, complete in a box somewhere.” The Washington Post
Review
“A vivid picture of one womans true grit on the frontier.” Dallas Morning News
Review
“These Is My Words is an entertaining...at times harrowing...reading experience.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Review
“A compelling portrait of an enduring love, the rough old West and a memorable pioneer.” Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
"Belongs on your must-read list. This novel is a gem." -Omaha World-Herald
The classic adventure of one courageous woman's life and struggles in the Arizona Territories in the late nineteenth century
A moving, exciting, and heartfelt American saga inspired by the author's own family memoirs, these words belong to Sarah Prine, a woman of spirit and fire who forges a full and remarkable existence in a harsh, unfamiliar frontier. Scrupulously recording her steps down the path Providence has set her upon--from child to determined young adult to loving mother--she shares the turbulent events, both joyous and tragic, that molded her, and recalls the enduring love with cavalry officer Captain Jack Elliot that gave her strength and purpose.
Rich in authentic everyday details and alive with truly unforgettable characters, These Is My Words brilliantly brings a vanished world to breathtaking life again.
Synopsis
"Belongs on your must-read list. This novel is a gem." --Omaha World-Herald
Nancy E. Turner's unforgettable These Is My Words melds the sweeping adventures and dramatic landscapes of Lonesome Dove with the heartfelt emotional saga of Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All.
A moving, exciting, and heartfelt American saga inspired by the author's own family memoirs, these words belong to Sarah Prine, a woman of spirit and fire who forges a full and remarkable existence in a harsh, unfamiliar frontier. Scrupulously recording her steps down the path Providence has set her upon--from child to determined young adult to loving mother--she shares the turbulent events, both joyous and tragic, that molded her, and recalls the enduring love with cavalry officer Captain Jack Elliot that gave her strength and purpose.
Rich in authentic everyday details and alive with truly unforgettable characters, These Is My Words brilliantly brings a vanished world to breathtaking life again.
Synopsis
Inspired by the author's original family memoirs, this absorbing novel introduces students to the questing, indomitable Sarah Prine, one of the most memorable women ever to survive and prevail in the Arizona Territory of the late 1800s.aRich in authentic details of daily life and etched with striking character portraits of very different pioneer families, this action-packed novel will immerse students in the heartbreak and wonder of the frontier experience.aSarah's incredible story leads readers into a vanished world that comes vividly to life again, while her struggles with work and home, love and responsibility will resonate with the students of today. These Is My Words is a passionate celebration of a remarkable life, exhilarating and gripping from the first page to the last.aQuestions for class discussion are included. For instance: aAlthough she remains -quaintly unsophisticated' throughout her life, Sarah's thirst for education fuels much of the plot. How does her education change her and those around her? What other themes are woven through the novel?aaFrom These Is My WordsaDecember 25, 1881aI climbed up inside and found the dearest treasure I think I have ever seen. The wagon bed was lined with boxes of books. Books and books, stacked and packed in rows...Some of them were story books, some of them seemed to be schoolbooks, and were about things I don't know of, and one is a magical book, with a big D on it, a book of words to learn to spell and what they mean.aSeptember 1, 1888aApril's first day at school. I walked with her almost all the way there...When she was gone, a strange feeling came over me, and I sat at my kitchen table and put my face in my hands. I am terribly envious of my own child. She has no idea what a blessing is being handed to her, and I can only dream of what I might have learned if I had ever lived near a school.
About the Author
Nancy E. Turner is the author of several works of fiction, including The Water and the Blood and Sarah's Quilt. She has been a seam snipper in a clothing factory, a church piano player, a paleontologist's aide, and an executive secretary. She lives in Tucson, Arizona, with her husband and two children.