One Thousand White Women is the story of May Dodd and a colorful assembly of pioneer women who, under the auspices of the U.S. government, travel to the western prairies in 1875 to intermarry among the Cheyenne Indians. The covert and controversial “Brides for Indians” program, launched by the administration of Ulysses S. Grant, is intended to help assimilate the Indians into the white man’s … man’s world. Toward that end May and her friends embark upon the adventure of their lifetime. Jim Fergus has so vividly depicted the American West that it is as if these diaries are a capsule in time.
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I have much to say about this unusual novel, beginning with what I think is one of the most intriguing plot premises and one that is completely original, too.
During the term of Ulysses S. Grant, the Native Americans were still considered a problem by the US government, and a plan proposed by the Cheyenne was entertained for a while, that of …
The story was slow in starting but boy did it grab me and keep me interested but it was not what I was expecting. This is one of my all time favorite books
I have been wanting to read this book for along time. I finally got this audiobook. Let me just say I loved this book. I know that back then women had to rights and could be thrown into asylum by her husband or family for really anything. I love the story and some true events that happened back then. Those are the kinda of stories I loved reading. …
One Thousand White Women is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I read it several years ago and the characters and story stay with me more than most books I’ve read. Fergus takes us back in history to the American Wild West and uses his talents to create a story, very cleverly, through diary entries, that make the reader believe all is true. …
One Thousand White Women is historical FICTION that reads like nonfiction. In 1875 a chief from the Cheyennes approaches President Grant with a suggestion on how to bring Indians and white people together. Send the Cheyennes white women in exchange for horses. The marriages and children that result will help bridge the gap between the two peoples. …
Jim Fergus’ One Thousand White Women is a fascinating “what if” novel about the United States government agreeing to send 1,000 volunteer white women as brides to the Cheyenne people. As Chief Little Wolf explains the idea at a Washington D.C. meeting, “It is the Cheyenne way that all children who enter this world belong to their mother’s tribe.” …
a good amusement … based on a could have been situation
It’s a wonderful premise for a book. Even tho it’s not a true story, it’s based on the history of the time & takes you into the lives of both the white women & the Indians who both were considered savages. It also delves into the whole thought process of society & the settlers who came to this country and explains the what & why as to what …
I actually listened to this on audio and it was very interesting. So much so that I had to research the basis of the story and then delve into my own family history to see if anyone had participated. Great writing and a great story!
I love this book ! It tells the story of men selling women to the Indians for breeding with Indians to make a person the white people will not kill! Many twist of fate and a great read. I have read 7 times !
Excellent read, our Book Club read it
Absolutely riveting – felt like I was right there in the story!
In 1854, at a peace conference, a Cheyenne chief requested a gift of 1,000 white women as brides for his warriors. As a matrilineal society wherein all children born belong to the mother, this seemed a perfect way to assimilate into the white man’s world. The peace conference collapsed, the Cheyennes went home, the white women did not come.
In One …
Even though this is fiction you fall in love with the characters and their story. The old west, Native Americans and the white women the author tells about is a story rich in strength, love and belonging. What a beautiful story. I highly recommend this book.
Read 3.8.2021
One of the worst books I’ve ever read. Historically inaccurate, filled with stereotypes and ridiculous story lines.
One of my most favorite reads. Such an interesting concept, a man’s writing in the voice of 1800s woman. Passed this book on to several friends.
A very enjoyable read.
I enjoy fiction from the 1800’s. Struggles back them were really hard, especially for women. They were always someone’s property. Their fathers made decisions on their futures and once married, their husbands were their bosses. In this story, the main character, along with some others, had to make a decision and take a chance on something in …
Though written many years ago, this book has reappeared on bookstore shelves and will totally capture you . Though the main character is fictional, it is based on a true historical period and an actual movement by our government. The new things you will surely learn about how Native Americans were treated in the 1800’s (and after) as America …