Makes you appreciate your female ancestors
930509
This novel paints a picture of the very early stages of the women's movement in Victorian England. One of the most influential novel of its time, it will capture the interest of people today who want to understand how women dealt with their status in society at the time. The title comes from the fact that single women outnumbered single men at this time and place, and women had to find a way to survive in a society that had few viable options for women who were single and wanted to make an honest living and live a respectable life. The characters are skillfully and sympathetically drawn, and the story makes you really appreciate living in the current century.
3353647
The author vividly breathes life into her ancestors.  She recreates their periods so that for example, you feel like you are really in India with Robert Anderson as he defends his garrison against the mutineers.  I can only hope that some descendant of mine manages to write such an interesting story about my life!  D Ljung
3334774
I thourouly enjoyed reading this bit of our history through the eyes of some of those that lived through these times!!  It also gives me  a new appreciation of how far women have come in our times!  We still have so much farther to go with equal rights, and our treatment of cultures
 and understanding of them.
4613493
I found this an interesting book that made me reflect on the importance, or not, of a persons ancestral origin.
2857215
For those of us not too far removed from the stories that are recounted here, this is a trip down memory lane. For younger people it's a good lesson and reminder of how tough their ancestors were and how they truly labored and sacrificed for what they achieved.
The writing isn't the best, but I am grateful someone took the time to record the stories of these women.
2505941
Great story of sisterhood and family.  Strong female characters with a dash of history and finding strength by focusing on personal values.
4250564
I can relate to these women, as I'm of Asian descent and can remember the stories my Mom told me of the hardships of her mother and father, growing up poor in rural China.  However, living in a matriarchal society did not afford any privileges for these strong women.
348573
It really got me to thinking just how lucky women are in this century.  Yikes!  It was an excellent read, well written and carried you along with the story line.
468012
This book is a simple, yet enchanting history of my family tree, going as far back as the history could be traced. Written by my Aunt Joy, this book gives a relatively detailed, yet easy-to-read dialogue of my family history, as told from the old stories passed down from my before my great-grandfather, William Porter Kidder, to my grandfather, Milton Clint "Polk" Kidder, to my Aunts, all seven of them, and to my father, Kent, the youngest Kidder Kid, and only boy, until my brother was born. Reading this book, and looking at the pictures of my family members from before I was born help to give me a since of my past, and hopefully give me insight to my future. A sequel of sorts, "The Kidder Horses," further tells of the Kidder Family Legacy. A nice book for family research, or just for fun, "Kidder Kids" should keep anybody entertained.
>Shelly Kidder
4318079
Interesting to join the three ladies together.  If you;re interested in this era helps to put history in perspective.  Bring on more.
2114035
I said there is no violence or sexual content but there is some, but done is such a respectful manor. It is a beautiful story of 4 generations and you get to experience the history and the emotions of these beautiful women.
1612838
I love reading books that also tell about the history along with a great story. I think books like this remind us of where we come from. I have been researching my ancestry and have relatives from that time in Virgina. Books like this inspire me to keep digging deeper and learning more about my roots.
2560672
After helping my mother self-publish her childhood memories (My Flint Hills Childhood: Growing up in 1930s Kansas), I have great respect for anyone doing the same project.

Eva Segar draws little stories from her memories, some going back to her toddler days. One sees the gritty struggle to survive in those hard times. Little Eva observes the illness and death of her grandmother, the effort to keep the family from going hungry and the good times too.

There are school day memories and descriptions of farm life at that time. I enjoyed it, though at times she is a bit self-conscious and stiff in her writing.

If you have Tritt or Segar ancestors in Missouri, this will particularly interest you.
504643
I would recommend this book to other women who like history or the Victorian Era-it's a real window on that time period.  The pictures are priceless.
942639
While some stories "ramble" a bit,  if you love having female friends to kvetch with, laugh with, complain with, share your time with... this is great to keep near your bathroom for "longer trips," or in your favorite place, so you can pick it up anytime.

I have a few favorites, and I'm sure you will too, if you have not purchased it. While it sits on my shelf a lot, I know I'll find a piece I really like. "Post Humus," by Patti Tana is my favorite--and most reminds me of me.

Note: I find it best to read the piece first (especially if it's not a long one), and reread it again, slowly, to really enjoy the imagery. It's worth the gift to yourself. Women are amazing... so are many men, like my love of 36 yrs.

I really dislike the cover photo. It always reminds me of my deceased, stoic grandmother! The book deserves a better cover. We shouldn't have to look so suspicious, as this woman does.  Eewww....
1506770
I love history, and this turn-of-the-century film looked interesting enough that I decided to give it a whirl. I'm very glad I did.

The relationship between Samantha, her 'Grandmary,' and especially her Uncle Gard was great. The grandmother obviously loved her, and took her in after her parents were killed in a boating accident. The uncle is the kind of uncle we all wish we were blessed with. Wasn't sure how much I would like Cornelia (Gard's fiancee/wife), but she quickly became a favorite, too. It was the relationship between Samantha and Nellie I loved the most though.

Samantha grew up in a privileged family, while Nellie was raised the daughter of a poor laborer, yet after they meet, they become the best of friends. There are places that will make you mad, places where you may be outraged at the way poor children were treated back then, but mostly you will just enjoy this movie - if historical family movies are your thing.
1140512
It helps to have background  knowledge of these females before you start reading.  The book is written with sincerity and fondness (nothing gossipy or mean-spirited).  Well-written and worth the read.