'One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd' by Jim Fergus is a historical fiction novel set in the USA West in 1875. The story revolves around the character of May Dodd, who becomes part of a government program where white women are sent to marry Cheyenne Indians as a means of assimilation. The narrative is presented in the form of journals written by May Dodd, detailing her experiences and the challenges faced by the women involved in this social experiment. explores themes of cultural assimilation, complex characters, and the harsh realities of life on the frontier.

Characters:

The characters are a mix of well-conceived and stereotypical figures, with the protagonist May Dodd exhibiting strength and complexity while many supporting characters remain flat and lacking in depth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines journal entries with narrative storytelling, though it draws criticism for often feeling anachronistic and clichéd in its dialogue and character portrayals.

Plot/Storyline:

The novel's plot revolves around the imaginative exploration of an actual historical event where a deal was proposed to trade white women for Cheyenne horses, focusing on the character May Dodd's experience in this fictional narrative.

Setting:

The setting is intricately woven into the plot, providing a vivid backdrop of the American West that enhances the story's exploration of cultural encounters.

Pacing:

The pacing varies throughout the narrative, with a slow start giving way to more engaging action, though some critiques highlight sections as unnecessarily lengthy.

Notes:

The novel is based on a real historical proposal made by a Cheyenne chief in 1854 asking for 1,000 white women to be sent as brides for his warriors to help assimilate Native Americans into white society.

The protagonist, May Dodd, is committed to an asylum by her wealthy parents for living with a man of lower social standing and having children out of wedlock.

The story explores themes of cultural assimilation, identity, and the harsh realities faced by both Native Americans and white women during the 19th century.

The book is written in the form of journal entries and letters, which provides a personal and intimate perspective on the experiences of the women involved.

Many of the white women in the story come from diverse backgrounds, including prisons and mental institutions, and are portrayed with unique personalities and struggles.

The character of Captain Bourke, who has a romantic interest in May Dodd, is based on a real historical figure who wrote accounts of his experiences with Native Americans.

The setting involves significant historical events like the Great Plains conflicts and the U.S. government's policies towards Native Americans during the time period.

The narrative reflects a juxtaposition of perspectives, showing the complexity of the relationship between white settlers and Native tribes as well as the struggles of women seeking freedom and identity.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include themes of sexual assault, mental health issues, and violence.

Has Romance?

The novel contains a moderate amount of romance, especially in May's relationships with both Captain Bourke and Chief Little Wolf.

From The Publisher:

Based on an actual historical event but told through fictional diaries, this is the story of May Dodd-a remarkable woman who, in 1875, travels through the American West to marry the chief of the Cheyenne Nation.

One Thousand White Women begins with May Dodd's journey into an unknown world. Having been committed to an insane asylum by her blue-blood family for the crime of loving a man beneath her station, May finds that her only hope for freedom and redemption is to participate in a secret government program whereby women from "civilized" society become the brides of Cheyenne warriors. What follows is a series of breathtaking adventures-May's brief, passionate romance with the gallant young army captain John Bourke; her marriage to the great chief Little Wolf; and her conflict of being caught between loving two men and living two completely different lives.

"Fergus portrays the perceptions and emotions of women…with tremendous insight and sensitivity."-Booklist

"A superb tale of sorrow, suspense, exultation, and triumph." -Winston Groom, author of Forrest Gump

Ratings (9)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (4)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (2)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (31):

Read It (9)
Want To Read (16)
Not Interested (6)

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About the Author:

Jim Fergus is field editor and monthly columnist for sports Afield magazine and also writes a monthly feature on the AllOutdoors.com Web site. His work has appeared in numerous national magazines and newspapers, and he is the author of the nonfiction book A Hunter's Road. He lives in northern Colorado.

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One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd

Jim Fergus

Book 1 in the series:Thousand White Women