Here is my book review of one of the books the Sexy Potatoe Peel Society has read: One Thousand White Women.

This "woman western" novel, full of Indian and Army characters from the wild west was a literary adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed it despite my frustration that the storyline was pure fiction but the details surrounding the description of the prairie landscape, the customs and lifestyle of the Indians, and the U.S. government's treatment of the Indians classified this book as historical fiction. The latter is all true as the author expended years of research.

Upon reading the first few chapters, the main character, May Dodd, is quite the feminist for her time period in the early 1900's. It had escaped my attention, on the front cover of the book, that the author was a man. I don't believe if we ever read a book where the main character is a woman, authored by a man. In reading other reviews, only a handful of readers (all women) considered his portrayal of the female protagonist out of touch with the world of the early 1900's. I would tend to disagree. Again, upon reading the book, I had no idea the author was a man.

May Dodd, is the glue and symbol of strength for this women's group, a cross-sectional swatch of society. This motley crew of women have volunteered to serve their country by marrying the "savages" as the Indians are often called, in order to teach them the white man's culture and thus incorporate them into the "civilized world".

We learn true accounts of the different Indian tribes including their holistic lifestyle, efficient ways, and reverence for the earth. At the same time the savage within reveals their dark side. It seems neither the white man's world or the "Injun" world is perfect. Both have their wondrous ways and bucolic vices.

You will learn a lot from this book and enjoy a true adventure. There is no doubt, that brave women like May Dodd did exist and continue their outspoken habits to ensure equal rights among men!