I love this book! Feminism in one of the earliest of forms, alive and well in Harriet. I adored each character, all of the tough decisions, and all of the issues faced by the characters individually that made them stronger as a whole group. Very well crafted.

Ostrom's meticulous details, descriptions of nature, and character development bring this intriguing pioneer, coming-of-age story to life. A joy to read.

I'm predisposed to enjoy a story where the female main character disguises herself as a boy- whether that is for safety, education, freedom... or to save her father from certain death while fighting the Hun army :)
The Beloved Wild started out a little slow, as our heroine (feisty and unfortunately named: Harriet Submit Winter) resists the expectations that are placed on her as a girl in the early 1800's. When her favorite brother decides he is going to be a pioneer and journey to the Genesee Valley in Western New York, she resolved to join him and make a fresh start for herself. The decision to travel as a boy was Harriet's way of testing the waters- find out what life could be like if she wasn't always cooking, mending, waiting on the men in her life. Her family expects her to marry their closest neighbor, Daniel Long, but Harriet feels apprehensive about marriage and childbirth (so many women she knows have died young, including her own mother) There is quite a bit about daily life and family relationships, then adventure and survival once they set off for pioneer life. The supporting characters are nicely explored, as Harriet learns that other people have layers too! (there's more to Daniel than DUL and more to Rachel than girlish silliness, etc. ) Harriet's feminist ideas are surprising for the time period, but wonderful and exciting to explore- especially as she chooses her own path and realizes that everything doesn't have to be black and white (and marriage doesn't have to mean suffering and submitting to your husband)

Historical fiction. I liked the writing style and character development well enough but it’s just missing something to bring it all together in a satisfying read. I liked the story line but the pacing is off and it’s missing narrative drive. No real action. Middle schoolers would likely have little patience with it.

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this. Progressive, feminist Laura Ingalls meets Elizabeth Bennett in this pioneer story.

If you're looking for a book that brings you back to your LITTLE HOUSE days but with more cross-dressing and less saccharine, check out this book. Read my full review over at Forever Young Adult.