What do you think?
Rate this book
Plain Language
Virginia Mendenhall, a Quaker from North Carolina, is thirty-three years old when she travels to the arid plains of eastern Colorado in the mid-1930s to marry Alfred Bowen, ten years her senior. They have met only twice and have come to love each other through letters. Now, on an isolated ranch in the Dust Bowl, they must adjust to the harsh ranching life and the dangers of an untamed landscape, as well as the differences between them.
With an extended drought worsening the impact of the Depression in the West, neighbors turn against neighbors, and secrets from Alfred and Virginia's pasts come back to haunt them. But it is the arrival of Virginia's troubled brother on the ranch that sets off a chain of events with life-and-death consequences for them all.
Plain Language is a beautifully told tale of a man and woman fighting against tremendous odds for their land -- and their love.
With an extended drought worsening the impact of the Depression in the West, neighbors turn against neighbors, and secrets from Alfred and Virginia's pasts come back to haunt them. But it is the arrival of Virginia's troubled brother on the ranch that sets off a chain of events with life-and-death consequences for them all.
Plain Language is a beautifully told tale of a man and woman fighting against tremendous odds for their land -- and their love.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
4 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Wright
4 books28 followersBarbara Wright grew up in North Carolina and has lived in France, Korea, and El Salvador. Her novels include Crow (Random House) Easy Money (Algonquin) and Plain Language (Touchstone/Simon & Schuster), which won a Spur Award from the Western Writers of America. She has worked as a fact checker for Esquire Magazine and as a screenwriter. She lives in Denver with her husband and plays tennis and jazz piano in her spare time.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 21, 2009
Another guilty pleasure book to read on the subway...
This book tells the story of Virginia, a Quaker philanthropist, and Alfred, a rancher with family issues, who marry each other after falling in love through letters but have only met in person twice before their wedding day. They try to survive, physically and financially, on the dust bowl (and thus during the great depression).
On the one hand, I have to admit that the writing of the book was not the best. The book felt as if it had been written in pieces - oftentimes essential pieces of information would be repeated more than once or referenced as new material when it wasn't, as if the author had written the boof out of order and then pieced it together later. It also got a little to 'explainy' sometimes, meaning that it sometimes felt more like a textbook than a novel. This was especially true, for some reason, when the author described Virginia's Quaker faith, so much that I have a hunch that whoever wrote this book was trying to teach Quakerism!
On the other hand, despite the rough moments in the text, the overall story and language made it a can't-put-it-down read. I became very attached to Virginia and Alfred's marriage, and I found the ups and downs to be completely believable, even insightful. Wright's portrayal of the dustbowl, too, was utterly engrossing. One time, I was so involved in the story that, when I walked outside and saw that it was raining I almost jumped for joy at the sight of rain, until I realized that I was in New York and not 1930s Colorado! :P
This book tells the story of Virginia, a Quaker philanthropist, and Alfred, a rancher with family issues, who marry each other after falling in love through letters but have only met in person twice before their wedding day. They try to survive, physically and financially, on the dust bowl (and thus during the great depression).
On the one hand, I have to admit that the writing of the book was not the best. The book felt as if it had been written in pieces - oftentimes essential pieces of information would be repeated more than once or referenced as new material when it wasn't, as if the author had written the boof out of order and then pieced it together later. It also got a little to 'explainy' sometimes, meaning that it sometimes felt more like a textbook than a novel. This was especially true, for some reason, when the author described Virginia's Quaker faith, so much that I have a hunch that whoever wrote this book was trying to teach Quakerism!
On the other hand, despite the rough moments in the text, the overall story and language made it a can't-put-it-down read. I became very attached to Virginia and Alfred's marriage, and I found the ups and downs to be completely believable, even insightful. Wright's portrayal of the dustbowl, too, was utterly engrossing. One time, I was so involved in the story that, when I walked outside and saw that it was raining I almost jumped for joy at the sight of rain, until I realized that I was in New York and not 1930s Colorado! :P
August 3, 2020
3.5 (yes, I rounded up instead of down because the last half of the book was strong)
The first 100 or so pages were shaky. The author was still pulling together storylines, and the editor apparently didn't provide enough guidance. The forced use of similes is a particular peeve of mine, and in quite a few places the author seemed to step back and provide information didactically instead of weaving the facts into the story.
For example, on pp 111 and 112, Alfred tells Virginia,
"I come from a line of headstrong women," ... He ... playfully squeezed her knee, then continued the story. ... What follows doesn't sound like someone telling a story. Here are a few sentences from the 'story':
The wagon train gathered at the Missouri River, the ancient boundary between East and West. Here, the lush grass to the east that grew to up to eight feet gave way to the shorter, sturdier grass that topped out at four. ...
Except for one page of factual info about Quakerism, references to Virginia's faith seemed appropriate. The descriptions of life with someone who is mentally unstable were realistically handled. The story ended leaving me with a sense that these people were survivors.
The first 100 or so pages were shaky. The author was still pulling together storylines, and the editor apparently didn't provide enough guidance. The forced use of similes is a particular peeve of mine, and in quite a few places the author seemed to step back and provide information didactically instead of weaving the facts into the story.
For example, on pp 111 and 112, Alfred tells Virginia,
"I come from a line of headstrong women," ... He ... playfully squeezed her knee, then continued the story. ... What follows doesn't sound like someone telling a story. Here are a few sentences from the 'story':
The wagon train gathered at the Missouri River, the ancient boundary between East and West. Here, the lush grass to the east that grew to up to eight feet gave way to the shorter, sturdier grass that topped out at four. ...
Except for one page of factual info about Quakerism, references to Virginia's faith seemed appropriate. The descriptions of life with someone who is mentally unstable were realistically handled. The story ended leaving me with a sense that these people were survivors.
June 19, 2018
A lovely story of Albert and Virginia, a not-so-young newly married couple trying to establish a cattle ranch in Colorado during the Depression. Both in their 30s, each brings their own baggage into the relationship, and this all gently unfolds in this beautifully written story. Virginia brings her Quaker upbringing and surprising passions and Albert brings his failure to live up to the promise of his older brother who died too young. Add in Virginia's brother who suffered a traumatic head injury during the war, a simple but loving laundress and some great, some not-so-great neighbors and you've got quite a tale of love and persistence.
Read
July 5, 2023This novel and my copy are from 2003. I think it was sent to me as a "bonus" (either intentional or unintentional) from a close-out online bookstore I order from. It was as entertaining/interesting as novels usually are. It takes place during the 30's depression/dust bowl on a ranch in eastern Colorado with the hardships one would imagine from such a setting. The married couple at the center of the story succeed emotionally even if the they may lose the ranch in the end. The female character at the center of the story is Quaker, and her faith plays a part in the story, so I will pass this book along to a Quaker friend of mine.
April 22, 2019
#unreadshelfproject2019 Thoroughly enjoyed this tale which takes place in the dust bowl of Colorado. Albert’s new bride is coming from a Quaker life to help him run the ranch. They barely know each other, but both are excited to start their life. The couple will find great love among the hardships of life in the dust bowl and the depression. I really enjoyed all the character, even the ancillary ones. The book has a list of questions for book clubs. Some are very thought provoking and would lead to great discussion.
November 13, 2022
The story of husband and wife trying to make their ranch survive the height of the great depression while also facing terrible circumstances of luck - bad weather, starting off with little money, just having gotten married.
Virginia is a quaker and moves sight unseen to the ranch with Alfred. Alfred grew up on a ranch and after exploring other life paths decides to try to make his own ranch successful, seemingly in spite of his father. While Virginia adjusts to life on the ranch and Alfred adjusts to not being alone - the two decide to have Virginia’s brother, who has been mentally afflicted due to an injury in the war, join them on the ranch.
Tales of family, isolation, and love - a story of trying to make it against all odds.
My overall opinion was this book had very little depth behind the context and the characters and plots were as deep as the words written. A fine book overall but not very thought provoking. Perhaps like the quaker culture - simple.
Virginia is a quaker and moves sight unseen to the ranch with Alfred. Alfred grew up on a ranch and after exploring other life paths decides to try to make his own ranch successful, seemingly in spite of his father. While Virginia adjusts to life on the ranch and Alfred adjusts to not being alone - the two decide to have Virginia’s brother, who has been mentally afflicted due to an injury in the war, join them on the ranch.
Tales of family, isolation, and love - a story of trying to make it against all odds.
My overall opinion was this book had very little depth behind the context and the characters and plots were as deep as the words written. A fine book overall but not very thought provoking. Perhaps like the quaker culture - simple.
September 20, 2017
Nothing special- at times it was tedious to read. The characters' back stories were much more interesting than the novel's present day, and I got a bit bored by the nonstop references to Virginia's Quaker faith.
June 21, 2011
"Plain Language" is rich with all the beautiful things that make the novel my favorite form: a small story that personalizes a sweeping historical (or current) issue/event, a probing exploration of relationships, questions of meaning in human struggle, and stunning descriptions of setting. I was moved by the straightforward look at the harsh realities and softer mysteries that make marriage a unique partnership. Virginia and Alfred are different in their beliefs, yet alike in their no-nonsense views of the world. I loved watching them join, separate, and join again, and seeing their conjoined life from both viewpoints. The significance of forgiveness was poignant.
I also loved learning about the dust bowl in Colorado, and about the Quaker religion. I thought Quakerism was a perfect match for the starkness of the landscape. Author Barbara Wright showed me the subtle beauty of the prairie, something I'll admit I typically overlook. I appreciated the way she kept reminding me of the constant dust and wind, which kept me alert to the precariousness of the couple's situation and heightened the dramatic tension. I was so impressed that I read these two passages aloud to my husband:
"He always watched for rain, hoped for it, prayed for it, knowing full well it never came at the right time or in the right amount. It came down too hard, in the form of hail, or in vertical spears that washed out roads and ran off the pastures without soaking in. It came too early or too late. More recently, it didn't come at all."
AND
"The wind blew every day on the prairie, and Virginia soon became accustomed to its background noise, which sometimes resembled a hum, or sometimes a moan or a howl, and other times the gunning of a motor. The ill-fitting windows rattled like dancing bones and admitted enough dust into the house to form ripples in the floor if left unattended. This was not the light fluff that formed dust kittens under furniture and that, at the slightest gust, floated across the room on a cushion of air. No, this dust was more like pulverized glass, and it blasted the paint off buildings, scoured the color from license plates, and drew blood when it collided with bare skin."
In its way, "Plain Language" wasn't so much plain as it was downright poetic.
I also loved learning about the dust bowl in Colorado, and about the Quaker religion. I thought Quakerism was a perfect match for the starkness of the landscape. Author Barbara Wright showed me the subtle beauty of the prairie, something I'll admit I typically overlook. I appreciated the way she kept reminding me of the constant dust and wind, which kept me alert to the precariousness of the couple's situation and heightened the dramatic tension. I was so impressed that I read these two passages aloud to my husband:
"He always watched for rain, hoped for it, prayed for it, knowing full well it never came at the right time or in the right amount. It came down too hard, in the form of hail, or in vertical spears that washed out roads and ran off the pastures without soaking in. It came too early or too late. More recently, it didn't come at all."
AND
"The wind blew every day on the prairie, and Virginia soon became accustomed to its background noise, which sometimes resembled a hum, or sometimes a moan or a howl, and other times the gunning of a motor. The ill-fitting windows rattled like dancing bones and admitted enough dust into the house to form ripples in the floor if left unattended. This was not the light fluff that formed dust kittens under furniture and that, at the slightest gust, floated across the room on a cushion of air. No, this dust was more like pulverized glass, and it blasted the paint off buildings, scoured the color from license plates, and drew blood when it collided with bare skin."
In its way, "Plain Language" wasn't so much plain as it was downright poetic.
August 26, 2012
I found this one pretty pleasant and very much enjoyed the ending, which was probably the most germane of any book I've ever read; it fit perfectly with every internal journey each of the characters made during the course of the book. The last line uttered by Alfred just gave me chills and made me nod. Yes, I thought, this is as it should be.
For being so "dusty" a book, the setting didn't bother me and I was able to focus on the story of Virginia, the Quaker woman, coming to terms with her self-made situation in life and new marriage to a man she barely knew. I also learned about Alfred, the man struggling to become a rancher and prove himself worthy of his father's love, standing the whole time in his dead brother's shadow.
It's obvious this writer has written before - she's good at it. The story is solid, the themes timeless, the characters complex, and the conclusions appropriate. I only wanted it to be a bit more charismatic but I'm unsure how the author could have done that. Three and a half stars.
For being so "dusty" a book, the setting didn't bother me and I was able to focus on the story of Virginia, the Quaker woman, coming to terms with her self-made situation in life and new marriage to a man she barely knew. I also learned about Alfred, the man struggling to become a rancher and prove himself worthy of his father's love, standing the whole time in his dead brother's shadow.
It's obvious this writer has written before - she's good at it. The story is solid, the themes timeless, the characters complex, and the conclusions appropriate. I only wanted it to be a bit more charismatic but I'm unsure how the author could have done that. Three and a half stars.
August 9, 2014
Admittedly I was drawn to this book for the Quaker protagonist, as I find Quaker novels are pretty hard to find. This book was surprisingly "preachy," given that a major tenant of Quakerism is to love and respect all beliefs, but, that aside--
The descriptions of the dustbowl and Virginia and Alfred's marriage were very believable and potent. This book really has that part nailed and overall it was an enjoyable read. I was sad to acknowledge that the Quaker part did little to enhance the story, except for that Virginia's character broke the mold of the Quakers being represented as completely meek and submissive. If you enjoy a simple sweet (but realistic) love story and have interest in the Dust Bowl, this book is definitely for you!
The descriptions of the dustbowl and Virginia and Alfred's marriage were very believable and potent. This book really has that part nailed and overall it was an enjoyable read. I was sad to acknowledge that the Quaker part did little to enhance the story, except for that Virginia's character broke the mold of the Quakers being represented as completely meek and submissive. If you enjoy a simple sweet (but realistic) love story and have interest in the Dust Bowl, this book is definitely for you!
February 14, 2008
This was a surprise great read. I found it on the bargain shelf at Barnes and Noble --- and luckily, it was great. The story takes place in Colorado during the Depression and Dust Bowl as two individuals who married late in life (after only meeting twice) make a go of it. Their love of the land and each other makes for a memorable read. I certainly recommend it to those who survived the Depression and Dust Bowl in the west (which my mom did). Well written and beautifully described from start to finish. I also liked how the author allowed the female character, with her Quaker roots, to play such a balanced role in the life of the couple's ranch.
December 9, 2008
Found it interesting enough to finish. The only other thing I've read from the region/era is Grapes of Wrath and its tough to be compared to Steinbeck. I have a great deal of respect for the Quaker faith and value system so I'm glad to have seen that tied in. When I start to think too critically of a book, I remind myself how challenged I am writting a 4 sentence review that no one will read or critique!
May 13, 2015
Keeping secrets from one's new spouse is never a good idea, especially if you've only met each other twice. Family secrets are particularly bad and seem to always trump honesty and sometimes even love. In this case Virginia and hubby Albert learn to eventually incorporate and accept all of "The Stuff" into themselves and each other BUT there are still major issues to sort out.
August 26, 2008
This just looked interesting, but I really learned a lot about Quakers and it prompted me to learn as much as I could. I think it helped me understand more than the pamphlets I got from the Quaker group in Omaha.
February 15, 2009
I was drawn to this book since I was interested in learning about the Dust Bowl and Quakerism and was not the least disappointed. It seemed relevant to the situation so many are in with today's economy.
April 30, 2010
Story is about a Quaker family in Colorado during the depression. I had read this before but did not discover that until the end! Very good book. This book let me see the Quaker sensuality or normalcy. It made me interested in the Quaker religion.
June 25, 2010
I saw this at the AAUW book sale and thought it looked interesting. Overall I didn't like it and had to force myself to finish it. In parts it was slightly interesting, but it just wasn't well done overall.
April 23, 2012
I liked the story and the fact that I kept thinking about the character and her life even when i wasn't reading the book. The story isn't anything amazing but it made me appreciate the things i have, and that is always worthwhile for me.
August 12, 2012
I enjoyed reading about people in the dust bowl era who were able to survive a period of history in remarkable ways. This is a great fictional account based on the writer's interviews with an actual person who lived through the depression out on the plains.
April 24, 2013
With all my connections to the Colorado prairie and dryland farming, I couldn't help but be caught up in this novel. I also learned about Quakerism and ranching, etc. This novel is not the best written work on the topic, but it caught me at the right time and made me appreciate my lot in life.
March 23, 2008
a short read....not one of my favorites but for some odd reason I felt the need to finish it.
May 8, 2008
I enjoy Little House type books. Where you learn about how pioneers lived on the prairie, etc. This one happened to overlap with a non-fiction book I read recently about the Dust Bowl era.
November 30, 2009
I liked this novel of a married couple trying to eke a living out of a western ranch.
September 19, 2010
Lyrical writing style, but her voice/perspective on ranching life was not as authentic as I would have liked and the transitions between points of view were a bit jarring.
November 21, 2010
I enjoyed the ranching western setting. The story of a wordly woman learning the ways of a hardworking farm and ranch life and the hardships she and husband endured and overcame were inspiring.
April 23, 2011
Written in memory of Elizabeth Jensen, a Quaker rancher born in 1900. I loved the ending.
September 12, 2013
Insight into the humans that endured the Dustbowl while retaining their humanity. Easy, pleasant read.
August 9, 2013
Compelling, beautiful descriptions of 1930's eastern Colorado
March 4, 2014
Got bored with the story. Quit reading half way through.
July 14, 2010
interesting topic to read about
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews