The Price of the Prairie A Story of Kansas

by Margaret Hill McCarter

First published in 1910 this story of settlers in post-Civil War Kansas, which was the author's first novel, went through three editions in its first year. Twenty years after its publication she had earned $75,000 from its sale. She published many other successful novels, including A Master's Degree, A Wall of Men, and Homeland: A Present Day Love Story.

Genres: History

497 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 1910

Reviews

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two recent vintage novels that I read had protagonists who were rich and self-seeking. Their biggest obstacle to overcome was boredom. So it was a relief to find a novel with a hero and heroine who put other people above themselves and refused to use others as a stepping stone to their happiness.

The book begins, "This little love story of the prairies is dedicated to all who believe that the defense of the helpless is heroism; that the protection of the home is splendid achievement; and, that the storm, and stress, and patient endurance of the day will bring us at last to the peace of the purple twilight."

The Civil War has ended and families from both the North and the South are settling in Kansas to begin a new life. With a love story at the novel's center, McCarter weaves actual history into the story with mentions of General Custer, Cheyenne Indians Black Kettle and Roman Nose, Kiowa Chief Satanta, the Indian War, and the Blizzard of 1868.

She may have bitten off a little more than she could chew because the plot got a little convoluted (and melodramatic) near the end. And the book - on my kindle - was almost 500 pages. I skimmed over a couple of chapters having to do with the Indian battles.

In spite of the very non-PC view of Indians (as irredeemable savages) and two instances of the "n" word, this is better than most vintage fiction. The Price of the Prairie was written in 1910.

[Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give it 10 stars I would. Found the original 1902 book in a thrift store and decided to give it a chance not my usual pick to read. I love this book it was the last thing in my hand before I fell asleep and the first to put in my hands when I woke. People who rate this book low because of the "Indians" grow up it was written in 1902!!!

[Carol Blakeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to rate this one. It’s written in the flowery language of 100 years ago. It has flash forwards. And it is pretty racist against the Indians. And I read it over several months so I had to reorient myself, trying to remember what had happened. But it was a popular book back when it was written. Interestingly enough, though, it spoke of the savagery of some tribes, but the peaceful ways of others. Judging by today’s standards, it’s a horrible book. Judging by the standards of the time, there was merit to it. Yet I think there is merit in reading it, if only to gain perspective.

[Gale Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way the author has depicted Kansas in the era and during the Civil War. I am finding I enjoy the Civil War stories better and better with each one I read. I am really impressed how she depicted the Native Americans movements and have take bits of history to make this story really come alive.

It does move a little slow in the beginning so I encourage you to press on through it and I think you too will get wrapped up.

I do recommend this book.

[Shanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this story. It sounds as if the main town of Springvale is set in the real life town of Council Grove. There are many details of life in that time, and I loved going “back in time” to experience a real place with a good story.

[shane kennon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intrigue

Great plot and writing. I became enthralled in this book. Hard time putting it down. Great read for those who love real American history.