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Blizzard: A Story of Dakota Territory
A homesteading farmer, his pregnant wife, their daughter, and the grandmother wake to a beautiful winter morning on the prairie. And then it descends upon them - the infamous Children's Blizzard of 1888. Who will survive? With characters from A Novel of Pioneer Michigan, “ A Story of Dakota Territory” captures in one sod shanty the dramatic effects of a storm on the bodies and spirits of people who have internal storms of their own. Cover painting and design by Betsy Marsch, illustrator and cover designer for A Novel of Pioneer Michigan and cover designer for Solomon A Novel of the Civil War Era.
- GenresHistory
35 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2016
119 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 25, 2016
I have received an ARC (advance reader copy) for the purpose of writing an honest review.
I have already read (and enjoyed) Cindy Marsch's related book _Rosette_ and found the characters compelling, and so was eager to read this detailed glimpse at a day in Rosette's life. The writing kept me thoroughly engaged -- so much so that I am glad it is a quick read as there was no way for me to put it down.
I find myself pondering the characters, wondering exactly what motivates their persistence in such adverse conditions and not sure if they are people I would enjoy knowing in real life or not. Thank you, Cindy Marsch, for a convincing day lived in another time and place.
I have already read (and enjoyed) Cindy Marsch's related book _Rosette_ and found the characters compelling, and so was eager to read this detailed glimpse at a day in Rosette's life. The writing kept me thoroughly engaged -- so much so that I am glad it is a quick read as there was no way for me to put it down.
I find myself pondering the characters, wondering exactly what motivates their persistence in such adverse conditions and not sure if they are people I would enjoy knowing in real life or not. Thank you, Cindy Marsch, for a convincing day lived in another time and place.
August 14, 2024
Blizzard is an excellent continuation of Cindy Marsch's first novel, Rosette. We join Rosette and her son DeWitt, very pregnant daughter-in-law Lillie and granddaughter Floy as they wait out the birth of the child in a tiny rented shack on the outskirts of a tiny town 60 miles from their homestead in Marshall County, Dakota Territory. Lillie is not willing to go through another birthing without a midwife. With them they have their three head of cattle - their milk cow, her female calf and a yearling bull calf, the splinter seed of their herd, their latest enterprise after suffering several disappointments in Dakota.
The day starts promisingly - sunny, bright, eaves dripping after weeks of below-zero F weather. Rosette and Floy start the washing and turn out the cows to get some fresh air and graze through the loosening snow, and DeWalt and Lillie head the three miles into town to get her set up at the hotel and introduced to the midwife. And before the couple get halfway to town, the blizzard blows in on top of them all.
What follows is a very detailed, very heart rending telling of the blizzard and its effects on this small party of Illinois transplants. Ms. Marsch brings meticulous detail to the art of living in 1888 Dakota Territory, and the effects of storms in that neck of the woods. This is a book I can happily recommend to friends and family. Can't wait for the next tale from Cindy Rinaman Marsch.
Reviewed on January 14, 2018, at Goodreads and AmazonSmile. Not available at B&N
The day starts promisingly - sunny, bright, eaves dripping after weeks of below-zero F weather. Rosette and Floy start the washing and turn out the cows to get some fresh air and graze through the loosening snow, and DeWalt and Lillie head the three miles into town to get her set up at the hotel and introduced to the midwife. And before the couple get halfway to town, the blizzard blows in on top of them all.
What follows is a very detailed, very heart rending telling of the blizzard and its effects on this small party of Illinois transplants. Ms. Marsch brings meticulous detail to the art of living in 1888 Dakota Territory, and the effects of storms in that neck of the woods. This is a book I can happily recommend to friends and family. Can't wait for the next tale from Cindy Rinaman Marsch.
Reviewed on January 14, 2018, at Goodreads and AmazonSmile. Not available at B&N
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June 20, 2016This short story captures one important day in the life of frontier America, as I imagine it might have been lived by the real people who inhabit Rosette: A Novel of Pioneer Michigan. Historical documents place DeWitt and a very pregnant Lillie Churchill and their daughter Floy in Dakota Territory (now South Dakota) at this time, and Rosette might have been there then, as well. It was irresistible to let the storm reveal things about these people that will be played out in the events of the novel that opens eight months later.
"The pioneers were by and large a taciturn lot. . . . Yet their accounts of the blizzard of 1888 are shot through with amazement, awe, disbelief. . . . The blizzard literally froze a single day in time. It sent a clean, fine blade through the history of the prairie." - David Laskin, THE CHILDREN'S BLIZZARD
To learn more of the background of this story and its companion novel, please visit www.rosettebook.com .
"The pioneers were by and large a taciturn lot. . . . Yet their accounts of the blizzard of 1888 are shot through with amazement, awe, disbelief. . . . The blizzard literally froze a single day in time. It sent a clean, fine blade through the history of the prairie." - David Laskin, THE CHILDREN'S BLIZZARD
To learn more of the background of this story and its companion novel, please visit www.rosettebook.com .
June 25, 2016
A short novella detailing a specific period of time. But oh the details that Marsch has put into this story makes all the difference! She is a master at taking you into the story and making you feel like the surroundings are all around you. I read this while sitting in 95+ degree heat and I could feel the chill seep into my bones. That's how good she is.
Marsch is amazing at giving you the smallest of details of what life would have been like over one hundred years ago. Her first book Rosette: a Novel of Pioneer Michigan, taken from a woman's journal, and expanded upon by doing diligent research, has given us a look into one woman's emotional journey over the span of first falling in love until the death of that marriage. This novella continues that story.
I have received an ARC (advance reader copy) for the purpose of writing an honest review.
Marsch is amazing at giving you the smallest of details of what life would have been like over one hundred years ago. Her first book Rosette: a Novel of Pioneer Michigan, taken from a woman's journal, and expanded upon by doing diligent research, has given us a look into one woman's emotional journey over the span of first falling in love until the death of that marriage. This novella continues that story.
I have received an ARC (advance reader copy) for the purpose of writing an honest review.
June 2, 2019
2nd time reading this and I enjoyed it just as much.
This is fictional,but was based on journals that had
been passed down thru the families.
A very good depiction of what life was really like for the brave souls,that came before to try and make a better life on the desolute prairie.
This is fictional,but was based on journals that had
been passed down thru the families.
A very good depiction of what life was really like for the brave souls,that came before to try and make a better life on the desolute prairie.
September 6, 2021
Not a book at all. Just a very short story. Less than 28 pages.
February 19, 2023
An exciting short story.
Ms Marsch paints a very real picture of the worst of life on the Northern Plains.
I'm richer for the reading of it.
Thank you.
Ms Marsch paints a very real picture of the worst of life on the Northern Plains.
I'm richer for the reading of it.
Thank you.
August 20, 2023
Too short. OK read though
August 27, 2016
Read this review and more on my blog at [Roxie Writes].
“Blizzard” by Cindy Rinaman Marsch
5/5
Finished on August 18, 2016
Downloaded on Kindle for Free during a FREE promotion period.
FREE on Kindle Unlimited | $.99 on Kindle
“Blizzard” is a short story that Cindy Rinaman Marsch recommended I read before 'Rosette’. It takes place in 1888 on one fateful day in Dakota Territory during The Children’s Blizzard. Rosette, her son DeWitt, his pregnant wife, and their young daughter are caught in the storm with nothing but a shack and their own wits to survive.
I read this story as part of my #yearofindiewomen. I was contacted by the author about this story for an honest review, and I downloaded the story for free during a free Kindle promotion.
Before I read this, I had never heard of The Children’s Blizzard (also called the Schoolhouse Blizzard). (I will admit, I am not a well versed in history, as shameful as that is.) If you haven’t heard of it either, here’s a brief explanation from Wikipedia:
The Schoolhouse Blizzard, also known as the Schoolchildren’s Blizzard, School Children’s Blizzard,[1] or Children’s Blizzard,[2] hit the U.S. plains states on January 12, 1888. The blizzard came unexpectedly on a relatively warm day, and many people were caught unaware, including children in one-room schoolhouses. (…) The blizzard was preceded by a snowstorm on January 5 and 6, which dropped powdery snow on the northern and central plains, and was followed by an outbreak of brutally cold temperatures from January 7 to 11. The weather prediction for the day was issued by the Weather Bureau, which at the time was managed by Adolphus Greely; it said: “A cold wave is indicated for Dakota and Nebraska tonight and tomorrow; the snow will drift heavily today and tomorrow in Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota and Wisconsin.”[1] (…) What made the storm so deadly was the timing (during work and school hours), the suddenness, and the brief spell of warmer weather that preceded it. In addition, the very strong wind fields behind the cold front and the powdery nature of the snow reduced visibilities on the open plains to zero. People ventured from the safety of their homes to do chores, go to town, attend school, or simply enjoy the relative warmth of the day. As a result, thousands of people—including many schoolchildren—got caught in the blizzard. The death toll was 235.[3] Teachers generally kept children in their schoolrooms. Exceptions nearly always resulted in disaster.[4]
What a tragedy. Can you imagine how scary that was to live through? And what an awful way to die? Marsch does an impeccable job of conveying just how terrifying it must have been through the eyes of Rosette as she is trapped in her son DeWitt’s tiny shack with her granddaughter as the storm beats down.
Shortly before the storm sets in, DeWitt and his heavily pregnant wife set out, walking, to a hotel in town so she could give birth, so not only is Rosette worried about keeping herself and her granddaughter warm and alive, but she’s no idea if her son and daughter-in-law are alive out there in the midst of the blizzard.
“Blizzard” showcases Rosette’s strength, resilience, and ingenuity. A lot of people would have crumbled under the pressure, but not Rosette. She held strong and keeps her wits about her for herself and her family.
This story is extremely well-written and engaging. I felt like I was right there with Rosette and Floy as they hunkered down in the freezing shack, pooling their body heat against the beating winds and snow, hoping their loved ones would return home. My heart raced along with Rosette’s as she searched the shack for something to form into a bell to signal DeWitt and Lillie in the direction of home, and I could very nearly feel the icy winds on my face as she faced them to post it outside the door.
If I wasn’t already excited to read 'Rosette’ because of Marsch's explanation of the novels origin, this story would have hooked me completely.
“Blizzard” by Cindy Rinaman Marsch
5/5
Finished on August 18, 2016
Downloaded on Kindle for Free during a FREE promotion period.
FREE on Kindle Unlimited | $.99 on Kindle
“Blizzard” is a short story that Cindy Rinaman Marsch recommended I read before 'Rosette’. It takes place in 1888 on one fateful day in Dakota Territory during The Children’s Blizzard. Rosette, her son DeWitt, his pregnant wife, and their young daughter are caught in the storm with nothing but a shack and their own wits to survive.
I read this story as part of my #yearofindiewomen. I was contacted by the author about this story for an honest review, and I downloaded the story for free during a free Kindle promotion.
Before I read this, I had never heard of The Children’s Blizzard (also called the Schoolhouse Blizzard). (I will admit, I am not a well versed in history, as shameful as that is.) If you haven’t heard of it either, here’s a brief explanation from Wikipedia:
The Schoolhouse Blizzard, also known as the Schoolchildren’s Blizzard, School Children’s Blizzard,[1] or Children’s Blizzard,[2] hit the U.S. plains states on January 12, 1888. The blizzard came unexpectedly on a relatively warm day, and many people were caught unaware, including children in one-room schoolhouses. (…) The blizzard was preceded by a snowstorm on January 5 and 6, which dropped powdery snow on the northern and central plains, and was followed by an outbreak of brutally cold temperatures from January 7 to 11. The weather prediction for the day was issued by the Weather Bureau, which at the time was managed by Adolphus Greely; it said: “A cold wave is indicated for Dakota and Nebraska tonight and tomorrow; the snow will drift heavily today and tomorrow in Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota and Wisconsin.”[1] (…) What made the storm so deadly was the timing (during work and school hours), the suddenness, and the brief spell of warmer weather that preceded it. In addition, the very strong wind fields behind the cold front and the powdery nature of the snow reduced visibilities on the open plains to zero. People ventured from the safety of their homes to do chores, go to town, attend school, or simply enjoy the relative warmth of the day. As a result, thousands of people—including many schoolchildren—got caught in the blizzard. The death toll was 235.[3] Teachers generally kept children in their schoolrooms. Exceptions nearly always resulted in disaster.[4]
What a tragedy. Can you imagine how scary that was to live through? And what an awful way to die? Marsch does an impeccable job of conveying just how terrifying it must have been through the eyes of Rosette as she is trapped in her son DeWitt’s tiny shack with her granddaughter as the storm beats down.
Shortly before the storm sets in, DeWitt and his heavily pregnant wife set out, walking, to a hotel in town so she could give birth, so not only is Rosette worried about keeping herself and her granddaughter warm and alive, but she’s no idea if her son and daughter-in-law are alive out there in the midst of the blizzard.
“Blizzard” showcases Rosette’s strength, resilience, and ingenuity. A lot of people would have crumbled under the pressure, but not Rosette. She held strong and keeps her wits about her for herself and her family.
This story is extremely well-written and engaging. I felt like I was right there with Rosette and Floy as they hunkered down in the freezing shack, pooling their body heat against the beating winds and snow, hoping their loved ones would return home. My heart raced along with Rosette’s as she searched the shack for something to form into a bell to signal DeWitt and Lillie in the direction of home, and I could very nearly feel the icy winds on my face as she faced them to post it outside the door.
If I wasn’t already excited to read 'Rosette’ because of Marsch's explanation of the novels origin, this story would have hooked me completely.
February 6, 2017
History: Blizzard
What a fascinating story of life in the Dakota Territory in the late 1800's. The story concerning the Blizzard is quick, fast, and dangerous. The story about the Churchill family during the Blizzard is so intense that the reader will find that this is a page turner that is worth the read.
What a fascinating story of life in the Dakota Territory in the late 1800's. The story concerning the Blizzard is quick, fast, and dangerous. The story about the Churchill family during the Blizzard is so intense that the reader will find that this is a page turner that is worth the read.
August 15, 2016
Good characterization and descriptions. A short but powerful look into the hard work and sacrifice involved in wresting a living in the 1880s.
You can almost feel the wind and snow pouring into the little soddy house on the Dakota prairie. This short book gives only a little taste of the Children's Blizzard of 1888 when so many, mostly children, died in the snowstorm that caught so many unprepared. These people were pioneers who had suffered through many severe storms but were nonetheless lulled by the mild morning and were quickly overcome by the speed at which the weather changed into a terrible blizzard.
You can almost feel the wind and snow pouring into the little soddy house on the Dakota prairie. This short book gives only a little taste of the Children's Blizzard of 1888 when so many, mostly children, died in the snowstorm that caught so many unprepared. These people were pioneers who had suffered through many severe storms but were nonetheless lulled by the mild morning and were quickly overcome by the speed at which the weather changed into a terrible blizzard.
August 29, 2016
Wonderful
This was a short story but was very powerful nonetheless. I can't even imagine being a pioneer where death can take you at any time.
This was a short story but was very powerful nonetheless. I can't even imagine being a pioneer where death can take you at any time.
January 4, 2017
Did not realize this was such a short story I did enjoy it
March 14, 2017
excellent
January 2, 2021
A short story about a single family during the Children’s Blizzard of 1888. Made richer because I had already read David Laskin’s account of it.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews