The Beloved Wild

by Melissa Ostrom

Pride and Prejudice meets Cold Mountain in this debut YA American epic/adventure.

Harriet Winter is the eldest daughter in a farming family in New Hampshire, 1807. Her neighbor is Daniel Long, who runs his family's farm on his own after the death of his parents. Harriet's mother sees Daniel as a good match, but Harriet isn't so sure she wants someone else to choose her path—in love and in life.

When her brother decides to strike out for the Genesee Valley in Western New York, Harriet decides to go with him—disguised as a boy. Their journey includes sickness, uninvited guests, and difficult emotional terrain as Harriet comes of age, realizes what she wants, and accepts who she's loved all along.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Romance, Fiction, Young Adult Historical Fiction, Teen

320 pages, Hardcover

First published March 27, 2018

About the author

Melissa Ostrom teaches English literature at Genesee Community College in Batavia, New York. Her short fiction has been published in literary magazines, and nominated for a Pushcart Prize. The Beloved Wild is her YA debut. She lives in Batavia, New York, with her family.

Reviews

[Shannon Miz · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight

First, I have no idea why I thought that this was a fantasy, but spoiler alert, it isn't. Oops? This is what happens when I don't read blurbs, but that is okay! I actually liked it better this way, so it's a win. Anyway. I found this to be an enjoyable and quick book! Most of my thoughts are positive, and as always, we'll start with those.

The Good:

There's an enormous focus on family in this book. I love that the family relationships are complicated. Some of the relationships are super close and loving, and some frankly aren't, which seems incredibly realistic.
I really enjoyed Harriet as a main character. She has tons of strengths, but also tons of flaws. I especially loved that she was willing to accept her flaws, acknowledged when she was wrong, and tried to do better. She was also not okay with the time period's nonsense way of treating women, which... I feel you, girl. It's still nonsense, but in Harriet's day... well, obviously it was an even hotter mess. And she wasn't here for it.
There was adventure and pioneer trips! I love a trek through the wilderness, especially in pre-automotive eras. It's all so... daunting and perilous! And in Harriet's case, clearly this is all new to her.
Even though I did have a minor qualm with the relationship (see below) it really was super cute. I liked that the love interest liked Harriet for who she was, and not some ideal of who he wanted her to be. 

"'Oh, no. That's just it. He loves you because of your nature.' She sighed. 'Rare thing, that.'"

Speaking of relationships, there were some fabulous friendships that formed along the way. I became really invested in all the characters, even the more minor ones. And they added a lot of humor and fun to the story.
Loved the historical and rural setting! If you've ever been in the Batavia, New York area... well, I was having fun imagining it as more rural back in the day.

The Not As Good:

The plot did feel a bit predictable at times. Which wasn't terrible even, in this case, since I was mostly here for the history and relationships anyway!
I don't really understand what made Harriet start liking Daniel after wanting to be rid of him. I didn't really buy it, she was just apathetic until she wasn't, but... Idk, didn't feel super authentic. However, I did like it a lot after I got over that bit!

Bottom Line: I definitely enjoyed this historical fiction novel with an incredibly heartwarming cast of characters, and a lot of love shared among them!

*Quote taken from uncorrected proof, subject to change
**Copy provided for review

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely historical look at farming and making your way in uncharted territory.

PLUS, I do love some good "girl dresses up as a boy" action!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grade: B-
An ARC was provided by Macmillan in exchange for an honest review.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Listen, I am always here for YA historical fiction. There needs to be more of it, in my opinion. So The Beloved Wild was definitely right up my alley.
In a lot of ways, it didn't fit into what I normally expect from YA historical fic. In other ways it did, especially when Harriet disguised herself as a boy.
Harriet didn't feel that unique to me. She was just...there. I was more interested in Gideon and Rachel as characters. In fact, I really wanted more from Harriet and Rachel's developing friendship. I appreciated how Harriet protected Rachel at the end, but it didn't feel like quite enough. Also, I didn't feel the chemistry between Harriet and Daniel Long. I know I was supposed to, but I felt more like I was being told they had chemistry and I should think they were a good match. I did feel the chemistry between Rachel and Phineas, and I was pleasantly surprised by the direction Gideon's story took.
I did enjoy all the parts about life in rural New York. It was nice to see a pioneering historical fiction book set some place besides the West or the Plains states. It did take a little while for Gideon and Harriet to actually set off for Genesee Valley, which wasn't necessarily a problem...I just wish the book's synopsis hadn't made it sound like that was the main part of the book.
Finally, this is a bit nitpicky, but ages were vague, and if they were stated, they didn't quite fit the characters. Most of them seemed much older than their stated ages.
I don't remember any foul language or extreme violence. There's some sexual innuendos, and a character is abused off-page.

The Verdict: Pretty good. Worth the read, especially if you like historical fiction.

[Vicky Again]

This one was interesting! I had sort of mixed feelings on it because although I did like all the sort of historical fiction aspects, I also just found it to be…..a little drab and boring.

And it’s kind of unfortunate because part of it is because I just don’t like the setting and time period? Very white + colonial and frankly I just wasn’t too into that. But even more than that, I wish the main character provided more spice to the narrative.

With a more scintillating MC, I definitely believe The Beloved Wild could have shined, but with the one we had, I found she wasn’t engaging, humorous, or entertaining enough to really push this book into anything other than mediocre. It was a good start, but one I felt like was ultimately lacking something.

Overall, I’d recommend if you’re really into colonial America and starting to settle West (like Ohio), but other than that, I think there are more engaging uses of your time.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harriet Winter is tired of the expectations for women in her small New Hampshire town. It is a female's role to cook, clean, sew, and bear children in 1807, and she chafes at the idea of submitting to her future husband and most likely dying in childbirth as was the case for her own mother. Although she likes Daniel Long, her intended husband, well enough, she also longs for freedom, independence, and adventure. After burning all bridges at home when she loses her temper, she decides to accompany her brother Gideon into the wilderness of New York where he is hoping to establish his own homestead and farm so that he can make plans to start his own family. Harriet cuts her hair, puts on men's clothing, and passes herself as a man. Although it might be hard for some readers to relate to her feelings and to her situation, it is not hard to root for her despite her flaws. Her brashness and her floundering lead her into trouble more often than not, but she deserves much credit simply for wanting more than is her lot. It intrigued me that she was so determined to get away from society's expectations and Daniel, and yet, she eventually realizes that part of what she wanted was right there in front of her. A secondary plot involving her friend, Rachel, and what happens to her in the wilderness adds to the book's appeal, highlighting some of the drunkenness that caused problems in those isolated areas. There are parts of this historical fiction that will delight and surprise readers, and there are sections that will make them heave a sigh of relief not to be living in those times. I was struck by Daniel's love for the trees and the creatures whose homes were being destroyed by the settlers, a harbinger of what was yet to come in succeeding generations. I was excited to read this book by a debut author and am eager to read more from her in the future.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will read ANYTHING you want to send my way that is set is pioneering times. I am obsessed with the books and true life story of Laura Ingalls Wilder. I also love stories about the Oregon Trail. "The Beloved Wild" sounded right up my alley! This is the story of Harriet and her family. She is tired of all the chores that a woman is expected to do and annoyed by the things she can't be allowed to do as a girl. Her parents are pushing her to marry their neighbor and friend Daniel Long and she resents being pushed toward him far more than she actually resents him. In fact Harriett probably would have been interested in him long ago if everyone else would butt out. Harriet's brother Gideon decides to leave their home. He's the youngest of the brothers and wants something of his own. Harriett convinces him to take her along and she chops her hair and assumes the identity of a young man who happens to travel with Gideon.

The story was really interesting. The journey of course is most of the fun. Along the way they must deal with a new stranger and their old friend Rachel who has had a shocking and terrible experience. The story definitely didn't shy away from showing some of the bad things of that time period but it doesn't focus too heavily on them. It is a well rounded and entertaining story.

I had one problem with the book and that is why I am removing one star from the rating. For this premise to work, Harriett had to be a forward thinking woman. But I found her attitudes about feminism really ahead of the times and it was jolting to read her thoughts sometimes. Her internal musings did not at all fit with women of that time period. I think her feminism (Love it) was awesome, but it also could have been presented in a more realistic to the time period way.

[Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some books that remind one of why one loves reading and of all those books you have cherished growing up. As a boy, I never stopped to consider whether a book was labeled a "boy's book" or a "girl's book," because either I liked a story or I didn't. A female protagonist or a female author never factored into my decision to read something. I simply explored our local and my school library, sometimes only looking at the cover or maybe reading the synopsis of the story, or sometimes only reading the first page to see if it interested me or not. Because I did not discriminate as so many of the boys in my elementary and middle schools so often would, I found kindred spirits in the likes of Laura Ingalls, Anne Shirley, Meg Murry, Sara Crewes, Mary Lennox, Maria Merryweather, Jo March, and even the occasional Nancy Drew. I'm glad that I did because I discovered some of my most beloved books, those fictional heroines, and worlds that I loved spending time in, getting to know those plucky and resourceful girls who I wished lived in my own so that we could be bosom-friends.

As I got older, I never stopped reading whatever book caught my eye and peaked my curiosity. Among those who became my favorite authors, I cherished the works of Jane Austen, George Eliot, Eudora Welty, Flannery O'Connor, Carson McCullers, Marilynne Robinson, Anne Patchett, Alice Munro, Jhumpa Lahiri, Donna Tartt, Ursula K. Le Guin, Elizabeth Strout, and Barbara Kingsolver (to name just a few). Nor did I stop reading books that were written for children or teens. I adored the Harry Potter series and marveled at the way J.K. Rowling could weave all of the magical elements and characters and settings into one giant arc of a narrative in a way that I had not seen in books outside of Charles Dickens. I thrilled with Katniss Everdeen as she struggled to remain true to her ideals in the midst of the dystopian series by Suzanne Collins. I fell in love with the book-infused magical world of Cornelia Funke's Inkheart trilogy.

I must admit, it was the gorgeously designed and illustrated cover that first drew me to Melissa Ostrom's The Beloved Wild. I could not take my eyes off its gold lettering with a girl in silhouette among the woods at night with a full moon behind her. Turning the book over, I read the back:

My father's hand came off the table, palm up, a bewildered, questioning hovering. "But you can't really want to go, can you? You love it here. I know you do. Why do you want to leave?"

He was right. I didn't just love it here; I adored it - the beauty of its seasons, the comfort of its rituals, the way the land fed and fostered us, provided the conduit through which each of us communicated with the other, without ever having to say a word. Had I ever truly, in my heart, thought I'd leave?

But now I would. Because I had to. Because I'd flayed someone who mattered to me with my hurtful words. Because I'd mucked up my relationships here, burned my chances to the ground. Because I hurt. Because I was humiliated. Because I was sick of being what everyone expected me to be.

I read that beautiful prose and was hooked.

And, once again, I gave myself over to a new author and found myself willingly and wonderfully following a character, in this case, a sixteen-year-old girl with the unlikely and unfortunate name of Harriet Submit Winter. Her middle name, Submit, is far from who she is and the contentment she once felt in the little town in New Hampshire where she lives with her father and brothers begins to dwindle as she realizes the expectation that is put upon her to marry Daniel Long.

Some of my favorite novels deal with societal expectations placed on women (especially the works of Jane Austen). I also loved that, like Rosalind in Shakespeare's As You Like It, Harriet disguises herself as a boy to take control of her own fate. This is one of the things that I love most about reading: finding new favorites that remind me of my old favorites. Melissa Ostrom's Harriet, like one of my favorite protagonists from all of literature, Jane Eyre, goes against societal norms, expectations, and articulates herself in a way that is smart and true to herself.

The Beloved Wild is a richly textured novel with glorious descriptions of the Genessee Valley in western New York with its dense forests. "I'd never seen such forests," Harriet tells us, "with its ancient trees, enormous and innumerable. It teemed with animals awakened by milder conditions. Whenever I neeed to venture from our riverside sojourn into the woods for privacy's sake, I stayed as close as possible to the dense edge, certain that trespassing even a foot too far would make me one more intrusion the vegetation would engulf, perhaps holding me in its gnarled clutches to await a wolf's or panther's or bear's dinnertime."

When we read, we read to lose ourselves and to find ourselves within the pages of a book. We thrill to the adventurous tales and find that we cannot resist rooting for a character, flaws and all. One cannot help but feel Harriet's wariness and unwillingness to accept the fate that the time she inhabited wants to force onto her. Take her interaction with the character Phineas. At one point later in the novel, he expounds his thoughts on what a woman's role should be, "Women with strong opinions offend me . . . This is what I think: If women deserve to improve their minds at all, their education should be exclusively designed to enhance their matrimonial worth. Let a woman learn about housekeeping, child-rearing, and etiquette. Make her an example of female submissiveness and piety - a tender paragon of domesticity." There is nothing worse to his mind than the mere notion of a female scholar.

How does Harriet, disguised as Freddy, make her way in such a world? How does she keep from having her true identity and her gender discovered in such a patriarchal world?

Amidst this period of homesteading. Melissa Ostrom so exquisitely reveals both the inner and outer struggles that Harriet is facing. As a reader, I found myself wondering what I would have done if I were in her situation. Would I have simply given in to societal norms and expectations and married Daniel? Would I have been so bold and brave as to pretend to be a male and struck out west to wild, unsettled land? Would I have limited my own expectations of what my life was supposed to be?

The further I read, the more I became engrossed with the predicaments that unfolded as the story progressed and became lost within the world that Melissa Ostrom described. I found myself rereading passages whose language enchanted me with their descriptions of landscapes and depictions of the harsh life and hard work this world demanded of those who dared to undertake settling there.

This is one of the novels one wants to keep reading to find out what happens next; while, at the same time, not wanting it to end because one does not want to leave Harriet or her story. But isn't that why we love reading in the first place?

[AP · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although there was nothing particularly spectacular about this book or the main character, it was a smooth read. I did enjoy the trope of men finding themselves in the woods being lent to a woman, but for the most part this was a shallow read.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beloved Wild by Melissa Ostrom is the story of Harriet Winter and how she doesn't want to become a wife that is used and abused and not cherished. She doesn't want to be sold off as livestock to the highest bidding husband. So she decides to strike out with her older brother while he starts his own farm. Harriet thinks this will be a wonderful adventure. Sadly, she finds out that life outside of her tiny little town might not be what she was hoping for.

Harriet is one of those girls who doesn't believe that the firstborn son should be entitled to inheriting everything. It sucks even more for her when her older brother is a gambling idiot and not mature enough to run a farm. Harriet doesn't want to be married off to live a life of servitude. She doesn't want to pop kids out and possibly die in childbirth. She wants to be more. This leads her to strike out with her older brother as he tries to start his own farm in Genesee Valley, NY.

This book was a tad bit slow and boring for me. It was really just about a girl who wanted more in life than her gender allotted her for the time period. Her humor and the overall feel of the book made me think of Little Women if it had taken place on a farm. I really don't have much else to say about the book. It was pretty straightforward without many added twists and turns. The plot was pretty basic and I just think the book wasn't exactly my cup of tea but I know plenty of people who would enjoy the book.

In the end, Harriet learned that sometimes, what you already have is the best thing for you. It's not wrong to want to explore your options but not everything is greener on the other side. Also, the way the synopsis read, it seemed like Harriet would realize she loves someone ELSE. I didn't think it would be the same person.

Overall, I gave the book 3.5/5 stars.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The main character disguises herself as a boy to leave her home (and the whittling farmer her family presumes will become her husband) in New Hampshire and start a life as a pioneer in the Genesee Valley of New York. This switch created a slew of interesting, funny and odd situations. It also brought to mind many of the gender inequalities that still exist today. As a modern reader, I could definitely understand why she chose to trade her dress for pantaloons.

The main character Harriet aka Harry aka Freddy is surrounded by a cast of wonderful (and in some cases quirky) characters that readers will come to love, hate (in a few cases) or at least find amusing. The setting is an important character in the book as well.The descriptions of the natural world made me feel like I was living in the book and experiencing the wild beauty of that part of the United States at that time.

[Jen L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book!

The Beloved Wild weaves a lovingly detailed appreciation for the natural world— & the methods & skills of an era where most things were handmade— around and between a compelling narrative of finding oneself while looking for escape.

Recalling echos of the Laura Ingalls Wilder book series in its depictions of how things were really made, the story transports you easily to a time when the amount of labor to just survive took up the largest part of every day.

But apart from the convincing historical world The Beloved Wild creates, it also addresses real human issues, relevant no matter the era... With humor & romance, the main character, Harriet, struggles with the timeless problem of every person growing up; trying to reconcile who you are, who other people want you to be, & who you really want to be.

[Jarrett Lerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeously written, richly detailed, and equal parts fascinating, exciting, inspiring, and FUNNY. This is historical fiction at its very best: bringing the past vividly to life while making it resonate in the present.

[Kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this moving book about as young woman trying to create an authentic life for herself. In this YA historical fiction story, Harriet struggles with the limited options open to her because she’s female, and sets out on a journey of self-discovery as she and her brother head West to start over in the wilderness. This is a beautiful story that begs for a sequel.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The ending was abrupt and the main character’s mood swings about her feelings regarding almost all of the other characters was a bit aggravating to read about. Especially her feelings about the love interest. She hated him sooooo much in the beginning, and then fell in (insta)love with him just a few pages later.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an enjoyable story about the pioneering days of Western NY.

[Jeanette Caprino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading The Beloved Wild. Absolutely loved it. Wonderful story of a young girl facing the difficulties of growing up in an era when their lot in life was to only to serve. Harriet sets out with her brother disguised as a boy and was able to experience life building a new frontier. I loved the author’s sense of humor and how Harry/Freddy fell in love. I truly could not put this book down. Looking forward to more from Melissa Ostrom.

[Laura Gardoski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a reread. Enjoyable YA historical fiction and a strong heroine. Not predictable.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical fiction is always a difficult sell to students, and this slice of life in New Hampshire/Western New York State is slow, deliberate and predictable, which may mean it's even less likely to get picked up. Having said that, the atmosphere and setting are wonderfully done - if readers can stick with it, they'll be rewarded. The comparisons to Pride and Prejudice aren't deserved, btw, but the idea that a first impression or opinion can be incorrect is woven throughout.

ARC provided by publisher.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Formal Review To Come * I snapped this up for its comparison to Cold Mountain. I really liked Harriett, and the central ship of the book. Harriet's exploration of gender identity was interesting.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harriet, or better known as Harry, is a strong, independent woman who wants more than just to be the person who's supposed to have children. Because of this, she pushes Daniel Long-a family friend-away because she doesn't want to "settle". Everyone expects them to marry, which only makes Harry fight it more.

When Harry finds out her brother Gideon is traveling to claim some wild land to make it his own, she decides to go with him. Feeling adventurous and excited for a change, she also begins dressing like a boy. She says it's so Gid won't have to worry about her, but the reader can tell there's much more to it. On this journey, she discovers what's truly important in life, especially who.

Reading this book made me feel like I was in Jane Austen's time. The women are suppressed and only supposed to cook, clean, manage the house, and raise children, but Harry wants so much more. When Daniel is first introduced, I wasn't sure if I was going to like him. But as Harriet did, the love was there, not sure how or when it got there, but it was hard to deny.


Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of Jane Austen, historical romance, and coming-to-age. I look forward to seeing more from this author.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this historical fiction story which takes place in the 1800s. This is a story of adventure and finding love.

As a woman, I am so glad I didn't live during this time when women had very few rights and whose sole purpose was were to marry and have lots of children and serve their husbands. Maybe in another couple hundred years, women will look back at the early 2000s and have similar feelings about our time.

[Scarlette Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of the book was fairly slow. I wasn’t sure where the story was going.
The MC’s temper is startling.
But, it gets SO good. So many things happen that I was not expecting.
I never had an “ah ha” moment of why the book was titled what it is. It’s not a bad title but I felt it didn’t completely match the story. (It’s really not a big deal but I’m curious if anyone else felt this way?)

The ending was a little disappointing but it shows where & how all the loose ends will tie together nicely over time.

This is worth the read!!

[Lisa Perkowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very "Little House in the Prairie" like book, but unlike "Little House", this book was good, but not great. Themes of romance and female empowerment abound, but the story didn't really "grab me" not leave me wanting more. I was also hoping, since I know the Genesee Valley area, more history about that area and not just that it was a "wild untamed vast forest" - all in all, not the worst historical fiction I've ever read, but no way near the best.

[Lisa Nocita · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read that focuses on Harriet, a girl who is determined to forge her own path, no matter the cost in a time when that was unacceptable for girls. Can't wait to see where this series goes..
Thanks to Macmillan for the ARC!

[Jen Reardon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended by Richmond Memorial library as part of their summer reads program. The protagonist is spunky, smart and independent minded. I also love that part of the book is set in Western NY where I live.

[Lourdes (Chapters We Love) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, publisher and author for the eArc copy in exchange of a review.

Review - https://chapterswelove.com/2018/07/04...

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

I made it to page 288 but couldn’t finish. What historical era is this even set in? The constant anachronism ruined it for me.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was potential here, but too much build with not enough pay off.