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Beneath the Same Stars: A Novel of the 1862 U.S.-Dakota War
"Perhaps every woman will lie for the man she lies with." — Sarah Wakefield
Inspired by actual events surrounding the U.S. Dakota War.
August 18, 1862 On the Sioux reservation in southwestern Minnesota, Indians desperate for food and freedom rise up against whites in the region. Sarah Wakefield, the wife of a physician, is taken captive with her two babies. Their fate falls into the hands of the warrior Ćaske, with whom she has slim acquaintance. As war rages, little does she know how entwined their lives will become.
Beneath the Same Stars is the gripping story of two people, caught between worlds, who are willing to do almost anything to defend those they care about—including each other. But the drama is bigger than themselves. Tragic forces have been set in motion....
Inspired by actual events surrounding the U.S. Dakota War.
330 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
274 people are currently reading
1012 people want to read
About the author
Phyllis Cole-Dai
19 books29 followers
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Phyllis Cole-Dai began pecking away on an old manual typewriter in childhood and never stopped. Her work explores things that tend to divide us, so that we might wrestle our way into deeper understandings of ourselves and others.
She has authored or edited more than a dozen books in multiple genres. Her latest book is The Singing Stick, a literary novel (September 2024). Other recent titles include Poetry of Presence II: More Mindfulness Poems, Staying Power II: Writings from a Year of Emergence, Staying Power: Writings from a Pandemic Year, For the Sake of One We Love and Are Losing: A Meditative Poem & Journal, Beneath the Same Stars: A Novel of the 1862 U.S.-Dakota War, and Poetry of Presence: An Anthology of Mindfulness Poetry.
Personal Background
Born in 1962 in the farming community of Mt. Blanchard, Ohio, Phyllis eventually graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (English, 1984) from Goshen College; a Master of Theological Studies (1987) from the Methodist Theological School; and a Master of Arts (English, 1993) from The Ohio State University.
Phyllis and her scientist-husband have lived for the past quarter-century in Brookings, South Dakota. In 2025 they will relocate to Catonsville, Maryland.
Speaking
Phyllis has long been in demand as a public speaker. She has appeared in all kinds of settings—religious, spiritual, educational, philanthropic, social-service, and civic. She still presents as her busy schedule allows. Please contact her if you would like to discuss booking possibilities.
Phyllis Cole-Dai began pecking away on an old manual typewriter in childhood and never stopped. Her work explores things that tend to divide us, so that we might wrestle our way into deeper understandings of ourselves and others.
She has authored or edited more than a dozen books in multiple genres. Her latest book is The Singing Stick, a literary novel (September 2024). Other recent titles include Poetry of Presence II: More Mindfulness Poems, Staying Power II: Writings from a Year of Emergence, Staying Power: Writings from a Pandemic Year, For the Sake of One We Love and Are Losing: A Meditative Poem & Journal, Beneath the Same Stars: A Novel of the 1862 U.S.-Dakota War, and Poetry of Presence: An Anthology of Mindfulness Poetry.
Personal Background
Born in 1962 in the farming community of Mt. Blanchard, Ohio, Phyllis eventually graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (English, 1984) from Goshen College; a Master of Theological Studies (1987) from the Methodist Theological School; and a Master of Arts (English, 1993) from The Ohio State University.
Phyllis and her scientist-husband have lived for the past quarter-century in Brookings, South Dakota. In 2025 they will relocate to Catonsville, Maryland.
Speaking
Phyllis has long been in demand as a public speaker. She has appeared in all kinds of settings—religious, spiritual, educational, philanthropic, social-service, and civic. She still presents as her busy schedule allows. Please contact her if you would like to discuss booking possibilities.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
April 29, 2021
I brought this e-book on Amazon will give it my honest review, This book is based on true events. In 1862 on the Sioux reservation in Minnesota, Indians kidnapped Sarah Wakefield and her two babies this is a true story based on Sarah Wakefield life. I really liked this book and recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2018
The historical fiction novel Beneath the Same Stars takes the true story of Sarah Wakefield and gives it legs, creating a connection with readers and offering the chance to rethink inherent biases. Engaging dialogue and careful characterization make Wakefield and the rest of the cast in this true story seem real, flawed, and beautiful. Wakefield’s character in particular diverges sharply from the typical woman of the mid-1800s: smoking, drinking, dressing as a man to escape abuse, falling in love with a Native American. The historical context surrounding this story mirrors present-day struggles with gender, race, and class, and it makes one wonder if history does continue to repeat itself until we finally get it right.
For anyone who needs inspiration to step into activism, this book will reveal a woman who could not vote yet worked for justice, or at least for answers, on behalf of the Others who cared for her and her two children while in captivity. Though she had almost no influence, she wrote President Abraham Lincoln on behalf of those Native Americans who were to be executed. While it is unknown if he answered her letter, her example encourages readers to consider the avenues they might take to move toward positive change on issues of importance to them.
Beneath the Same Stars shows the truth of the statement by sociologist and author Brené Brown: “It’s hard to hate close up. Move in.” Cole-Dai’s deft storytelling helps readers “move in” and understand that we share much in common with those we hate or fear.
For anyone who needs inspiration to step into activism, this book will reveal a woman who could not vote yet worked for justice, or at least for answers, on behalf of the Others who cared for her and her two children while in captivity. Though she had almost no influence, she wrote President Abraham Lincoln on behalf of those Native Americans who were to be executed. While it is unknown if he answered her letter, her example encourages readers to consider the avenues they might take to move toward positive change on issues of importance to them.
Beneath the Same Stars shows the truth of the statement by sociologist and author Brené Brown: “It’s hard to hate close up. Move in.” Cole-Dai’s deft storytelling helps readers “move in” and understand that we share much in common with those we hate or fear.
August 9, 2018
Beneath the Same Stars, a historically based and well-researched novel by Phyllis Cole-Dai, casts light on the U.S. – Dakota War of 1862. The reader views events from the perspective of Mrs. Sarah Wakefield, the wife of physician John Wakefield, MD. The violation of treaties, graft, and corruption are well-documented. Driven by hunger due to the withholding of provisions, the Sioux were left with a choice between starvation or fighting for their survival.
Sarah Wakefield, a woman of compassion with the courage to act on her convictions, possesses a set of values in sharp contrast with those of her husband who blatantly states, “We’re not here to help the Sioux survive. We’re here to help them toward extinction. We’ll take their land, their assets, their way of life…. In a twinkling, there’ll be nothing left of them. They’re in our way. It has to be done.” We continue to witness this conflict of values and cultures in relationship to the rights of indigenous people today. As Cole-Dai reveals, our hope is to learn the art of peace and compassion.
Sarah Wakefield, a woman of compassion with the courage to act on her convictions, possesses a set of values in sharp contrast with those of her husband who blatantly states, “We’re not here to help the Sioux survive. We’re here to help them toward extinction. We’ll take their land, their assets, their way of life…. In a twinkling, there’ll be nothing left of them. They’re in our way. It has to be done.” We continue to witness this conflict of values and cultures in relationship to the rights of indigenous people today. As Cole-Dai reveals, our hope is to learn the art of peace and compassion.
October 15, 2022
The three star rating is totally random. How can I rate a - more or less - true story of so much suffering, injustice and cruelty?
Because this is certainly not a romance despite the rather lovely cover.
I‘m very sad, not unlike when I read Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West.
Because this is certainly not a romance despite the rather lovely cover.
I‘m very sad, not unlike when I read Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West.
August 20, 2018
A fabulous read, very hard to put down!
August 13, 2018
In the tradition of an historical novel, Phyllis Cole-Dai brought history to life by humanizing all characters while helping to erase long-standing stereotypes. Her clear and descriptive prose plainly outlines behavioral and/or cultural dynamics that lead to conflict between groups, genders, and individuals. It's through stories that we understand ourselves and form our identities and our position in the world. How we relate to others who are different then ourselves, and how does that lead to conflict? All of these things, and much more, are made clear with this fascinating story. I found that I could hardly put the book down. I highly recommend it for all adults. Karen Engelhart
September 6, 2018
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway. It's an account based on a true story of a woman who was captured during the conflict and spoke on behalf of the man who held her captive. It was heartbreaking and made me want to read Six Weeks in the Sioux Tepees by Sarah F. Wakefield, I just hope I'll be able to find a copy.
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August 20, 2018True empathy is developed by working diligently to see through the eyes of another, by developing hard-won insights into how someone unlike you experiences a life unlike yours. It is not thinking of what YOU might do or feel in the circumstances. As such, true empathy is a rare gift. In this wonderful, important book, Phyllis Cole-Dai shares the gift of her extraordinary empathy with both the remarkable Sarah Wakefield and Caske, the Dakota warrior who helped her and her children survive the U.S. - Dakota war of 1862. (Is that the right year?) Cole-Dai's empathy is underscored and enriched by impeccable historical research as well as her study of the challenging Dakota language, which is woven throughout the text. In amazingly brief turns of phrase, the author presents vivid, telling portraits of many characters, including the landscape of Minnesota's western plains, in themselves a crucial presence and witness in this story of harrowing betrayals and elusive, complex truths.
August 21, 2018
Beneath the Same Stars is an exquisitely well-conceived gripping story told through events in the life of Sarah Wakefield. Author Phyllis Cole-Dai elaborates on the real life of Sarah through scholarly research and from Sarah’s own writing, and from accounts of a direct descendant of an eastern band of Dakota, people among whom Sarah lived, and later depended upon for her safety and that of her children. Through Sarah’s story we are brought into a larger narrative happening at the same time. Cole-Dai fully animates this world as she sensitively interweaves the people and their disparate cultures.
Sarah Wakefield had had her share of difficult circumstances before she and her physician husband and two children reached their new home in southwest Minnesota in June, 1861. We learn about her earlier life in Rhode Island before meeting John Wakefield, and the circumstances of their marriage. As we grow familiar with many of the characters and daily life at the agency, we discover along with Sarah how complicated her life is about to become.
Cole-Dai’s account rings with authenticity as she develops the characters and illustrates the factors that influence and sometimes overtake them. From my reading of the book, I see Sarah as an outsider who through earlier decisions in her life and her education has learned to rely upon her own assessment of situations and give her opinions even when not asked for them. Her confidence and convictions are what give her a degree of freedom in making important decisions and personal choices. And, Sarah is faced with plenty of decisions.
The book begins as Sarah, her husband John and children, all white, arrive at Yellow Medicine (Upper Sioux Agency) where he will serve as physician. It is a circumscribed area “reserved” for two factions of the eastern Dakota people. On the reservation, government agents are charged with dispensing the annuities and food owed the Dakota for ceding their lands, which occurred sometimes under duress and sometimes by theft and deceit. There is a small community of white traders, settlers, and missionaries in addition to the Dakota who respond to the demands of reservation life in various ways from compliance in order to keep the peace to defiance and continuing their traditional hunting and cultural practices.
This is when we are introduced to the surrounding landscape, some of the agency administrators, the eastern Dakota people living in and around the Agency including Caske, who is a central figure in the story, and special events such as the Annual Sioux Payment, which is a gathering advertised to bring in visitors and dignitaries, both Dakota and White. The story is brought to life by the satisfying character development and fine details of daily life, and the ways each of the major characters responds to events and one another.
One reason this book stands out for me is it poses questions that need to be asked both to acknowledge a morally difficult past and to move forward at least a little wiser in our own time. How should we respond when good will and justice are overtaken by fear?
Beneath the Same Stars becomes especially moving as the story builds upon the multiple and conflicting perspectives and decisions made by pivotal characters in the lead up to what becomes the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 and what transpires in its aftermath. The author teases apart the complicated historical factors, prejudices, and power dynamics that go from tensions to hostilities and then efforts dedicated to finding a way forward. It is an intimate account of the ramifications of widespread fear, hostilities, retribution, and the struggle by people to heal the social ruptures and personal traumas while carrying their history and story forward. The author widens the opening for healing into present day with this emotionally satisfying and complex true story in novel form.
If you like reading a rich narrative and learning about a challenging history that continues to reverberate in today’s world, I recommend Beneath the Same Stars. I think it would also serve as an excellent book for group discussion.
Sarah Wakefield had had her share of difficult circumstances before she and her physician husband and two children reached their new home in southwest Minnesota in June, 1861. We learn about her earlier life in Rhode Island before meeting John Wakefield, and the circumstances of their marriage. As we grow familiar with many of the characters and daily life at the agency, we discover along with Sarah how complicated her life is about to become.
Cole-Dai’s account rings with authenticity as she develops the characters and illustrates the factors that influence and sometimes overtake them. From my reading of the book, I see Sarah as an outsider who through earlier decisions in her life and her education has learned to rely upon her own assessment of situations and give her opinions even when not asked for them. Her confidence and convictions are what give her a degree of freedom in making important decisions and personal choices. And, Sarah is faced with plenty of decisions.
The book begins as Sarah, her husband John and children, all white, arrive at Yellow Medicine (Upper Sioux Agency) where he will serve as physician. It is a circumscribed area “reserved” for two factions of the eastern Dakota people. On the reservation, government agents are charged with dispensing the annuities and food owed the Dakota for ceding their lands, which occurred sometimes under duress and sometimes by theft and deceit. There is a small community of white traders, settlers, and missionaries in addition to the Dakota who respond to the demands of reservation life in various ways from compliance in order to keep the peace to defiance and continuing their traditional hunting and cultural practices.
This is when we are introduced to the surrounding landscape, some of the agency administrators, the eastern Dakota people living in and around the Agency including Caske, who is a central figure in the story, and special events such as the Annual Sioux Payment, which is a gathering advertised to bring in visitors and dignitaries, both Dakota and White. The story is brought to life by the satisfying character development and fine details of daily life, and the ways each of the major characters responds to events and one another.
One reason this book stands out for me is it poses questions that need to be asked both to acknowledge a morally difficult past and to move forward at least a little wiser in our own time. How should we respond when good will and justice are overtaken by fear?
Beneath the Same Stars becomes especially moving as the story builds upon the multiple and conflicting perspectives and decisions made by pivotal characters in the lead up to what becomes the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 and what transpires in its aftermath. The author teases apart the complicated historical factors, prejudices, and power dynamics that go from tensions to hostilities and then efforts dedicated to finding a way forward. It is an intimate account of the ramifications of widespread fear, hostilities, retribution, and the struggle by people to heal the social ruptures and personal traumas while carrying their history and story forward. The author widens the opening for healing into present day with this emotionally satisfying and complex true story in novel form.
If you like reading a rich narrative and learning about a challenging history that continues to reverberate in today’s world, I recommend Beneath the Same Stars. I think it would also serve as an excellent book for group discussion.
August 22, 2018
Beneath the Same Stars taught me so much about the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. So much of our history concerning the interactions and confrontations with the Native Americans is not discussed in depth unless you are taking a U.S. history class. This book gave me a better understanding of the hardships that were endured at the time, by both the whites and the natives and opened my eyes to the unfairness of the way the natives were treated.
I have always been fascinated with the history and stories of the Indian ways. Their world seemed to be almost perfect until the white man came along. The author does a fabulous job of taking the events of this horrible time and creating a story that is well worth reading. She brings the characters come to life and humanizes them so that the reader can empathize with the rough life that they had to live.
As I was reading, I was constantly impressed with the research that Cole-Dai had to have done in order to piece the facts together and create this engrossing story. Before reading Beneath the Same Stars, I wasn't familiar with this war. I learned so much about it and this memorable time in our U.S. history.
I have always been fascinated with the history and stories of the Indian ways. Their world seemed to be almost perfect until the white man came along. The author does a fabulous job of taking the events of this horrible time and creating a story that is well worth reading. She brings the characters come to life and humanizes them so that the reader can empathize with the rough life that they had to live.
As I was reading, I was constantly impressed with the research that Cole-Dai had to have done in order to piece the facts together and create this engrossing story. Before reading Beneath the Same Stars, I wasn't familiar with this war. I learned so much about it and this memorable time in our U.S. history.
September 18, 2020
Fiction based on a true story
This is the first book I have read by this author. Beneath the Same Stars is a work of fiction based on the true story of Sarah Wakefield. Sarah and her children were caught up in the uprising of the Dakota Indians in Minnesota. She and her children were captured and held hostage for 6 weeks before being returned to her husband. Caske,was an influential Indian that ended up protecting Sarah and her children, and in return was "accidentally " hung at the gallows. Sarah testified that her saved her and the children's lives and that nothing inappropriate had happened. Due to her testifying in his favor, the officials were out to get him. Sarah upon her rescue was torn between the Dakota Indians and her people. A very good historical fiction book based on deep research and an event that took place.
This is the first book I have read by this author. Beneath the Same Stars is a work of fiction based on the true story of Sarah Wakefield. Sarah and her children were caught up in the uprising of the Dakota Indians in Minnesota. She and her children were captured and held hostage for 6 weeks before being returned to her husband. Caske,was an influential Indian that ended up protecting Sarah and her children, and in return was "accidentally " hung at the gallows. Sarah testified that her saved her and the children's lives and that nothing inappropriate had happened. Due to her testifying in his favor, the officials were out to get him. Sarah upon her rescue was torn between the Dakota Indians and her people. A very good historical fiction book based on deep research and an event that took place.
August 22, 2018
Well written
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was thrilled to get this book in a giveaway. I went to college in Mankato and the history of the area is incredible. I'd heard a few stories here and there of the Dakota uprising and some of the injustices that followed. I wasn't aware that there was a published account, so I'll have to look that one up!
As for this book, it was well written and incredibly moving. I've no doubt it follows fairly close to true events and although a fictional account, it rings true. Well worth the time to read, especially if you're interested in American history.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was thrilled to get this book in a giveaway. I went to college in Mankato and the history of the area is incredible. I'd heard a few stories here and there of the Dakota uprising and some of the injustices that followed. I wasn't aware that there was a published account, so I'll have to look that one up!
As for this book, it was well written and incredibly moving. I've no doubt it follows fairly close to true events and although a fictional account, it rings true. Well worth the time to read, especially if you're interested in American history.
March 17, 2020
I was sucked in immediately to this story through Phyllis’s beautiful writing. I felt like I was right there with Sarah throughout the war which made it gripping as well as painful at times. I felt so much for the characters and the overwhelming injustices done to them in our nations history. Great great read! Should be on so many book club lists!
August 6, 2020
Wow,this book was just awesome. It really made me weep.
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April 1, 2021Loved this book!! I do not know how to express how but it was one of the best historical novels I have read!
November 9, 2021
A well written fictionalized account of Sarah Wakefield, a doctor's wife who was caught up in the Dakota war in Minnesota in 1862.
November 7, 2021
Started w/Kindle but switched to Audible by 3rd chapter. Interesting but sad story based on the actual life and captivity of Sarah Brown Wakefield. I understand her need to protect her own children at any cost but there were times that I didn't really like any of the primary characters.
September 24, 2018
Beneath the Same Stars is masterfully written with compassion and grace. The cast of compelling characters is situated in the gripping context of a pivotal, yet little known, point in US history. While the story unfolds from the singular perspective of Sarah Wakefield, the author weaves in geopolitical complexities to give the reader a broader vision and deeper understanding of the competing interests that culminated in this conflict. Cultural clashes, deeply rooted racism, manifest destiny, and the land itself appear as supporting characters in this drama. Without judgement, the author exposes both ugliness and beauty in the human spirit, and calls attention to the important lessons to be learned from our shared history.
August 30, 2018
Meticulously researched and richly imagined, Beneath the Same Stars focuses on the U.S.-Dakota war of 1862 and one remarkable woman, Sarah Wakefield. This novel informed me of a tragic historical event about which I had little knowledge. It also had me in the grip of the tale, as I wondered what would become of Sarah, her children, and the Dakota man Caske, who saved Sarah from certain death. Would she then be able to save him from death, as the wheels of white American justice caught up with them?
September 15, 2018
Great read
September 10, 2018
This book is a well written account of the injustices done to native Americans in the 1800s. While I am aware of this history, this tale told through the eyes of a "white" woman who is taken captive (and protected) by a Sioux Indian whom she had helped at an earlier time. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but did find the native language a little difficult to manage. Thank you Goodreads Giveaways.
September 11, 2018
Captivated from the beginning
I am a transplant to South Dakota and missed out on the rich, and often tragic history of this beautiful region. The author did a beautiful storytelling of this period, bringing to life the struggles and complexities of this time. I am eager to seek out more of her writing.
I am a transplant to South Dakota and missed out on the rich, and often tragic history of this beautiful region. The author did a beautiful storytelling of this period, bringing to life the struggles and complexities of this time. I am eager to seek out more of her writing.
September 10, 2018
This is an amazing historical fiction novel about Sarah Wakefield and her husband Dr Wakefield. Beneath the Same Stars is a well written and researched account of Dr and Mrs Wakefield as they journey through the US -Dakota war of 1862. Told from the protagonist view, that being Sarah, we learn of what the social and political climate was in her day. Cole-Dai has done an amazing job in telling the story accurately and with passion. I could actually envision the treacherous things going on. Such as the lies about treaties and land that was forged upon by outsiders. I love this book and if you like historical based books then you will love this one.
September 9, 2018
Wonderfully written, fascinating period in our history.
February 14, 2021
During the Civil War another smaller war was fought in the west. Little Crow's War was fought between the U.S. Army and several bands of Dakota Sioux. It began on August 17, 1862, in southwest Minnesota. Treaty violations by the U.S. government and late promised payments to the tribes was causing starvation and hardship among the Dakota Sioux. The Dakota were exhausted and facing winter with none of the supplies they had also been promised. In frustration they attacked hundreds of settlers and immigrants, killing an estimated 500.
This is the reimagined story of Sarah Wakefield who was taken by the Sioux at the outset of the conflict along with her two small children. She was the wife of the agency doctor, John Wakefield. Sarah had been friendly and helpful to the Sioux previously and they knew her as Good Big Woman, as she was about 6 feet tall. Sensing the coming attack her husband sent her and the children in a wagon to a safe place. As they were on the way the Sioux attacked their wagon and killed the driver. As she was about to be killed, one of the men, Caske, intervened strenuously to prevent it. He had known her before to be a good person and vouched to take personal responsibility for her and the children.
She ended up staying with Caske's band for six weeks. Several times during that time members of the band set out to attack her, but Caske and his mother hid and protected her. He finally married her to keep her safe. Later she wrote an account of her stay and friendship with the Sioux and this was the basis from which the author related her story. It is an interesting and unusual account of survival during conditions of war. Sarah was an incredibly strong and caring person who deserves to be remembered.
This is the reimagined story of Sarah Wakefield who was taken by the Sioux at the outset of the conflict along with her two small children. She was the wife of the agency doctor, John Wakefield. Sarah had been friendly and helpful to the Sioux previously and they knew her as Good Big Woman, as she was about 6 feet tall. Sensing the coming attack her husband sent her and the children in a wagon to a safe place. As they were on the way the Sioux attacked their wagon and killed the driver. As she was about to be killed, one of the men, Caske, intervened strenuously to prevent it. He had known her before to be a good person and vouched to take personal responsibility for her and the children.
She ended up staying with Caske's band for six weeks. Several times during that time members of the band set out to attack her, but Caske and his mother hid and protected her. He finally married her to keep her safe. Later she wrote an account of her stay and friendship with the Sioux and this was the basis from which the author related her story. It is an interesting and unusual account of survival during conditions of war. Sarah was an incredibly strong and caring person who deserves to be remembered.
September 3, 2018
Interesting
This was a very interesting book,I had no idea about this war or anything , I enjoyed this story and learned things I didn't know.
This was a very interesting book,I had no idea about this war or anything , I enjoyed this story and learned things I didn't know.
January 25, 2019
I was really looking forward to reading this book but was SO disappointed. I understand that this is fiction but it is based on true events and the author goes off the rails and completely messes with known facts. When I read historical fiction I think it's so important that the story is built around the facts that are known. This is not. It could have been a great book about Sarah's journey but it just fell very far short and doesn't do justice to her incredible story.
April 5, 2020
Could not get into this book, deleted it before finishing it.
September 26, 2020
This fictionalized account of a true story tells what it was like in Minnesota in 1862, when most of the country was focused on the terrible Civil War “back east”. The governmental agents signed treaties with Indian tribes, promising gold and money and food provisions in return to the majority of their land. With the northerners destroying crops in the Southern states, and what food that was produced going to the soldiers and northerners, the government was not able to meet their promises. Or was it an excuse?
In any event, the Indians waged war out of frustration and anger and this is a story of one of those Indian wars – occurring August 18 – September 23, 1862. It resulted in more American casualties and refugees than any other Indian war. At least 650 Americans were killed and 170,000 of Minnesotans were displaced (25% of the population at that time). At least 100 warriors fell in battle and 303 Dakota men were condemned to death after the war, 40 being hanged by order of Abraham Lincoln. Caske was hanged, supposedly by accident. Sarah learned about his death by newspaper after she was reunited with her husband.
It occurred near where I grew up – the corner of southwestern Minnesota. Several of the towns mentioned in the book I am familiar with (i.e. New Ulm, Blue Earth, Sibley [Iowa], named for the Colonel in the book who eventually rounds up the Indians and ‘holds court’ and sentences them to death for their ravaging the white people. The military considered the Indians to be trespassers on their land.
As one reviewer said, “at times both the dialogue and narration became cumbersome with Sioux words.” It was hard to read because of the Indian names and vernacular (even though there was a dictionary in the back) and I thought the writing style was dry and focused on the events; however, it is almost like another author took over at page 200 (of 303 pages) and the main character, Sarah Wakefield, came to life. Finally – we get inside Sarah’s head! It is at this time, once ‘rescued’ from the Indian Caske, who actually saved her life and the lives of her babies, and who she took as a husband but later sentenced to die, that we get to know Sarah and her inner most thoughts. The last 100 pages were wonderfully reflective and, in my opinion, took this book from 2 stars to 4.
Sarah had run away from two abusive husbands and became Caske’s ‘wife’ before the US government returned her to her last husband, a physician to the Indians who only did it for power and wealth.
Caske’s name meant “He who is liked by the stars” and his mother tells Sarah that she named her son that because she found him, as a toddler, staring up at the sky during a meteor shower of stars, like snowflakes in a storm. His mother said “all the stars were rushing down to great him; the Great Spirit of the Sky sent the stars down to him.” Sarah recalled the same meteor showers, which lasted 3 nights, where she lived half a continent away in the northeast U.S.
Hence, the name for the book – beautiful!
In any event, the Indians waged war out of frustration and anger and this is a story of one of those Indian wars – occurring August 18 – September 23, 1862. It resulted in more American casualties and refugees than any other Indian war. At least 650 Americans were killed and 170,000 of Minnesotans were displaced (25% of the population at that time). At least 100 warriors fell in battle and 303 Dakota men were condemned to death after the war, 40 being hanged by order of Abraham Lincoln. Caske was hanged, supposedly by accident. Sarah learned about his death by newspaper after she was reunited with her husband.
It occurred near where I grew up – the corner of southwestern Minnesota. Several of the towns mentioned in the book I am familiar with (i.e. New Ulm, Blue Earth, Sibley [Iowa], named for the Colonel in the book who eventually rounds up the Indians and ‘holds court’ and sentences them to death for their ravaging the white people. The military considered the Indians to be trespassers on their land.
As one reviewer said, “at times both the dialogue and narration became cumbersome with Sioux words.” It was hard to read because of the Indian names and vernacular (even though there was a dictionary in the back) and I thought the writing style was dry and focused on the events; however, it is almost like another author took over at page 200 (of 303 pages) and the main character, Sarah Wakefield, came to life. Finally – we get inside Sarah’s head! It is at this time, once ‘rescued’ from the Indian Caske, who actually saved her life and the lives of her babies, and who she took as a husband but later sentenced to die, that we get to know Sarah and her inner most thoughts. The last 100 pages were wonderfully reflective and, in my opinion, took this book from 2 stars to 4.
Sarah had run away from two abusive husbands and became Caske’s ‘wife’ before the US government returned her to her last husband, a physician to the Indians who only did it for power and wealth.
Caske’s name meant “He who is liked by the stars” and his mother tells Sarah that she named her son that because she found him, as a toddler, staring up at the sky during a meteor shower of stars, like snowflakes in a storm. His mother said “all the stars were rushing down to great him; the Great Spirit of the Sky sent the stars down to him.” Sarah recalled the same meteor showers, which lasted 3 nights, where she lived half a continent away in the northeast U.S.
Hence, the name for the book – beautiful!
September 26, 2025
Phyllis Cole-Dai’s Beneath the Same Stars takes on a powerful and underexplored chapter of American history—the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862—through the eyes of historical figure Sarah Wakefield, a Euro-American woman whose life becomes entangled in the conflict. The novel has an ambitious scope and a clear intent to humanize a complex and painful moment in history. While it succeeds in bringing attention to an overlooked event, the execution often feels underpolished, leaving the reader at a certain distance from the story rather than fully immersed in it.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its subject matter. By focusing on Sarah Wakefield, Cole-Dai highlights the personal dimensions of a war often reduced to statistics and broad historical summaries. The novel attempts to give voice to a woman caught between cultures, loyalties, and survival, and in doing so, it raises important questions about identity, morality, and the human costs of war.
The author also deserves credit for attempting to make the narrative accessible. The prose is straightforward and easy to follow, which may appeal to readers who are less familiar with the historical context or who prefer a clear, uncomplicated storytelling style.
Where the novel falters is in its polish and depth. The writing often feels too easy—scenes unfold with a neatness that undermines the gravity of the historical moment. Coincidences and conveniently timed events sometimes replace the tension and unpredictability that would more authentically reflect the chaos of war. This reliance on contrived turns makes the narrative feel less organic and diminishes the emotional impact.
Additionally, the characters, while sympathetic, are not always rendered with the complexity needed to fully carry the weight of the story. The result is a reading experience that feels more like a surface-level retelling than a deeply immersive work of historical fiction.
Beneath the Same Stars is a novel with noble intentions and a valuable subject, but it doesn’t fully deliver on its promise. Its underpolished execution and reliance on easy coincidences prevent it from achieving the depth and resonance that the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 deserves in fiction. For readers seeking an introduction to this overlooked history, it offers an accessible entry point. However, for those hoping to be transported into the raw, lived experience of the time, the novel may fall short of true immersion.
In the end, the book is commendable for shining light on a neglected corner of American history, but it leaves the reader wishing for a more layered and finely crafted treatment of its subject.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its subject matter. By focusing on Sarah Wakefield, Cole-Dai highlights the personal dimensions of a war often reduced to statistics and broad historical summaries. The novel attempts to give voice to a woman caught between cultures, loyalties, and survival, and in doing so, it raises important questions about identity, morality, and the human costs of war.
The author also deserves credit for attempting to make the narrative accessible. The prose is straightforward and easy to follow, which may appeal to readers who are less familiar with the historical context or who prefer a clear, uncomplicated storytelling style.
Where the novel falters is in its polish and depth. The writing often feels too easy—scenes unfold with a neatness that undermines the gravity of the historical moment. Coincidences and conveniently timed events sometimes replace the tension and unpredictability that would more authentically reflect the chaos of war. This reliance on contrived turns makes the narrative feel less organic and diminishes the emotional impact.
Additionally, the characters, while sympathetic, are not always rendered with the complexity needed to fully carry the weight of the story. The result is a reading experience that feels more like a surface-level retelling than a deeply immersive work of historical fiction.
Beneath the Same Stars is a novel with noble intentions and a valuable subject, but it doesn’t fully deliver on its promise. Its underpolished execution and reliance on easy coincidences prevent it from achieving the depth and resonance that the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 deserves in fiction. For readers seeking an introduction to this overlooked history, it offers an accessible entry point. However, for those hoping to be transported into the raw, lived experience of the time, the novel may fall short of true immersion.
In the end, the book is commendable for shining light on a neglected corner of American history, but it leaves the reader wishing for a more layered and finely crafted treatment of its subject.
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