What do you think?
Rate this book
Olive Oatman: A Life from Beginning to End
Discover the remarkable life of Olive Oatman... Free BONUS Inside! A pioneer girl traveling west with her Mormon family at the mid-point of the nineteenth century, Olive Oatman’s life story began like many others. But when Olive’s family were massacred and she was taken captive by Native Americans, her story took a unique turn. An extraordinary tale of survival and loss, the life of Olive Oatman is stranger than fiction. Discover a plethora of topics such as Journey to the Promised Land The Massacre Slaves of the Tribe Olive’s Tribal Tattoo Return to Civilization Late Life and Death And much more!So if you want a concise and informative book on Olive Oatman, simply scroll up and click the "Buy now" button for instant access!
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2019
479 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Hourly History
695 books858 followersAt Hourly History, we focus on publishing history books that are concise, straightforward and take no longer than one hour to read.
Receive our new eBooks for free every Friday.
Sign up at: www.hourlyhistory.com/free
Receive our new eBooks for free every Friday.
Sign up at: www.hourlyhistory.com/free
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
August 15, 2021
This was a short, yet fascinating book! I was unaware of Olive Oatman or the harrowing experience she underwent as a young girl, and I'm amazed by the courage and unwavering strength that Olive possessed. I feel as though I've had an appetizer and now I'm ready for the main course. I very much want to know more, more, more!!
December 4, 2020
I had never heard of this woman but saw a novel about her in a book store in AZ. This was an academic, historical account. Now I am intrigued to read the novel.
July 31, 2023
It is hard to rate this text. So much is open-ended regarding how Olive felt about her captivity. I had never heard of her before, but can believe that being caught between both worlds during that time was horrible.
December 19, 2020
Great book
Loved how the author presented the information and used thoughtful questions to other sources. Great critical thinking and well organized
Loved how the author presented the information and used thoughtful questions to other sources. Great critical thinking and well organized
December 2, 2024
Good read
Olive Oatman was the first recorded white woman to be tattooed. The distinctive blue lines on her chin marked her as a beloved part of the Mohave tribe, but back in white America, they made her an outsider whose respectability was forever damaged.
Olive Oatman was the first recorded white woman to be tattooed. The distinctive blue lines on her chin marked her as a beloved part of the Mohave tribe, but back in white America, they made her an outsider whose respectability was forever damaged.
December 5, 2019
Almost all of Olive Oatman's family was massacred by Indians while traveling to their Mormon promised land in California in the 1850's. Of their family, only 2 daughters and a son were left alive; The girls taken captive and the boy beaten and tossed off a cliff and left for dead. After 5 years of living with different Native American tribes, the family members were reunited. While Olive does return to and lives the rest of her life among white settlers, history has wondered whether she returned willingly or was forced to return to "civilization." There are opposing stories throughout history that cast doubt and mystery as to the real reason and feelings behind Olive's return to white society.
Hourly History's synopsis of Olive's life and mystery surrounding these trying events is a great introduction into her story and leaves me wanting to know more! I think I will try to find another book about Olive and her family to see if I can learn more. Thank you LibraryThing Member's Giveaway for sending me an e-copy of this book and introducing me to the Oatman's story.
Hourly History's synopsis of Olive's life and mystery surrounding these trying events is a great introduction into her story and leaves me wanting to know more! I think I will try to find another book about Olive and her family to see if I can learn more. Thank you LibraryThing Member's Giveaway for sending me an e-copy of this book and introducing me to the Oatman's story.
April 21, 2019
I have always wondered about Olive Oatman now I know the whole story. She was traveling west with her Morman family for a better life.
The Yavapia Indians attacked the small group of Mormons and the Yavapia Indians escaped with Olive Oatman at age 13 and her younger sister, Mary Ann. Later the Yavapia Indians traded the two girls to the Mohave Indians.. The permanent tattoo on Olive chin was a sign that she belonged to the Mohave Tribe.
Her younger sister was ill and died, not being strong enough to pull through. Later on, her brother found Olive and with the help of the authorities they took her from the Mohave Indians.
There were books, interviews and newspaper articles written about her. She found a man that loved her as she was and they married. She lived with him until she died at age 65, then her husband died five years later.. This is a fascinating and interesting true story. Thank you, Hourly History.
The Yavapia Indians attacked the small group of Mormons and the Yavapia Indians escaped with Olive Oatman at age 13 and her younger sister, Mary Ann. Later the Yavapia Indians traded the two girls to the Mohave Indians.. The permanent tattoo on Olive chin was a sign that she belonged to the Mohave Tribe.
Her younger sister was ill and died, not being strong enough to pull through. Later on, her brother found Olive and with the help of the authorities they took her from the Mohave Indians.
There were books, interviews and newspaper articles written about her. She found a man that loved her as she was and they married. She lived with him until she died at age 65, then her husband died five years later.. This is a fascinating and interesting true story. Thank you, Hourly History.
September 2, 2023
The book is a fascinating read. Olive Oatman was traveling west with her family in 1850 when Yavapai Indians killed her parents and took her and her younger sister with them. Later the sisters were traded to Mojave Indians and were treated very well, like family. It is here that she received her famous tattoo.
Her life was a remarkable journey from life with the Mojave Indians to celebrity status upon returning to western life.
Her life was a remarkable journey from life with the Mojave Indians to celebrity status upon returning to western life.
July 28, 2022
This is a VERY brief overview or summary of Olive Oatman’s life. It’s the equivalent to reading a Wikipedia article.
February 8, 2025
Considering the limited contemporary (and unbiased) sources the author had to work with, I thought this book was a good and pretty informative read. Not only did I learn the basics of Olive's life; I also learned some interesting facts about Mohave Indian culture at that time.
Interestingly, the most tragic part of Oatman's life story doesn't end up being what you'd expect.
Interestingly, the most tragic part of Oatman's life story doesn't end up being what you'd expect.
February 7, 2025
Concise and to the point.
Concise retelling of olive Oatmans life. Author does have an anti-patriarchal bent, which may be warrented. Author does encourage further reading and exploration of Olive Oatman's known resources, including newspaper articles and the more well known book by Stratton. The concise retelling of the Native American culture and life and times of the white settlers traveling west does make the reader want to learn more. Author touches on Mormonism's early controversies and split.
Concise retelling of olive Oatmans life. Author does have an anti-patriarchal bent, which may be warrented. Author does encourage further reading and exploration of Olive Oatman's known resources, including newspaper articles and the more well known book by Stratton. The concise retelling of the Native American culture and life and times of the white settlers traveling west does make the reader want to learn more. Author touches on Mormonism's early controversies and split.
September 6, 2019
A woman and her male dominated life
This is a very interesting story, but I think it could have been given a little more detail and less repetition. I gave it 2 stars, because it is a horrendous story and needs a little more sympathy toward both Olive and toward the Native American peoples. It is just a little too factual for my liking. I suppose I wish for a novel based on this story.
This is a very interesting story, but I think it could have been given a little more detail and less repetition. I gave it 2 stars, because it is a horrendous story and needs a little more sympathy toward both Olive and toward the Native American peoples. It is just a little too factual for my liking. I suppose I wish for a novel based on this story.
November 9, 2023
Explains a few scenes from movies
In the reading I recognized the meanings from movies. Knowing now that mountain men receive payment of sorts for scalps explains a few movie scenes, I could never understand why Mountain man would say, "don't you want your share of scalps?" I also can see where tv show built its character from on 'Hell on Wheels'. She's a strong character in the show as she obviously was in life, with equally limited control over destiny.
In the reading I recognized the meanings from movies. Knowing now that mountain men receive payment of sorts for scalps explains a few movie scenes, I could never understand why Mountain man would say, "don't you want your share of scalps?" I also can see where tv show built its character from on 'Hell on Wheels'. She's a strong character in the show as she obviously was in life, with equally limited control over destiny.
May 13, 2019
A fascinating read!
This true account of historical literature is to the point on all details from beginning to end. I’m going to read more from this author, for sure. Perfect length for reading and at the same time finding out many facts in a shorter amount of time. You will enjoy it.
This true account of historical literature is to the point on all details from beginning to end. I’m going to read more from this author, for sure. Perfect length for reading and at the same time finding out many facts in a shorter amount of time. You will enjoy it.
December 4, 2019
Not an engrossing read
I did not like it as I expected a more personal approach from Olive. Just a flat retelling of her time without feeling. Still don't know what is true of untrue. Another person making money off a sad person! Maybe I didn't understand that this was just a chronicle of different assumptions of her life, if so, I apologize.
I did not like it as I expected a more personal approach from Olive. Just a flat retelling of her time without feeling. Still don't know what is true of untrue. Another person making money off a sad person! Maybe I didn't understand that this was just a chronicle of different assumptions of her life, if so, I apologize.
January 17, 2020
A life filled with tragedy.
Olivia Oatman's story was very sad and mostly filled with one tragedy following another. Seeing most of her family massacred, then her younger sister dying. A bright spot should have been learning her brother was still alive and being reunited with him.
Olivia Oatman's story was very sad and mostly filled with one tragedy following another. Seeing most of her family massacred, then her younger sister dying. A bright spot should have been learning her brother was still alive and being reunited with him.
December 19, 2021
The Complex Life of of Olive Oatman
One of the better short biographies by One Hour History.
The nature of every person is described well regardless of their background and circumstances.
The complex life of Olive Oatman is also an inspiration of survival in cruel violent world of and vicious public opinion.
One of the better short biographies by One Hour History.
The nature of every person is described well regardless of their background and circumstances.
The complex life of Olive Oatman is also an inspiration of survival in cruel violent world of and vicious public opinion.
July 23, 2023
Great short read, easy to follow
I enjoyed the story, very interesting. Unfortunately, due to Olive herself changing or withholding facts about her life story the author couldn't concretely state details. But I did like how the author made you aware of both possibilities that were out there.
I enjoyed the story, very interesting. Unfortunately, due to Olive herself changing or withholding facts about her life story the author couldn't concretely state details. But I did like how the author made you aware of both possibilities that were out there.
August 15, 2023
Did not know much going in before reading this book about Olive Oatman. This a short book and does contain historical information about Olive. I was a bit disappointed because so many facts and events seemed vague and often just speculation. I did learn new information and made me think about many topics.
October 5, 2024
nice quick read
This was a quick overview of the story of Olive Oatman The first white woman to be tattooed. Easy to read and understand, I liked that the author pointed out the bigotry of other so called biagraphies. Makes me want to delve deeper into the history of the Mojave natives and the tribes that made up my home state of California.
This was a quick overview of the story of Olive Oatman The first white woman to be tattooed. Easy to read and understand, I liked that the author pointed out the bigotry of other so called biagraphies. Makes me want to delve deeper into the history of the Mojave natives and the tribes that made up my home state of California.
Read
March 22, 2025Batman explained
This is a tale of the incredible life of Olive Oatman. It tries to be complete, and does that adequately, but a life this complex needs more than 50 pages.
That said, we learn a lot about what disruptions befell a young teenager and how her resiliency helped her survive and live her life fully.
This is a tale of the incredible life of Olive Oatman. It tries to be complete, and does that adequately, but a life this complex needs more than 50 pages.
That said, we learn a lot about what disruptions befell a young teenager and how her resiliency helped her survive and live her life fully.
May 19, 2019
Intriguing!!
I thought this was a very informative read. I learned a lot about both the19th century western America and native Americans. The length was good too as it was neither too long it too short,. Olive Oatman had a difficult and adventurous life. It's worth reading about.
I thought this was a very informative read. I learned a lot about both the19th century western America and native Americans. The length was good too as it was neither too long it too short,. Olive Oatman had a difficult and adventurous life. It's worth reading about.
June 16, 2019
It was a super quick read and didn’t got into a lot of extensive detail. I definitely want to find out more about Olive and I may have to read other books to do so.
Super easy read - did not take very long to finish.
Super easy read - did not take very long to finish.
July 17, 2019
Quite interesting !
Good book about the hardships of white settlers in the West . I live in Northwest Arizona and most of this took place in the area. There is a town named Oatman Az. I see no connection in the writing of this book .
Good book about the hardships of white settlers in the West . I live in Northwest Arizona and most of this took place in the area. There is a town named Oatman Az. I see no connection in the writing of this book .
January 20, 2020
Fictional biography?
Seeing how no one is sure whether or not what happened to Olive is true it's hard to understand the point of this book. I gave five stars because it was interesting and a very quick read.
Seeing how no one is sure whether or not what happened to Olive is true it's hard to understand the point of this book. I gave five stars because it was interesting and a very quick read.
March 31, 2020
Good, brief overview
There were some new things I learned while reading this book. I did know some of the background, but not all of it. Olive Oatman was a brave teenager, turned into a brave woman.
There were some new things I learned while reading this book. I did know some of the background, but not all of it. Olive Oatman was a brave teenager, turned into a brave woman.
August 12, 2020
Questions Answered
I had always had questions when I saw Olive Oatman. Hers is a face one remembers. The book answered a lot of questions but left me curious for even more in depth information.
I had always had questions when I saw Olive Oatman. Hers is a face one remembers. The book answered a lot of questions but left me curious for even more in depth information.
August 28, 2020
Well, it has some biographical stuff
But an extremely short book that reads like a newspaper article. It is a decent enough starting place to learn about Olive Oatman, but more reading is necessary for sure.
But an extremely short book that reads like a newspaper article. It is a decent enough starting place to learn about Olive Oatman, but more reading is necessary for sure.
October 29, 2020
A young girl's life captured by Indians
A historical account of a young girl captured by Indians in the 1850's. A factual account of her life and I think an honest account of her story. I
A historical account of a young girl captured by Indians in the 1850's. A factual account of her life and I think an honest account of her story. I
November 13, 2020
A brief accounting of the turbulent life of Olive Oatman
This book makes an attempt at a factual retelling of the story of Olive Batman. It is a somewhat dry report but I appreciated the informatio.
This book makes an attempt at a factual retelling of the story of Olive Batman. It is a somewhat dry report but I appreciated the informatio.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews