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Calamity
Her name is synonymous with the West. Her celebrity has spread to the East Coast and California, traveling down the new-laid railroads and along the telegraph wire.
But breathless tales of Calamity Jane bear little resemblance to the truth. As she senses death coming closer, the legendary hellcat longs to set the record straight—to reveal her life story at last, unclouded by legend, every sin and failing laid bare. Only then can she hope to rest in peace.
In a Deadwood saloon, she finds a writer willing to hear her out, and recount the truth to a public hungry for more tales of Calamity Jane…
So begins Libbie Hawker’s expansive biographical novel, an intimate portrait of one of the best-known yet least-understood women of the American frontier. The international bestselling author of The Ragged Edge of Night takes the reader on a heart-rending journey through a landscape lost to time, as seen through the eyes of one outcast woman. Calamity is a haunting meditation on hardship, unrequited love, and the stark, affecting beauty of the American West.
Editorial note: In pursuit of a narrative voice faithful to the central character, this text employs deliberate misuse of grammar and occasional misspellings. These are the author’s intentional stylistic choices and should not be interpreted as a lack of editing. Readers are encouraged to use the “Look Inside” feature before purchasing.
But breathless tales of Calamity Jane bear little resemblance to the truth. As she senses death coming closer, the legendary hellcat longs to set the record straight—to reveal her life story at last, unclouded by legend, every sin and failing laid bare. Only then can she hope to rest in peace.
In a Deadwood saloon, she finds a writer willing to hear her out, and recount the truth to a public hungry for more tales of Calamity Jane…
So begins Libbie Hawker’s expansive biographical novel, an intimate portrait of one of the best-known yet least-understood women of the American frontier. The international bestselling author of The Ragged Edge of Night takes the reader on a heart-rending journey through a landscape lost to time, as seen through the eyes of one outcast woman. Calamity is a haunting meditation on hardship, unrequited love, and the stark, affecting beauty of the American West.
Editorial note: In pursuit of a narrative voice faithful to the central character, this text employs deliberate misuse of grammar and occasional misspellings. These are the author’s intentional stylistic choices and should not be interpreted as a lack of editing. Readers are encouraged to use the “Look Inside” feature before purchasing.
513 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
146 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Libbie Hawker
38 books497 followersLibbie was born in Rexburg, Idaho and divided her childhood between Eastern Idaho's rural environs and the greater Seattle area. She presently lives in Seattle, but has also been a resident of Salt Lake City, Utah; Bellingham, Washington; and Tacoma, Washington. She loves to write about character and place, and is inspired by the bleak natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain region and by the fascinating history of the Puget Sound.
After three years of trying to break into the publishing industry with her various books under two different pen names, Libbie finally turned her back on the mainstream publishing industry and embraced independent publishing. She now writes her self-published fiction full-time, and enjoys the fact that the writing career she always dreamed of having is fully under her own control.
Libbie's writerly influences are varied, and include Vladimir Nabokov, Hilary Mantel, Annie Dillard, George R. R. Martin, songwriter Neko Case, and mixed-media storyteller Chris Onstad, to name but a few.
She previously wrote under the pen name L.M. Ironside (historical fiction).
After three years of trying to break into the publishing industry with her various books under two different pen names, Libbie finally turned her back on the mainstream publishing industry and embraced independent publishing. She now writes her self-published fiction full-time, and enjoys the fact that the writing career she always dreamed of having is fully under her own control.
Libbie's writerly influences are varied, and include Vladimir Nabokov, Hilary Mantel, Annie Dillard, George R. R. Martin, songwriter Neko Case, and mixed-media storyteller Chris Onstad, to name but a few.
She previously wrote under the pen name L.M. Ironside (historical fiction).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 26, 2019
Revealing the Soul of the West through a lifetime of trouble...
Having grown up in the US Western States, I've read a lot of Western Historical Fiction. When a book comes along with a fresh perspective on a character connected with several locations where my own family has deep roots, I gotta give it a try. I'm so glad I found Libbie Hawker's book. It is a revelation. The author's writing voice is colloquial, but yet, scholarly and spot-on for investigating the steel-clad character of one of the West's most notorious hell-raisers and drunks. Miss Jane, as she is referred to when she's not being cussed or lambasted is a miracle of survival, a powerhouse of skill and determination and a friend whose loyalty is beyond reproach. Through deeply intimate storytelling, Jane reveals her true self and her place in a rapidly disappearing world. The beauty of the prose in descriptive passages alone is worth a reader's immersion, but the story carried me fervently along to a wistful, yet ultimately satisfying conclusion. Calamity will not disappoint. I now have a new author on my shelf of favorite Western Historic Authors. Libbie Hawker shares it with Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove and Rudolfo Anaya's Bless Me Ultima. They are in good company.
Having grown up in the US Western States, I've read a lot of Western Historical Fiction. When a book comes along with a fresh perspective on a character connected with several locations where my own family has deep roots, I gotta give it a try. I'm so glad I found Libbie Hawker's book. It is a revelation. The author's writing voice is colloquial, but yet, scholarly and spot-on for investigating the steel-clad character of one of the West's most notorious hell-raisers and drunks. Miss Jane, as she is referred to when she's not being cussed or lambasted is a miracle of survival, a powerhouse of skill and determination and a friend whose loyalty is beyond reproach. Through deeply intimate storytelling, Jane reveals her true self and her place in a rapidly disappearing world. The beauty of the prose in descriptive passages alone is worth a reader's immersion, but the story carried me fervently along to a wistful, yet ultimately satisfying conclusion. Calamity will not disappoint. I now have a new author on my shelf of favorite Western Historic Authors. Libbie Hawker shares it with Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove and Rudolfo Anaya's Bless Me Ultima. They are in good company.
June 9, 2020
This is not Doris Day’s Calamity Jane. It reminds me a bit of two of my favorite books, True Grit and Good Morning, Young Lady, but darker.
Except for his age and her height, my dream casting for the movie would be Sam Elliott and Alex Borstein.
Except for his age and her height, my dream casting for the movie would be Sam Elliott and Alex Borstein.
March 28, 2019
I really, really, really enjoyed this novel for two reasons: fantastic writing by Hawker and fantastic narration by Zebrowski (Audible). If you saw and enjoyed Deadwood in any shape or form, like westerns, love stories that take the Disney out of the legend, you are not going to want to miss this book. This is not at all for the feint of heart: Calamity Jane is here, in raw, first-person format, speaking bluntly about all of her flaws, all of her misdeeds, all of her hopes and disappointments, and she's not being pretty about it. Hawker has brought this legendary woman to life with a no-holds barred, taking no prisoners retelling that is down, dirty, and gritty. Calamity is on a mission here to reveal what society has created out of her wild, erratic, and alcohol-induced hurrahs. Here we meet a woman with a broken heart, who was wholly misunderstood, trussed up, done up, brought down, and created into something far from the sensitive survivor Martha Canary was. And Hawker has given her an authentic voice, right down to the language and grammar.
The ups and downs might feel old, even repetitive as if you are in a never-ending spiral or cycle. I felt the book could have ended several different times within the last four to five chapters and yet, each new move Calamity had to make, I rose with hope that this time--THIS TIME--she was going to get things right. Stick with the story if you feel stuck towards the end. It's well worth it. And again, huge, huge, huge kudos to an incredible duo who put this Audiobook together. It's just fabulous!
The ups and downs might feel old, even repetitive as if you are in a never-ending spiral or cycle. I felt the book could have ended several different times within the last four to five chapters and yet, each new move Calamity had to make, I rose with hope that this time--THIS TIME--she was going to get things right. Stick with the story if you feel stuck towards the end. It's well worth it. And again, huge, huge, huge kudos to an incredible duo who put this Audiobook together. It's just fabulous!
October 4, 2022
Her true name was Martha Canary and her name became synonymous with the Old West.
No not that name, she began calling herself Jane. And when she walked into a particular saloon one day and someone asked her name.....she replied "Jane! I'm the calamity your Ma warned you about!"
And "Calamity Jane" was created.
She was rough-talkin', straight-shootin', buckskin-wearin', and whiskey-drinkin'. She was also kind-hearted, loyal, and tough as nails.
Libbie Hawker succeeds in bringing Calamity Jane to life in a way others have failed to do.
No not that name, she began calling herself Jane. And when she walked into a particular saloon one day and someone asked her name.....she replied "Jane! I'm the calamity your Ma warned you about!"
And "Calamity Jane" was created.
She was rough-talkin', straight-shootin', buckskin-wearin', and whiskey-drinkin'. She was also kind-hearted, loyal, and tough as nails.
Libbie Hawker succeeds in bringing Calamity Jane to life in a way others have failed to do.
February 28, 2019
ginger@thebeach
An amazing account of the life of Calamity Jane. The author has really did her homework! This book is a little longer than most, but to tell the story it's definitely worth the read. Highly enjoyable!
An amazing account of the life of Calamity Jane. The author has really did her homework! This book is a little longer than most, but to tell the story it's definitely worth the read. Highly enjoyable!
February 28, 2019
Fans of westerns will not be disappointed with this harsh take on a fascinating character from the Wild West. The imagery and internalization is superb. I was sad to get to the end.
August 24, 2025
A tragedy worthy of Shakespeare but penned for the American west. Life in Deadwood and all along the newly built railroad tracks was difficult and brutal, especially for a woman. Issues relating to addiction, homelessness, resonating today
February 15, 2024
‘Calamity’ is a long book, told in the first person. It seems a lot happens in fifty-something years. She gets drunk. She turns her back on loved ones because she likes to get drunk. She entertained in the Wild West Show which, like dime novels, was the exact misrepresentation of the west that she despised. She loves Bill Hickock. O yeah, she loves him and loves him and loves him and she repeats this until I got sick of hearing Wild Bill’s name. There is no evidence that Wild Bill ever returned the affection. Actually, this book could be a hundred pages shorter if the author skipped all the repetition. Hawker seems to be convinced that her considerable talents for describing the scenes of the west would never become exhausting. It does. When one page will eloquently give the reader the image of a scene, there is no reason for four. Or six.
I think Hawker took much liberty with the facts of Martha Canary’s life events. Actually, her mother died of pneumonia in Montana in 1866 and her father, a gambling addict, wasn’t killed on the plains as he escorted his six kids toward Montana but instead died in 1867 in Utah after homesteading for a year. Much of her early life was gleaned from a booklet that she dictated as an attractant before a tour she was about to begin in 1896. Calamity had many versions of herself put to the public. They vary and this tome seems to simply be another one.
For sure, Calamity was good at marketing her name as the main source of her income for many years. She claimed to be an Indian scout but there is no proof. She also made a living as a laundry maid and a prostitute. Her many personality flaws and hell-raising style of living and how she promoted them only adds to the confusion about what is truth. Fact is that Calamity’s drinking, gambling, prostitution and lying problems completely overshadow any positive character traits that Calamity had, such as her generosity (she tended to smallpox victims on at least one occasion), her commitment to give her daughter a good education, and her ability to self-promote. This is unfortunate, but I believe that, in many cases, is what Calamity wanted.
This book by Hawker is definitely not as good as ‘Tidewater’ nor ‘One for the Blackbird’. The reader can see Hawker’s talent for prose show through the pages and pages, but I believe that she should realize that sometimes less is more. 2.5 stars rounded to 3.
I think Hawker took much liberty with the facts of Martha Canary’s life events. Actually, her mother died of pneumonia in Montana in 1866 and her father, a gambling addict, wasn’t killed on the plains as he escorted his six kids toward Montana but instead died in 1867 in Utah after homesteading for a year. Much of her early life was gleaned from a booklet that she dictated as an attractant before a tour she was about to begin in 1896. Calamity had many versions of herself put to the public. They vary and this tome seems to simply be another one.
For sure, Calamity was good at marketing her name as the main source of her income for many years. She claimed to be an Indian scout but there is no proof. She also made a living as a laundry maid and a prostitute. Her many personality flaws and hell-raising style of living and how she promoted them only adds to the confusion about what is truth. Fact is that Calamity’s drinking, gambling, prostitution and lying problems completely overshadow any positive character traits that Calamity had, such as her generosity (she tended to smallpox victims on at least one occasion), her commitment to give her daughter a good education, and her ability to self-promote. This is unfortunate, but I believe that, in many cases, is what Calamity wanted.
This book by Hawker is definitely not as good as ‘Tidewater’ nor ‘One for the Blackbird’. The reader can see Hawker’s talent for prose show through the pages and pages, but I believe that she should realize that sometimes less is more. 2.5 stars rounded to 3.
September 21, 2020
Calamity: A Novel is a work of historical fiction about the well-known western legend, Calamity Jane. Author Libbie Hawker writes about Martha Canary, aka Calamity Jane, in what is no doubt a more accurate portrayal than what was offered in the dime store novels written in Calamity’s own life time (1852 - 1903). The book is a Women Writing the West’s 2020 WILLA Literary Award Finalist.
Calamity Jane tells her story to a writer in a Deadwood saloon. She tells it honestly, without sparing details that taint her own reputation.
Martha Canary was orphaned at the age of twelve, the oldest of six children. Her mother had already died when her father packed up the kids and their few belongings to head west from Missouri. Martha saw her father shot and killed by an unhappy gambler, who also took her father’s winnings. Martha and the two older boys scraped by in the wilderness, caring for their three little sisters, one just a baby, finally stumbling into Salt Lake City, Utah. The siblings were separated then and Martha was on her own to earn a living.
Martha was never a pretty girl, and she was the first to admit it. Legends of the old west talk about her raving beauty and many talents, but in truth she had an ungainly body, tall as a man, with no redeeming features to call herself pretty. But she had many talents, was a successful oxen, mule and horse bullwhacker, and could shoot a pistol or rifle with great accuracy. Her greatest pleasure was to ride alone on a wilderness trail. She endured many hardships, and the disasters and calamities that befell her earned her the name of Calamity Jane.
At times her life ran smoothly, as was the period she spent with Wild Bill Hickok, the love of her life, albeit unrequited. In her later years she appeared in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show performing sharpshooting skills astride a horse.
The author superbly describes the people of the American West and the western landscape as it appeared then. In many respects the story is a sad one, but the author shows Calamity as a woman of courage, endurance, and independence, a woman who could find humor in tight situations.
I thoroughly enjoyed Calamity from beginning to end. It’s a large book, 497 pages in a hardback copy, but it’s a story alive with passion and warmth. I urge anyone who enjoys reading about “the old West” to read this highly entertaining novel.
Calamity Jane tells her story to a writer in a Deadwood saloon. She tells it honestly, without sparing details that taint her own reputation.
Martha Canary was orphaned at the age of twelve, the oldest of six children. Her mother had already died when her father packed up the kids and their few belongings to head west from Missouri. Martha saw her father shot and killed by an unhappy gambler, who also took her father’s winnings. Martha and the two older boys scraped by in the wilderness, caring for their three little sisters, one just a baby, finally stumbling into Salt Lake City, Utah. The siblings were separated then and Martha was on her own to earn a living.
Martha was never a pretty girl, and she was the first to admit it. Legends of the old west talk about her raving beauty and many talents, but in truth she had an ungainly body, tall as a man, with no redeeming features to call herself pretty. But she had many talents, was a successful oxen, mule and horse bullwhacker, and could shoot a pistol or rifle with great accuracy. Her greatest pleasure was to ride alone on a wilderness trail. She endured many hardships, and the disasters and calamities that befell her earned her the name of Calamity Jane.
At times her life ran smoothly, as was the period she spent with Wild Bill Hickok, the love of her life, albeit unrequited. In her later years she appeared in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show performing sharpshooting skills astride a horse.
The author superbly describes the people of the American West and the western landscape as it appeared then. In many respects the story is a sad one, but the author shows Calamity as a woman of courage, endurance, and independence, a woman who could find humor in tight situations.
I thoroughly enjoyed Calamity from beginning to end. It’s a large book, 497 pages in a hardback copy, but it’s a story alive with passion and warmth. I urge anyone who enjoys reading about “the old West” to read this highly entertaining novel.
June 18, 2020
A great book
I will really enjoy this book as difficult as it was to read. My heart went out to calamity right from the start. The cards were decked against her. The self loathing and regret of the difficult choices she was forced to make seemed to be the motivation behind her self destructive behavior. Guilt that she could have done better by her family wasn’t true. How could a 12-year-old attempt to raise children? In reality she did make the best choice by having the minister help place her siblings with families. It is too bad she never had a family that would love and nurture her. She loved with all her being and as broken as she was, she put others first. Guilt is a terrible task master, unrelenting with it’s whip. I wish her love for Wild Bill could have been what she had wished for in this life. I’m glad that in the end she had the comfort of knowing her daughter and her siblings understood and loved her. If she had only known that throughout her whole life, Perhaps it would’ve made things a bit more bearable. This book has stirred up so much for me... I am so glad I read it and listened to it on audio made the experience so much more.
I will really enjoy this book as difficult as it was to read. My heart went out to calamity right from the start. The cards were decked against her. The self loathing and regret of the difficult choices she was forced to make seemed to be the motivation behind her self destructive behavior. Guilt that she could have done better by her family wasn’t true. How could a 12-year-old attempt to raise children? In reality she did make the best choice by having the minister help place her siblings with families. It is too bad she never had a family that would love and nurture her. She loved with all her being and as broken as she was, she put others first. Guilt is a terrible task master, unrelenting with it’s whip. I wish her love for Wild Bill could have been what she had wished for in this life. I’m glad that in the end she had the comfort of knowing her daughter and her siblings understood and loved her. If she had only known that throughout her whole life, Perhaps it would’ve made things a bit more bearable. This book has stirred up so much for me... I am so glad I read it and listened to it on audio made the experience so much more.
October 11, 2020
A long hard read
This book was hard to read on many levels. First, it was incredibly long and often repetitive. But the hardest part was reading about the rough and tough life of Martha Canary, aka Calamity Jane. How she even survived her childhood is a marvel. Traveling with wagon trains , taking care of her siblings while trying not to starve , resorting to prostitution at a tender age, all were hard reading. But the descriptions of alcohol abuse and alcoholism were gut wrenching. I learned a lot from this book: the real story behind the popular myth, what some people have to do to survive, the realities of alcoholism, and how the West has been transformed. The narrative style made for easy reading - I liked that a lot. Definitely recommend.
This book was hard to read on many levels. First, it was incredibly long and often repetitive. But the hardest part was reading about the rough and tough life of Martha Canary, aka Calamity Jane. How she even survived her childhood is a marvel. Traveling with wagon trains , taking care of her siblings while trying not to starve , resorting to prostitution at a tender age, all were hard reading. But the descriptions of alcohol abuse and alcoholism were gut wrenching. I learned a lot from this book: the real story behind the popular myth, what some people have to do to survive, the realities of alcoholism, and how the West has been transformed. The narrative style made for easy reading - I liked that a lot. Definitely recommend.
June 25, 2019
I just finished reading this book, which was so hard to put down.
The writing is incredible. While reading, my world receded and I was transported into Calamity’s world and life. This author’s writing is superb.
I didn’t like the ending too much, but I understand the reasons explained by the author in the afterword.
Overall, a 5 star book for me, and highly recommended for fans of the old west, or to anyone with even a fleeting interest in Calamity and her time in history. This book will grip you.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with a free review copy in exchange for an honest review.
The writing is incredible. While reading, my world receded and I was transported into Calamity’s world and life. This author’s writing is superb.
I didn’t like the ending too much, but I understand the reasons explained by the author in the afterword.
Overall, a 5 star book for me, and highly recommended for fans of the old west, or to anyone with even a fleeting interest in Calamity and her time in history. This book will grip you.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with a free review copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2019
If you love history of the wild west and of course of the one and only Calamity Jane. Libbie Hawkers is a wonderful author as finds Calamity Jane's voice who doesn't sugar coat her flaws, her disappointments in life but for the first time Calamity Jane is real and a person who lived her life in the days of the wild west.
The author will have readers eating out of the palm of her hand with her writing style, research, passion on who Calamity Jane was.
Thank You to Netgalley and publisher Running Rabbit Press for the copy of Libbie Hawkers Calamity
The author will have readers eating out of the palm of her hand with her writing style, research, passion on who Calamity Jane was.
Thank You to Netgalley and publisher Running Rabbit Press for the copy of Libbie Hawkers Calamity
January 23, 2020
Thoughtful
The true story of Martha Canary, better known as Calamity Jane, is set in the vast wildness of the true American West. Told in first person narrative, we experience the hardships and joys of this legend...her attempt to keep her siblings together after their father dies, to her limited work choices, the string of abusive common law husbands, her true love of Wild Bill, her hellish descent into alcoholism.
An engaging writer, Libby Hawker brings Calamity Jane to life.
The true story of Martha Canary, better known as Calamity Jane, is set in the vast wildness of the true American West. Told in first person narrative, we experience the hardships and joys of this legend...her attempt to keep her siblings together after their father dies, to her limited work choices, the string of abusive common law husbands, her true love of Wild Bill, her hellish descent into alcoholism.
An engaging writer, Libby Hawker brings Calamity Jane to life.
June 8, 2025
I love Libbie Hawker (aka Olivia Hawker). Her books are both character studies and slices of obscure history. This book was no different. This is not your Doris Day, Disney-fied version of Calamity Jane, but probably a much more honest and human version. I found it best to be listened to for the excellent narration, but found the text on Kindle to be quite readable even at its daunting length. Now off to read the endnotes to find out what was fact and how much was historical fiction.
52BookClub 2025 Reading Challenge
Prompt # 13: title is 10 letters or fewer
52BookClub 2025 Reading Challenge
Prompt # 13: title is 10 letters or fewer
September 10, 2025
Hawker is a writer of considerable talent. In this novel, she weaves history, imagination and profound philosophy from a woman’s point of view despite the fact that the Wild Wild West is a legendary man’s world. Calamity Jane lived a hardscrabble life yet independent life in contrast to women who were her contemporaries. Much of her story is mythologized. However, author Hawker elicits the spirit of this once infamous woman. I have read several of her other novels which are equally intriguing. I highly recommend this historical fiction novelist.
August 11, 2019
Another well written historical fiction by Libbie Hawker. Calamity is about none other than the infamous Calamity Jane. This tome is over 500 pages and could have been more streamlined. The writing is well done using language and slurs of the time. It starts when Martha is a small girl and all she endure raising her siblings. Covers all her adventures, and many husbands. This I one to read! Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 Stars
September 20, 2019
Calamity
I enjoyed this book, since I read it on kindle I did not see how big of a book it was! It took me awhile to read, however it remained interesting and captivating. It is well written and is much more than a historical novel. I have visited Deadwood years ago and of course watched the tv series which is why I went to Deadwood in the first place and where I really became interested in Calamity Jane. Thanks to Libbie for making a real character come to life.
I enjoyed this book, since I read it on kindle I did not see how big of a book it was! It took me awhile to read, however it remained interesting and captivating. It is well written and is much more than a historical novel. I have visited Deadwood years ago and of course watched the tv series which is why I went to Deadwood in the first place and where I really became interested in Calamity Jane. Thanks to Libbie for making a real character come to life.
March 15, 2020
I enjoyed this book. It gets a little wordy and redundant at points but if you enjoy books about the west or pioneers its worth it. Libbie Hawker writes about the countryside with a poetic reverence that resonates with my wild Montana heart. A word of caution though, Calamity is an apt description of Martha/Jane's life. It's hard to read at times, lots of pain for the tender-hearted. She was a survivor, and in that time and place she had lots to endure.
July 22, 2021
Couldn't put it down
One of the best books I've ever read. This novel about Calamity Jane takes a caricature and draws a realistic picture of a very brave and tortured soul. I knew little about this famous female from the old west and now I feel like I know her on a personal level. I was hooked on the first page and didn't want to put it down till I'd devoured every word. Beautifully written and well researched.
One of the best books I've ever read. This novel about Calamity Jane takes a caricature and draws a realistic picture of a very brave and tortured soul. I knew little about this famous female from the old west and now I feel like I know her on a personal level. I was hooked on the first page and didn't want to put it down till I'd devoured every word. Beautifully written and well researched.
May 3, 2022
This was going to be a 4 star rating for an engaging, enjoyable read. Calamity Jane comes vividly to life in this novel and what a breath of fresh air to have a heroine who isn't physically beautiful or even good-looking. She encounters all the barriers that a lack of good looks can raise.
What made it a 5 star read? The author self-published this novel because the publisher wanted to cut down its length.
There was no way I wanted it to be any shorter. Well done Libbie Hawker!
What made it a 5 star read? The author self-published this novel because the publisher wanted to cut down its length.
There was no way I wanted it to be any shorter. Well done Libbie Hawker!
August 11, 2019
Cinematic, epic and heartfelt. I loved this book, my first time reading Ms Hawker and it wont be the last. The Calam of Deadwood was brought brilliantly to life warts and all. Heartbreaking and funny I was hooked from the first chapter. A triumph of a read the description of the small pox outbreak will stay with me for a very long time. This book is perfect for a movie. Truly remarkable
July 8, 2020
Loved It
Absolutely loved this book. I have always loved loved Calamity Jane, but really did not know much about her. That has completely changed, and I love Calamity Jane even more. This book is written so beautifully, the Wild West came alive before my eyes. I could see it, smell it, I think I was there, just as I have always wanted to have been.
Absolutely loved this book. I have always loved loved Calamity Jane, but really did not know much about her. That has completely changed, and I love Calamity Jane even more. This book is written so beautifully, the Wild West came alive before my eyes. I could see it, smell it, I think I was there, just as I have always wanted to have been.
July 20, 2020
Could Not Put This Book Down!
I truly could not put this book down. There is comedy, heartbreak, the striving to better oneself. The real pain of addiction. Read this book. You'll thank me for it. Unless, like me, you simply cannot put this book down and forget half a dozen things that you were meant to do.
I truly could not put this book down. There is comedy, heartbreak, the striving to better oneself. The real pain of addiction. Read this book. You'll thank me for it. Unless, like me, you simply cannot put this book down and forget half a dozen things that you were meant to do.
August 14, 2021
I know bits and pieces of Calamity Jane's life story. This book is well-researched, written in an interesting first person narrative. I admit that I felt the draw for "a whiskey" when encouragement came naturally from the characters' interaction.
I laughed, I cried, I felt the urge to saddle up and ride.
I laughed, I cried, I felt the urge to saddle up and ride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2023
The writing was brilliant, & the reader was perfect for the part. It was a little too long, and some parts could have been left out but other than that, I enjoyed it. It also helped me to understand the mind of an alcoholic. The way the writer could go on and on about the thoughts inside Calamity's head was so intriguing.
November 19, 2019
Beautifully written and researched
You can use tell the author does extensive research into her subject and time period. Kept me interested although a pretty long book. Very interesting how historical figures are hyped up with lies by reporters and writers.
You can use tell the author does extensive research into her subject and time period. Kept me interested although a pretty long book. Very interesting how historical figures are hyped up with lies by reporters and writers.
January 26, 2020
This raw and honest portrayal of Calamity Jane touched me. Her rough and tumble exterior is balanced by a glimpse of the vulnerability deep inside. It made her a more relatable character than I've seen portrayed before and gave the novel several layers of complexity. Highly recommended!
April 24, 2022
Beautifully written so captivating
After visiting Deadwood and hearing the stories about Wildbill and Calamity Jane one could not resist reading this book. It is not only do well written one clearly understands the hardships of this character . A must read .
After visiting Deadwood and hearing the stories about Wildbill and Calamity Jane one could not resist reading this book. It is not only do well written one clearly understands the hardships of this character . A must read .
November 28, 2023
Libbie is an amazing storyteller. This was another of her fabulous books. I listened to it on Audible and the narrator could not have been better!!!!! Let me tell you "short pants" you need to listen to this book!
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