What do you think?
Rate this book
Tender Ties Historical #1
A Name of Her Own
Based on the life of Marie Dorion, the first mother to cross the Rocky Mountains and remain in the Northwest, A Name of Her Own is the fictionalized adventure account of a real woman’s fight to settle in a new landscape, survive in a nation at war, protect her sons and raise them well and, despite an abusive, alcoholic husband, keep her marriage together. With two rambunctious young sons to raise, Marie Dorion refuses to be left behind in St. Louis when her husband heads West with the Wilson Hunt Astoria expedition of 1811. Faced with hostile landscapes, an untried expedition leader, and her volatile husband, Marie finds that the daring act she hoped would bind her family together may in the end tear them apart. On the journey, Marie meets up with the famous Lewis and Clark interpreter, Sacagawea. Both are Indian women married to mixed-blood men of French Canadian and Indian descent, both are pregnant, both traveled with expeditions led by white men, and both are raising sons in a white world. Together, the women forge a friendship that will strengthen and uphold Marie long after they part, even as she faces the greatest crisis of her life, and as she fights for her family’s very survival with the courage and gritty determination that can only be fueled by a mother’s love. From the Trade Paperback edition.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2002
123 people are currently reading
1816 people want to read
About the author
Jane Kirkpatrick
68 books1,052 followersKirkpatrick brings us a story of one woman's restoration from personal grief to the meaning of community."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
March 7, 2008
This is the first of three and the first I had read of Jane Kirkpatrick's. In order: A Name of Her Own, Every Fixed Star and Hold Tight the Thread. All are about Marie Dorian. I grew up in the Northwest and so I found these books absolutely filled with history and told beautifully in fictional form. It makes me want to revisit the NW, with all the history that I have from Jane's research. She has a subtle and lovely way of bringing God into her writings, without preaching or pushing the idea of Christianity. She is a wonderful writer. Not only that, she is very personable. You can email her and she will respond.
I have since read just about all of her books, and I haven't been disappointed.
I have since read just about all of her books, and I haven't been disappointed.
May 18, 2015
The author was obviously taken by the story of Marie, a tall, strong beautiful woman whose determination and tenacity helped her save her sons after the death of her husband. It was the middle of winter with no food, no transportation except her feet but she wrapped her sons tightly in a buffalo robe in which she tied them to ensure that they remained where she left them. I liked the heroine but thought the writer should have tightened her tale considerably. It rambled and dragged in many places as if the author was trying to fill in detail to make the book longer. Perhaps she did. At any rate the historical details were well done and notes by the author explained her approach. However, I still think she needed a good editor.
March 13, 2010
Marie Dorion traveled with her husband and two little children on an fur trade expedition from St. Louis to Astoria, Oregon. Their route was similar and subsequent to the Lewis and Clark/Sacajawea journey. From a historical perspecive I liked learning more of the details and logistics of these amazing journeys.
Read the Author's Note at the back for specific explanations of which events are true or imagined.
From a "true story imagined" perspective, the unexpected beauty of the book, for me, was the thread of spiritual growth, faith, and conversion expressed through the main character. This, the significance of friendship (even if brief and sporadic), and the bettering of family relationships contributed to a strengthening read.
Favorite excerpts:
Marie straightened her shoulders, hiked Paul up higher on her back, gaining courage. When she did, she remembered a blessing her husband's mother gave to her once when Marie lifted her baby son onto the board. "It is an old blessing given to a man named Benjamin by an elder named Moses who, like you, had walked through wilderness places. 'The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him. And the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.' Is that not the image of a child carried on the back of his parent?" she said. "Lifting him through muddy river waters, taking him to safety on the other side?"
"It's a blessing for the beloved," Marie had challenged. "I'm not the beloved. You call me 'Her to Be Baptized.' I didn't have the friars' water. And I am not his."
Holy Rainbow waved her hand, drifting Marie's words away. "It is a promise. All blessings are promises, made by the person giving them. They say the words, then they touch the person who receives the blessing."
Holy Rainbow drew Marie into her arms and held her there, the brush of the elk teeth that decorated the dress of her mother-in-law's bodice pressed against Marie's cheeks.
"It is the Lord's decision to love and bless," she told Marie. "He wishes you to love him back, but his promise is made to each one. Each is worthy. He seeks every one, but they can choose. He attaches no strings of sinew unless you wish it. I make this blessing to you and my son and grandsons, so you will be carried to safety, as you need. You'll make such a blessing someday to your children, hoping they'll love you back as they rest in the groove between your shoulders."
Her mother-in-law had pressed her hands to Marie's face and breathed softly on her closed eyes, repeating the phrase, "The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him." Marie had felt the warmth of her hands and her heart. The memory comforted her now.
...
"She narrowed her eyes at him, tired of the journey, forgetful of her reasons for coming at all." ... A cold east wind blew across the plain and Marie shivered. "It does no good to lay blame, Marie. The wind hits us, sometimes because we rode to a place where the wind always blows. Sometimes because we are pushed by storms that come only once to a place. It is a poor bet to say we should not have been there. We are there. Now what to do? How to stay warm? Who will hold us in the storm, eh? That's all we can ask with the hope of an answer."
...
The departure was hurried, leaving little time to say what she wished. ... "I will remember you," Marie said and she signed the words for "heart knowing."
"My heart knows you to," [Sarah:] said. She handed Marie a pair of moccasins.
Sprays of colored beads rushed like streams of water into a blue circle of lake. Some of the sprays were double rows and long, and some were single sets of beads that barely reached the circle. "These are all of us," Sarah said, pointing to streams. "Many colors. Many lengths. Many depths."
"It looks as though some do not make it," Marie said. "They fall short."
Sarah brushed away her observation with her hands. "The length of the stream does not matter. Only that it's there and flows toward the circle that forms the lake we all live in. Sometimes streams go underground so we can't see how far they reach. We can't know what effort they make to find the lake. Rivers serve and every stream matters. You remember this, " she said. "Your family is that lake. These people in this post are part of it too. The river Indians. We are all apart of the lake together."
Read the Author's Note at the back for specific explanations of which events are true or imagined.
From a "true story imagined" perspective, the unexpected beauty of the book, for me, was the thread of spiritual growth, faith, and conversion expressed through the main character. This, the significance of friendship (even if brief and sporadic), and the bettering of family relationships contributed to a strengthening read.
Favorite excerpts:
Marie straightened her shoulders, hiked Paul up higher on her back, gaining courage. When she did, she remembered a blessing her husband's mother gave to her once when Marie lifted her baby son onto the board. "It is an old blessing given to a man named Benjamin by an elder named Moses who, like you, had walked through wilderness places. 'The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him. And the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.' Is that not the image of a child carried on the back of his parent?" she said. "Lifting him through muddy river waters, taking him to safety on the other side?"
"It's a blessing for the beloved," Marie had challenged. "I'm not the beloved. You call me 'Her to Be Baptized.' I didn't have the friars' water. And I am not his."
Holy Rainbow waved her hand, drifting Marie's words away. "It is a promise. All blessings are promises, made by the person giving them. They say the words, then they touch the person who receives the blessing."
Holy Rainbow drew Marie into her arms and held her there, the brush of the elk teeth that decorated the dress of her mother-in-law's bodice pressed against Marie's cheeks.
"It is the Lord's decision to love and bless," she told Marie. "He wishes you to love him back, but his promise is made to each one. Each is worthy. He seeks every one, but they can choose. He attaches no strings of sinew unless you wish it. I make this blessing to you and my son and grandsons, so you will be carried to safety, as you need. You'll make such a blessing someday to your children, hoping they'll love you back as they rest in the groove between your shoulders."
Her mother-in-law had pressed her hands to Marie's face and breathed softly on her closed eyes, repeating the phrase, "The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him." Marie had felt the warmth of her hands and her heart. The memory comforted her now.
...
"She narrowed her eyes at him, tired of the journey, forgetful of her reasons for coming at all." ... A cold east wind blew across the plain and Marie shivered. "It does no good to lay blame, Marie. The wind hits us, sometimes because we rode to a place where the wind always blows. Sometimes because we are pushed by storms that come only once to a place. It is a poor bet to say we should not have been there. We are there. Now what to do? How to stay warm? Who will hold us in the storm, eh? That's all we can ask with the hope of an answer."
...
The departure was hurried, leaving little time to say what she wished. ... "I will remember you," Marie said and she signed the words for "heart knowing."
"My heart knows you to," [Sarah:] said. She handed Marie a pair of moccasins.
Sprays of colored beads rushed like streams of water into a blue circle of lake. Some of the sprays were double rows and long, and some were single sets of beads that barely reached the circle. "These are all of us," Sarah said, pointing to streams. "Many colors. Many lengths. Many depths."
"It looks as though some do not make it," Marie said. "They fall short."
Sarah brushed away her observation with her hands. "The length of the stream does not matter. Only that it's there and flows toward the circle that forms the lake we all live in. Sometimes streams go underground so we can't see how far they reach. We can't know what effort they make to find the lake. Rivers serve and every stream matters. You remember this, " she said. "Your family is that lake. These people in this post are part of it too. The river Indians. We are all apart of the lake together."
October 17, 2008
This story grew to such magnitude in my mind that I thirsted for the next one to follow! I couldn't put the books down until I was at the end. It is the story of the 'first mother to cross the Rocky mountains in winter'. It is the story of a woman who battles the elements as well as her own husband, a French/indian trapper/interpreter for Wilson Hunt Astoria expedition of 1811, when it came to the survival of her sons. Much of her story takes place along the Columbia River from Wenatchee area to Portland where she finally settles in the Willamette Valley. After reading this book and the others in this series I understood why Marie Dorion's name is attached to a park at Wallula Junction. It is a sweet reminder of her story every time I pass, in my mind I can see the settlements, I can see her winding her way down the Walla Walla river in her canoe. But that's all I'm going to tell...you must read it for yourself and find yourself pondering much!
May 6, 2017
A very likely choice for book of the year. Jane Kirkpatrick sat next to me at a Oregon Women for Ag dinner. Afterward I was able to buy a couple of books and have her sign them. Sacajawea was one of my childhood hero's and the heroine in this book share a very similar story. The book is about Marie an Indian woman who insists on taking her children and going with her French-Indian husband to Oregon Territory with the Aster Party. The Aster Party were the second party to successfully make the journey overland to Oregon, and they founded the city of Astoria. But they were badly managed and suffered many tragedies. Marie Dorion is a founding mother of Oregon, and this story is well researched and historically sound, but told as if you were watching it all unfold.
August 19, 2014
Ms. Kirkpatrick has written an engaging novel about the life of an extraordinary woman and Ioway Indian, Marie Dorion.
The author is a master storyteller, and will pull you into the story as you follow along in the footsteps of this courageous woman, as she journeys first by river boat, then across land by horseback and walking, and eventually by canoe.
You will easily and effortlessly become involved in this woman’s story as told by Kirkpatrick.
Although this is a novel, Marie Dorion was a real woman, and I think she would be extremely pleased at having her story told by Jane Kirkpatrick
Disclaimer: I should tell you that Ms. Kirkpatrick was kind enough to endorse my book about Madame Dorion.
The author is a master storyteller, and will pull you into the story as you follow along in the footsteps of this courageous woman, as she journeys first by river boat, then across land by horseback and walking, and eventually by canoe.
You will easily and effortlessly become involved in this woman’s story as told by Kirkpatrick.
Although this is a novel, Marie Dorion was a real woman, and I think she would be extremely pleased at having her story told by Jane Kirkpatrick
Disclaimer: I should tell you that Ms. Kirkpatrick was kind enough to endorse my book about Madame Dorion.
January 2, 2016
I think I would have given this book a higher rating if I hadn't lost my place so often. I really enjoyed the story line and concept, but just a too few many boring parts.
March 8, 2016
Jane Kirkpatrick wrote a lackluster coming of age story about Marie Dorian, a young woman who journeyed west with her children and her husband in search of a new life, only to end up finding herself. It was painfully slow moving, actually bogging down in places, while never really exploring any character in depth - including Marie. Instead Kirkpatrick had Marie on a mental treadmill. Either there wasn't really enough inner material for an interesting story or there wasn't much to Kirkpatrick's imagination.
The writing and tone of the book did make an conscientious attempt to place the reader into the mindset of the both the Native Americans and the companies vying to establish trade in the Pacific Northwest in the early eighteen hundreds. It is a familiar story, this manifest destiny, that relegated thriving cultures to second class status. It was an important time in American history that has given birth to countless tales of loss, despair, bravery and courage; and Kirkpatrick did manage to capture some of that in Marie's story.
Unfortunately, A Name of Her Own, bordered on tedious, neither revealing much about the early Americans intruded upon, nor the people claiming the west and its resources for profit. Marie's Native American heritage and cultural upbringing were often seen in stark contrast to the brutish, white male power brokers who pushed and bullied their way west. This is also true of many other fictional portrayals of that period in American history that were far more engaging and entertaining.
Historical fiction is a wonderful way to learn about the past. For my money it's the imagination of the writer that actually breathes life into the past. It is not easy to do, but when done well, names and dates and places from years gone by begin to live in the reader's imagination. Maybe I expected too much from this story and should have been satisfied with one woman's transformation under difficult circumstances. Or, maybe the story simply is what I think it is.
The writing and tone of the book did make an conscientious attempt to place the reader into the mindset of the both the Native Americans and the companies vying to establish trade in the Pacific Northwest in the early eighteen hundreds. It is a familiar story, this manifest destiny, that relegated thriving cultures to second class status. It was an important time in American history that has given birth to countless tales of loss, despair, bravery and courage; and Kirkpatrick did manage to capture some of that in Marie's story.
Unfortunately, A Name of Her Own, bordered on tedious, neither revealing much about the early Americans intruded upon, nor the people claiming the west and its resources for profit. Marie's Native American heritage and cultural upbringing were often seen in stark contrast to the brutish, white male power brokers who pushed and bullied their way west. This is also true of many other fictional portrayals of that period in American history that were far more engaging and entertaining.
Historical fiction is a wonderful way to learn about the past. For my money it's the imagination of the writer that actually breathes life into the past. It is not easy to do, but when done well, names and dates and places from years gone by begin to live in the reader's imagination. Maybe I expected too much from this story and should have been satisfied with one woman's transformation under difficult circumstances. Or, maybe the story simply is what I think it is.
February 15, 2019
This book transported me to another place and time. I am always amazed when an author can do this. This is loosely based upon history, and there is information listed in the back of the book about this. Marie struggles to discover who she is in the world that she lives in. Her husband calls her “femme,” which means woman. She wants him to call her by the name that she gave herself, her mother name—Marie. Eventually he does do this. She is fearful about not having enough resources to get her and her two boys through the long three years that her husband will be away. He has joined a group going west to look for trade routes, and he is their interpreter. He owes money, and this will come out of the funds that she has to sustain her family. She gets the expedition to take her and her two boys along. That is an amazing feat for a woman at that time.
Marie faces many trials through the journey west, and she manages to deal with the issues and overcome them. At times she ponders who she is. She knows that she is a woman, a wife, and a mother. If something happens to her children, can she still call herself a mother? Is she able to raise her children on her own?
I really enjoyed this book. Marie’s strength was inspiring. She made a terribly difficult decision when she had to find help in order to save her children. The ending of the book showed Marie coming into her own as a person.
Marie faces many trials through the journey west, and she manages to deal with the issues and overcome them. At times she ponders who she is. She knows that she is a woman, a wife, and a mother. If something happens to her children, can she still call herself a mother? Is she able to raise her children on her own?
I really enjoyed this book. Marie’s strength was inspiring. She made a terribly difficult decision when she had to find help in order to save her children. The ending of the book showed Marie coming into her own as a person.
December 20, 2011
A slow read.
Although this novel has been highly acclaimed by other readers, I found it a slow read. The sections where Marie interracted with other characters on a personal level flowed well, but I got bogged down in the minutiae of the general day to day survival.
Marie was based on Marie Dorion who travelled with an investigatory expedition from St. Louis to Astoria in Oregon. She accompanied her interpreter husband with two young sons, across thousands of miles of inhospitable terrain and we are with her for every gruelling mile. Whilst I am sure Jane Kirkpatrick has done thorough research, this felt like a history lesson and failed to capture my imagination.
I have the second volume, Every Fixed Star, waiting to follow on, but I am seriously considering giving it a miss.
Although this novel has been highly acclaimed by other readers, I found it a slow read. The sections where Marie interracted with other characters on a personal level flowed well, but I got bogged down in the minutiae of the general day to day survival.
Marie was based on Marie Dorion who travelled with an investigatory expedition from St. Louis to Astoria in Oregon. She accompanied her interpreter husband with two young sons, across thousands of miles of inhospitable terrain and we are with her for every gruelling mile. Whilst I am sure Jane Kirkpatrick has done thorough research, this felt like a history lesson and failed to capture my imagination.
I have the second volume, Every Fixed Star, waiting to follow on, but I am seriously considering giving it a miss.
September 23, 2015
This was a detailed historical fiction tale of French Canadian Fur traders traveling the wilderness to Oregon. I liked the historical fiction part of this. This added interest to the author's story.
I liked the MC, Marie. She was strong and endured much. I didn't like that she constantly played the blame game. Everything was always someone's fault and she spent a lot of time berating herself as well. And it was always the same. So the repetition was a little tedious. It felt bogged down in so many places, especially in the beginning.
But once you can get past that, it was a rewarding story. Marie grew on me and her boys sounded so sweet. She truly rose to every occasion to protect her family and to do her absolute best.
I liked the MC, Marie. She was strong and endured much. I didn't like that she constantly played the blame game. Everything was always someone's fault and she spent a lot of time berating herself as well. And it was always the same. So the repetition was a little tedious. It felt bogged down in so many places, especially in the beginning.
But once you can get past that, it was a rewarding story. Marie grew on me and her boys sounded so sweet. She truly rose to every occasion to protect her family and to do her absolute best.
Read
November 27, 2012about halfway through. really good so far.
May 27, 2014
Not my usual genre. I would have liked a little more fictionalizing/story.
March 26, 2018
A Name of Her Own by Jane Kirkpatrick
Marie Dorion: Iowa Indian, allowed on trapping expedition
Pierre Dorion: Marie's French/Indian husband, clerk turned translator
Locations: St. Louis, Mo. to the Pacific Northwest
Holy Rainbow: Marie's wise Christian mother-in-law
Based on real events and real people in history, Ms. Kirkpatrick begins this story in St. Louis, 1811, where our main character Marie does not want to be left behind while her husband travels as an interpreter for a fur trapping company to the Pacific Northwest. She talked the guides into taking her and the children along, a decision for which her husband would later make her pay. He wanted to skip out on a debt owed to his former employer, and leave her to work it out after he was to leave with the scouts. This is how the voyage begins across a vast, beautiful and treacherous land.
More synopsis for my benefit:
This story kept me guessing. When I thought I had Marie's future figured out, something would change. And then when I thought things were so much better, another change would occur. Some for the good, some heartwarming, some maybe not so much. But it is all very interesting, and such history! I certainly learned a lot about different Indian cultures, myths, wisdom, and survival techniques. Not to mention the expedition was historic, bringing in such characters as Sacagawea on the Louis and Clark expedition, and John Jacob Astor, after which Astoria, Washington is named.
The reason for the title of the book is that Pierre never called Marie by her name. He always called her femme. She wanted to be known by her mother name, and for years she wanted to have a voice and a name among people.
Slight issue I had:
The book quotes conversations Marie had with her mother-in-law, Holy Rainbow. She was wise and brought comfort to Marie. However, in doing a little research of my own, Iowa Tribe records say Holy Rainbow was Pierre Dorion's first wife whom he abandoned. I wondered why Ms. Kirkpatrick took license with this rather than using another fictitious name for Pierre's Native American mother.
There are two more books after this which I'll look into. All in all, I enjoyed this. Wonderful historical fiction book for anyone, especially those living in the Pacific Northwest.
Marie Dorion: Iowa Indian, allowed on trapping expedition
Pierre Dorion: Marie's French/Indian husband, clerk turned translator
Locations: St. Louis, Mo. to the Pacific Northwest
Holy Rainbow: Marie's wise Christian mother-in-law
Based on real events and real people in history, Ms. Kirkpatrick begins this story in St. Louis, 1811, where our main character Marie does not want to be left behind while her husband travels as an interpreter for a fur trapping company to the Pacific Northwest. She talked the guides into taking her and the children along, a decision for which her husband would later make her pay. He wanted to skip out on a debt owed to his former employer, and leave her to work it out after he was to leave with the scouts. This is how the voyage begins across a vast, beautiful and treacherous land.
More synopsis for my benefit:
This story kept me guessing. When I thought I had Marie's future figured out, something would change. And then when I thought things were so much better, another change would occur. Some for the good, some heartwarming, some maybe not so much. But it is all very interesting, and such history! I certainly learned a lot about different Indian cultures, myths, wisdom, and survival techniques. Not to mention the expedition was historic, bringing in such characters as Sacagawea on the Louis and Clark expedition, and John Jacob Astor, after which Astoria, Washington is named.
The reason for the title of the book is that Pierre never called Marie by her name. He always called her femme. She wanted to be known by her mother name, and for years she wanted to have a voice and a name among people.
Slight issue I had:
The book quotes conversations Marie had with her mother-in-law, Holy Rainbow. She was wise and brought comfort to Marie. However, in doing a little research of my own, Iowa Tribe records say Holy Rainbow was Pierre Dorion's first wife whom he abandoned. I wondered why Ms. Kirkpatrick took license with this rather than using another fictitious name for Pierre's Native American mother.
There are two more books after this which I'll look into. All in all, I enjoyed this. Wonderful historical fiction book for anyone, especially those living in the Pacific Northwest.
July 12, 2021
I don’t review a lot of books, but every once in a while a story comes along that strikes a chord. Kirkpatrick’s “A Name of Her Own” is one of these. Solid historical research and flawed but likeable characters made this an enjoyable read. Even though this novel has been out for nearly 20 years, if you haven’t read it, but enjoy historical fiction, I’d recommend checking out “A Name of Her Own.”
March 21, 2018
bored bored bored
May 14, 2014
Incredibly slow-starting, and slow moving even once the story got going (after about page 150, frustratingly) - interesting history and I liked the author's note explaining what was fact and what was fiction.
Another reviewer, Heather, posted this quote, which I also loved (thank you!) :
"Marie straightened her shoulders, hiked Paul up higher on her back, gaining courage. When she did, she remembered a blessing her husband's mother gave to her once when Marie lifted her baby son onto the board. "It is an old blessing given to a man named Benjamin by an elder named Moses who, like you, had walked through wilderness places. 'The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him. And the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.' Is that not the image of a child carried on the back of his parent?" she said. "Lifting him through muddy river waters, taking him to safety on the other side?"
"It's a blessing for the beloved," Marie had challenged. "I'm not the beloved. You call me 'Her to Be Baptized.' I didn't have the friars' water. And I am not his."
Holy Rainbow waved her hand, drifting Marie's words away. "It is a promise. All blessings are promises, made by the person giving them. They say the words, then they touch the person who receives the blessing."
Holy Rainbow drew Marie into her arms and held her there, the brush of the elk teeth that decorated the dress of her mother-in-law's bodice pressed against Marie's cheeks.
"It is the Lord's decision to love and bless," she told Marie. "He wishes you to love him back, but his promise is made to each one. Each is worthy. He seeks every one, but they can choose. He attaches no strings of sinew unless you wish it. I make this blessing to you and my son and grandsons, so you will be carried to safety, as you need. You'll make such a blessing someday to your children, hoping they'll love you back as they rest in the groove between your shoulders."
Her mother-in-law had pressed her hands to Marie's face and breathed softly on her closed eyes, repeating the phrase, "The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him." Marie had felt the warmth of her hands and her heart. The memory comforted her now."
However, that is by far the most beautiful passage of the entire book.
Another reviewer, Heather, posted this quote, which I also loved (thank you!) :
"Marie straightened her shoulders, hiked Paul up higher on her back, gaining courage. When she did, she remembered a blessing her husband's mother gave to her once when Marie lifted her baby son onto the board. "It is an old blessing given to a man named Benjamin by an elder named Moses who, like you, had walked through wilderness places. 'The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him. And the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.' Is that not the image of a child carried on the back of his parent?" she said. "Lifting him through muddy river waters, taking him to safety on the other side?"
"It's a blessing for the beloved," Marie had challenged. "I'm not the beloved. You call me 'Her to Be Baptized.' I didn't have the friars' water. And I am not his."
Holy Rainbow waved her hand, drifting Marie's words away. "It is a promise. All blessings are promises, made by the person giving them. They say the words, then they touch the person who receives the blessing."
Holy Rainbow drew Marie into her arms and held her there, the brush of the elk teeth that decorated the dress of her mother-in-law's bodice pressed against Marie's cheeks.
"It is the Lord's decision to love and bless," she told Marie. "He wishes you to love him back, but his promise is made to each one. Each is worthy. He seeks every one, but they can choose. He attaches no strings of sinew unless you wish it. I make this blessing to you and my son and grandsons, so you will be carried to safety, as you need. You'll make such a blessing someday to your children, hoping they'll love you back as they rest in the groove between your shoulders."
Her mother-in-law had pressed her hands to Marie's face and breathed softly on her closed eyes, repeating the phrase, "The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him." Marie had felt the warmth of her hands and her heart. The memory comforted her now."
However, that is by far the most beautiful passage of the entire book.
December 10, 2015
Setting: Early 1800's, post Lewis and Clark Western fur trading expedition.
My first reaction was that the writing was dry and very slow paced. There seemed to be little going on except narrative. Then a character would encounter a problem, so I kept reading to see how the problem would be solved. The main character, Marie Dorion, had to endure the consequences of her choices. The main choice she made was to insert herself and her two young boys into the expedition. Her husband, Pierre, had been chosen to act as an interpreter for the brigade and initially, did not want Marie to go along. Marie did not want to be left to fend for herself in his absence. She endures her husband's brutality at times, the loss of a child, hunger, and arduous travel conditions. In spite of the dangerous conditions and deprivations, Marie does find solace with a few female friends from other Indian nations. The story was peppered with many details that showed how things were done in that era, such as using buffalo robes for blankets, cleaning hides for market, sewing beads onto moccasins, food preparation, and building huts. Those details evoked the time period and made it interesting.
What I didn't like about the story, is that is was often hard to tell where the characters were. Action would be going on, like Pierre and Marie having a discussion, but I had no idea where they were. After several lines of talk, the author would throw in something about a hut, or water or something to give me a clue. Then at other times, Kirkpatrick would give a full blown description of the land or something and I could see it clearly. It would have been helpful, too, if in the very beginning of the story she would have had the expedition leader, Hunt, describe the entire route. There were so many times when Marie and everyone was traveling out there somewhere, but where, I wondered. Maybe the author wanted the reader to feel lost? Anyway, I would give this four stars for the outstanding amount of research that was done. I would give it three stars for the storytelling. Read it if you are interested in Western fur trading history or Native American history.
My first reaction was that the writing was dry and very slow paced. There seemed to be little going on except narrative. Then a character would encounter a problem, so I kept reading to see how the problem would be solved. The main character, Marie Dorion, had to endure the consequences of her choices. The main choice she made was to insert herself and her two young boys into the expedition. Her husband, Pierre, had been chosen to act as an interpreter for the brigade and initially, did not want Marie to go along. Marie did not want to be left to fend for herself in his absence. She endures her husband's brutality at times, the loss of a child, hunger, and arduous travel conditions. In spite of the dangerous conditions and deprivations, Marie does find solace with a few female friends from other Indian nations. The story was peppered with many details that showed how things were done in that era, such as using buffalo robes for blankets, cleaning hides for market, sewing beads onto moccasins, food preparation, and building huts. Those details evoked the time period and made it interesting.
What I didn't like about the story, is that is was often hard to tell where the characters were. Action would be going on, like Pierre and Marie having a discussion, but I had no idea where they were. After several lines of talk, the author would throw in something about a hut, or water or something to give me a clue. Then at other times, Kirkpatrick would give a full blown description of the land or something and I could see it clearly. It would have been helpful, too, if in the very beginning of the story she would have had the expedition leader, Hunt, describe the entire route. There were so many times when Marie and everyone was traveling out there somewhere, but where, I wondered. Maybe the author wanted the reader to feel lost? Anyway, I would give this four stars for the outstanding amount of research that was done. I would give it three stars for the storytelling. Read it if you are interested in Western fur trading history or Native American history.
September 8, 2015
Source: In 2010, I won a copy from the author.
Rating: 4 stars for very good.
Summary:
Time period: 1811-1812.
A Name of Her Own is a historical fiction account of Marie Dorion. Marie and her family were apart of the Lewis and Clark expedition group. Her husband was a fur-trapper. They had two young sons. In the beginning, Marie's husband wanted her and the children to stay behind in St. Louis, she refused. The westward trek to the Pacific was physically and emotionally straining, especially for the young Dorion boys. Another woman was also apart of the expedition, Sacagawea.
My Thoughts:
I've had A Name of Her Own in my TBR pile since 2010. I'd planned to read the book in 2010, but other books kept covering it up. I'm glad to declare I've read the book and loved it. I have only 3 more Christian fiction books to read in my TBR pile.
I loved reading a Christian fiction book where the emphasis is not on a love story. The theme of boy meets girl, or girl meets boy, and their romantic tango has gotten boring.
A strong theme of A Name of Her Own is the survival of Marie Dorion, and her effort to provide and care for her young sons. A secondary theme is Marie Dorion's eye-witness to history.
She is portrayed as a independent minded woman. She is a resilient and persevering woman. The friction between Marie and her husband depicts their harsh and abusive life. Marie's intention is for her family to survive; however, her husband's perspective is different.
A Name of Her Own shows the tasks Marie and Sacagewea would be expected to perform. From the preparing of food and camp set-up, to the tiresome travel and the constant monitoring of children. While the men had their roles, the women also had important duties.
A Name of Her Own is not a "pretty" story. At times, it is difficult to read. The reality of Marie's life was brutal. Her losses, regrets, and consequences of actions caused her anguish. However, her reaction was often propelled by the decisions of other people.
A Name of Her Own is a memorable testament to Marie Dorion's life.
Rating: 4 stars for very good.
Summary:
Time period: 1811-1812.
A Name of Her Own is a historical fiction account of Marie Dorion. Marie and her family were apart of the Lewis and Clark expedition group. Her husband was a fur-trapper. They had two young sons. In the beginning, Marie's husband wanted her and the children to stay behind in St. Louis, she refused. The westward trek to the Pacific was physically and emotionally straining, especially for the young Dorion boys. Another woman was also apart of the expedition, Sacagawea.
My Thoughts:
I've had A Name of Her Own in my TBR pile since 2010. I'd planned to read the book in 2010, but other books kept covering it up. I'm glad to declare I've read the book and loved it. I have only 3 more Christian fiction books to read in my TBR pile.
I loved reading a Christian fiction book where the emphasis is not on a love story. The theme of boy meets girl, or girl meets boy, and their romantic tango has gotten boring.
A strong theme of A Name of Her Own is the survival of Marie Dorion, and her effort to provide and care for her young sons. A secondary theme is Marie Dorion's eye-witness to history.
She is portrayed as a independent minded woman. She is a resilient and persevering woman. The friction between Marie and her husband depicts their harsh and abusive life. Marie's intention is for her family to survive; however, her husband's perspective is different.
A Name of Her Own shows the tasks Marie and Sacagewea would be expected to perform. From the preparing of food and camp set-up, to the tiresome travel and the constant monitoring of children. While the men had their roles, the women also had important duties.
A Name of Her Own is not a "pretty" story. At times, it is difficult to read. The reality of Marie's life was brutal. Her losses, regrets, and consequences of actions caused her anguish. However, her reaction was often propelled by the decisions of other people.
A Name of Her Own is a memorable testament to Marie Dorion's life.
May 20, 2017
Excellent!
December 6, 2012
What a story! Every time I read about the journeys and hardships our early predecessors endured, I have a renewed sense of admiration and awe for them. This story of Marie Dorion and her family is no exception. To take long travels with children, even in this days and age, is sometimes a trying feat, but to travel across the wild country in early 1800's takes near saintly perseverance. But as Marie finds, Providence provides.
I found that the author, Jane Kilpatrick, did a wonderful job telling this tale of the
Dorion family, the trek of the Astorians and the people they met along the way. It was interesting to experience the story through various characters' point of view and in Marie's as well. Seeing the journey through her eyes gave the adventure more depth and balance. It made us see the additional concerns, worries and things that held importance to a woman/mother on such a long and dangerous trek.
Note: This was a book that I received as a bookring through
Bookcrossing.com
I found that the author, Jane Kilpatrick, did a wonderful job telling this tale of the
Dorion family, the trek of the Astorians and the people they met along the way. It was interesting to experience the story through various characters' point of view and in Marie's as well. Seeing the journey through her eyes gave the adventure more depth and balance. It made us see the additional concerns, worries and things that held importance to a woman/mother on such a long and dangerous trek.
Note: This was a book that I received as a bookring through
Bookcrossing.com
July 4, 2011
This is the fictionalized story of a real woman named Marie Dorian who crossed the Rocky Mountains with the Wilson Hunt Astoria expedition of 1811. Her husband was their Native American interpreter. She was full native and her husband a metis, half native half white. This is the imagined story that Kirkpatrick feels could have surrounded Marie in her desire to, at all costs, keep her family of two boys with her husband and not get left behind in St.Louis. I really liked the knowledge that we were reading about a real woman. Even though we can never know the exact events surrounding her passage Krikpatrick has done her homework and there is an annotation at the end of the story that documents what actual facts she has based her book of off.
I really liked the interactions between Marie and her husband and how real their relationship was. I think it was the non-perfected-ness of their marriage that really drives the relationship home. I really love reading novels about Native Americans, I feel there aren’t really that many out there that are not in the Westerns category. (I don’t like those). So even though this book didn’t really have me connect to Marie as I think a writer wants their audience to connect to their characters I will give another of Kirkpatrick’s books a chance to see what happens.
I really liked the interactions between Marie and her husband and how real their relationship was. I think it was the non-perfected-ness of their marriage that really drives the relationship home. I really love reading novels about Native Americans, I feel there aren’t really that many out there that are not in the Westerns category. (I don’t like those). So even though this book didn’t really have me connect to Marie as I think a writer wants their audience to connect to their characters I will give another of Kirkpatrick’s books a chance to see what happens.
June 4, 2013
I have mixed feelings about this book. I thought it was well-written with an interesting storyline, and it seemed to be well-researched. Marie Dorion was certainly a strong woman to have endured what she endured and to have kept her children alive throughout it all. It was interesting to read about her and made me feel pretty cozy and safe here in my home with my children rather than out in the elements hunting for our food and trying to keep us safe from any aggressive Native American tribes. However, it was hard for me to get past her attitude towards her husband, who was physically and verbally abusive towards her and her children. I understand that a woman at that time may not have had many options and may have felt no choice but to stay, but what bothered me was how Marie still seemed to truly love and respect him despite his treatment of them. I respected her for finally standing up to him and making the situation better for herself and her children, but the whole thing would have sat better with me if there was more of an "I know he's awful but I have to stay" kind of attitude rather than an "It's the drink that makes him do it; I will try harder not to anger him" kind of attitude. Overall, however, I am glad I read this book and plan to read more by this author.
October 14, 2015
To be honest I was terribly disappointed in this book that got such rave reviews. I give 5 stars for the subject matter but that is where my generosity ends. The subject matter I adore so I ask myself what is the problem? I always learn a great deal about American history when I read Jane Kirkpatrick's books and in that regard I admire Jane as an author. I learned a great deal about Hunt's expedition because I googled various aspects of the journey; not so much as a result of Jane's descriptions. I think my problem is that "view" did not stay with the main character. It seemed to shift to others and I would get confused as to who the author was suddenly talking about. I also had great difficulty figuring out where the story was taking place at times since gigantic pieces of time and space would suddenly occur and I would have to go back and read several pages to figure out what was going on. Perhaps this was an editing problem. As I said, I so so so want to give this book 5 stars. It opened my eyes to a piece of history that I was not aware of but oh the writing...
December 24, 2016
Based on a true story and real people, this story takes place in the early 1800’s, shortly after Lewis and Clark have made their expedition west. The main character is Marie, a Native American woman (from the Ioway tribe) who is married to Pierre, a half Indian/ half French fur trader. At the start of the book they have a baby and a toddler, and Marie and the children are about to be left behind in St. Louis as Pierre leaves on another expedition west sponsored by the wealthy Astor family of New York.
Marie (who through most of the book is only called femme by her husband), talks her way into joining the expedition with the children, and most of the book is about the grueling journey and all the hardships and situations they went through and encountered, including her battles with her hard-drinking, ill-tempered husband, and her meeting w
ith Sacagawea.
You won’t believe anyone could survive this type of expedition, but she did. I learned a lot of history here that I never learned in high school, and the story kept me up late several nights in a row.
Marie (who through most of the book is only called femme by her husband), talks her way into joining the expedition with the children, and most of the book is about the grueling journey and all the hardships and situations they went through and encountered, including her battles with her hard-drinking, ill-tempered husband, and her meeting w
ith Sacagawea.
You won’t believe anyone could survive this type of expedition, but she did. I learned a lot of history here that I never learned in high school, and the story kept me up late several nights in a row.
April 18, 2008
I enjoyed this book, partly because there were random French words scattered about, but also just for the story: a woman who risked crossing the country - not too long after Lewis and Clark made their expedition - in order to keep her family together. Her family was herself, her husband, and their two boys. I also thought it was interesting how the expedition leaders came to see this as an advantage - it meant they were on a peaceful expedition, since warring expeditions would not have brought women or children along. I never really imagined what it must have been like to cross the country, not really knowing where you are or where you'll end up. This was hard to read at parts, because there were times when things were very bad for the characters - as they had been in real life. But it amazing to see how strong this woman really was, and what she and others like her accomplished - because it is based on a true story.
February 4, 2013
An intense historical drama telling the tale of an independently minded woman and her family.
I wasn't immediately grabbed by this book, but as each chapter unfurled I became more and more engrossed with the intensity if feelings that ran through its pages. Marie is a complex character that I'm sure all women can identify with in one way or another, and her passion really helped me to engage with the unfolding events.
I learnt a lot about C19th America from this book, particularly relating to the relationships between Native Americans and the settlers. As each character explored their ever-changing world it became more real to me, the reader.
This book wasn't an easy read, but its well worth the effort. It would particularly interest anyone who wants to know more about social history.
March 9, 2014
This story is based on the true-life story of Marie Dorion, French-Canadian & Sioux woman who followed her interpreter husband Pierre on a journey to the great Northwest territories along with the Pacific Fur Company members. Following after Sacagawea's example, and even meeting her briefly during the trek, Madame Dorion experienced many adventures and hardships along the way. Much of the story is true, but of course the writing of the tale takes some fictional liberties with character development and the smaller details. I felt very angry reading about Marie's abusive wretch of a husband, and it was sometimes hard to wade through the dense moments of the story. I learned about a portion of history I'd never investigated before, though, and that was worthwhile.
December 19, 2008
Based on a True Story (the Tender Ties Historical Series) Set during the fur-trapping era of the early 1800's. One woman struggles to keep her family together and alive.
With two rambunctious boys to raise, Maria Dorion refuses to be left behind in St. Louis when her husband heads west. Faced with hostile landscapes, an untried expedition leader, and her volatile husband, Marie finds that the daring act she hoped would bind her family together may in the end tear them apart... I love Jane Kirkpatrick's books- they are very "real to life" and enjoyable to read. Very interesting and inspiring! I would recommend any of her books that I have read so far :)
With two rambunctious boys to raise, Maria Dorion refuses to be left behind in St. Louis when her husband heads west. Faced with hostile landscapes, an untried expedition leader, and her volatile husband, Marie finds that the daring act she hoped would bind her family together may in the end tear them apart... I love Jane Kirkpatrick's books- they are very "real to life" and enjoyable to read. Very interesting and inspiring! I would recommend any of her books that I have read so far :)
June 18, 2009
This is the second book I've read by Jane Kirkpatrick and I've thoroughly enjoyed both of them. She calls these 'a true story, imagined' as they are based on real characters and real events, but she weaves a story that makes those characters come to life. This is the first in a series and I'm anxious to read more. Both of the books I've read (and I suspect most of hers) are about strong woman characters. This one is about an Ioway Indian woman who crosses the mountains multiple times with an Astor expedition in 1811-1813. An amazing tale, told with insight and understanding of the human spirit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews