Sunday, October 16, 2011

Book Review: The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund


This fictionalized story of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, missionaries to the Nez Perce Indians in the Oregon Territory in 1836 and their journey to reach Oregon is fascinating and very close to the actual historical story of the real life couple, and a very good read. 

Priscilla White (the story's Narcissa Whitman) and Dr. Eli Ernest (the story's Marcus Whitman) are faced with the dilemma of not being able to fulfill their longing and calling by God to be missionaries because the mission board will not support single individuals.  They must be married.  A marriage of convenience is agreed to by the two and they embark on their journey.

Traveling with them is another missionary couple.  The gentleman is the refused suitor of Priscilla White who has married a sweet young missionary minded young lady.  The interaction of these two couples is interesting and adds poignancy to the story.

Author Jody Hedlund brings further historical authenticity to the story with her precise descriptions of the locales and the hardships entailed.  The trip is the historically true story of the first white women to cross the Continental Divide and travel into territory where no white woman has ever been able to go.

I found the tension between Priscilla and Eli realistic.  The book has emotions covering the spectrum of  fear, anxiety, anger, humor, joy, and love.  The book doesn't cover the entire lives of Priscilla and Eli, but it gets them started on the journey of life with this journey of a lifetime.

I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy historical fiction.

ISBN:  978-0-7642-0833-1 Historical Fiction, www.BethanyHouse.com

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

1 comment:

  1. Hi Vera!

    What a lovely review! Thank you for taking the time and effort to write it! I'm so glad that you enjoyed the story and found the historical aspect intriguing!

    Many blessings!

    Jody Hedlund

    ReplyDelete

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