One Big Open Sky
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Three women narrate a perilous wagon journey westward that could set them free—or cost them everything they have—in this intergenerational verse novel that explores the history of the Black homesteader movement. 1879, Mississippi. Young dreamer Lettie may have her head in the stars, but her body is on a covered wagon heading westward. Her father, Thomas, promises that Nebraska will be everything the family needs: an opportunity to claim the independence they’ve strived for over generations on their very own plot of land. But Thomas’ hopes—and mouth—are bigger than his ability to follow through. With few supplies and even less money, the only thing that feels certain is danger. Right after the war ended/and we were free/we believed/all of us did/that couldn’t nothing hurt us/the way master had when we were slaves/Couldn’t no one tell us/how to live/how to die. Lettie, her mother, Sylvia, and young teacher Philomena are free from slavery—but bound by poverty, access to opportunity, and patriarchal social structures. Will these women survive the hardships of their journey? And as Thomas’ desire for control overpowers his common sense, will they truly be free once they get there? Coretta Scott King Honor-winning author Lesa Cline-Ransome’s striking verse masterfully portrays an underrepresented historical era. Tackling powerful themes of autonomy and Black self-emancipation, Cline-Ransome offers readers an intimate look into the lives of three women and an expansive portrait of generations striving for their promised freedom. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
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Book Review: One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Rating: 3 Stars
Summary: In “One Big Open Sky” by Lesa Cline-Ransome, three women narrate a dangerous journey westward in 1879, exploring the Black homesteader movement. Lettie, a young dreamer, her mother Sylvia, and teacher Philomena seek freedom and independence as they travel to Nebraska in search of their own plot of land. However, facing limited supplies and looming danger, their hopes for a better future are challenged.
Review: First off, I have to give a shoutout to the captivating cover of this book – it definitely caught my eye. Now, diving into the story, I really wanted to love “One Big Open Sky.” The characters were well-rounded and the storyline was engaging. However, the freestyle verse and the absence of punctuation made the reading experience a bit arduous. While the narrative was compelling, the unconventional writing style hindered my ability to fully immerse myself in the emotional journey of Lettie, Sylvia, and Philomena. Despite this drawback, the exploration of themes like freedom, poverty, and the struggles faced by Black homesteaders added depth to the novel.
In conclusion, “One Big Open Sky” offers a poignant portrayal of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Though the writing style may not be for everyone, the story's powerful message and well-developed characters make it worth a read for those interested in historical fiction with a unique storytelling approach.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
