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Publisher's Weekly
John Charles Fremont, here depicted as an arrogant map-maker, and his imperturbable scout Kit Carson are among the historical figures who shape a turbulent history of California in this lusty pioneer saga by veteran novelist Holland ( The Lords of Vaumartin ). Sharing the stage with them is a fictional character, Cat Reilly--a principled young woman from Boston who crosses the Sierra in grueling winter with a hardy band of settlers seeking the proverbial golden opportunity. During this trek by wagon train, Cat's young husband is killed. The party eventually arrives at Sutter's Fort in the thriving Yankee settlement known as New Helvetia, itself a remnant of an earlier encampment. Cat throws her considerable energies into the community's struggle for existence and the state's struggle for official recognition, becoming a prime mover in raising the bear flag over the Republic of California in 1846. The warfare that led to California's founding is chronicled with historical accuracy and passionate protagonists, illuminating our not-always-glorious national evolution. (June)
Library Journal
In Cat Reilly, Holland has fashioned her strongest heroine since Great Maria (LJ 10/1/74). Cat loses everything--including her husband--on the brutal trek to California. She reaches Sutter's Fort and falls in love with Count Sohrakoff, a Russian agent for the Mexican dons who rule California. The settlers' uprising in 1846 places Cat and the Count on opposing sides. Lesser writers of the historical genre strain to produce the intrigue, romance, and adventure that Holland seems to provide effortlessly. No one is better at conveying the frustration of the competent woman striving to influence events in a society that has little place for women. Real rogues and heroes populate the pages of this admirable novel, which should win more recruits for the ever-growing club of admirers of Holland, historical novelist extraordinaire. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 3/1/90.--David Keymer, SUNY Inst. of Technology, Utica
School Library Journal
Holland uses the natural intrigue of history, the charm of romance, the promise of the West, the drive of Manifest Destiny, colorful historical figures, and several ingeniously developed fictional characters to weave a thrilling story of the race for settlement and the ultimate control of California. Catherine Reilly, a widow, survives to earn respect in a man's world on the frontier. Her life is interwoven with such American heroes as Kit Carson, John C. Fremont, John Sutter, John Bidwell, and Don Mariano Vallejo. Major historical events such as the Kelsey-Bidwell-Bartleson Crossing of the Great Basin and the Sierra in 1841, the Fremont and Carson Winter Crossing in 1844, and the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846, form the backdrop for Cat's story. A valuable ''note'' explains the historical events, persons, and any alterations Holland has made in them within the story. Highly desirable as supplementary reading in American Civilization classes.-- Dolores M. Steinhauer, Jefferson Sci-Tech, Alexandria, VA
Genre: Historical
John Charles Fremont, here depicted as an arrogant map-maker, and his imperturbable scout Kit Carson are among the historical figures who shape a turbulent history of California in this lusty pioneer saga by veteran novelist Holland ( The Lords of Vaumartin ). Sharing the stage with them is a fictional character, Cat Reilly--a principled young woman from Boston who crosses the Sierra in grueling winter with a hardy band of settlers seeking the proverbial golden opportunity. During this trek by wagon train, Cat's young husband is killed. The party eventually arrives at Sutter's Fort in the thriving Yankee settlement known as New Helvetia, itself a remnant of an earlier encampment. Cat throws her considerable energies into the community's struggle for existence and the state's struggle for official recognition, becoming a prime mover in raising the bear flag over the Republic of California in 1846. The warfare that led to California's founding is chronicled with historical accuracy and passionate protagonists, illuminating our not-always-glorious national evolution. (June)
Library Journal
In Cat Reilly, Holland has fashioned her strongest heroine since Great Maria (LJ 10/1/74). Cat loses everything--including her husband--on the brutal trek to California. She reaches Sutter's Fort and falls in love with Count Sohrakoff, a Russian agent for the Mexican dons who rule California. The settlers' uprising in 1846 places Cat and the Count on opposing sides. Lesser writers of the historical genre strain to produce the intrigue, romance, and adventure that Holland seems to provide effortlessly. No one is better at conveying the frustration of the competent woman striving to influence events in a society that has little place for women. Real rogues and heroes populate the pages of this admirable novel, which should win more recruits for the ever-growing club of admirers of Holland, historical novelist extraordinaire. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 3/1/90.--David Keymer, SUNY Inst. of Technology, Utica
School Library Journal
Holland uses the natural intrigue of history, the charm of romance, the promise of the West, the drive of Manifest Destiny, colorful historical figures, and several ingeniously developed fictional characters to weave a thrilling story of the race for settlement and the ultimate control of California. Catherine Reilly, a widow, survives to earn respect in a man's world on the frontier. Her life is interwoven with such American heroes as Kit Carson, John C. Fremont, John Sutter, John Bidwell, and Don Mariano Vallejo. Major historical events such as the Kelsey-Bidwell-Bartleson Crossing of the Great Basin and the Sierra in 1841, the Fremont and Carson Winter Crossing in 1844, and the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846, form the backdrop for Cat's story. A valuable ''note'' explains the historical events, persons, and any alterations Holland has made in them within the story. Highly desirable as supplementary reading in American Civilization classes.-- Dolores M. Steinhauer, Jefferson Sci-Tech, Alexandria, VA
Genre: Historical
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