I was instantly transported to my childhood when I discovered this in my booty from the National Library! This is the third book in the series, preceeded by "Little House in the Big Woods" and "Farmer Boy". The books are based on the experiences of the author in the American Midwest.
Laura, her sisters Mary and baby Laura travel with Ma and Pa to go to "Indian country". Her pa had said there were "too many people in the Big Woods now". Their journey is narrated simply, which serves to hilight the perils of such an undertaking. The family ford a rising creek, manage while Ma is injured by a falling log, huddle sleeplessly together through an Indian war jamboree, shiver through fever and ague... The values of family and perseverence are strong throughout the text. Not to mention the sheer backbreaking work of contstructing a log cabin from scratch and ironing on a wagon seat!
The other issue worthy of mention is the treatment of the American Indians and the policical motivations surrounding settlement. This would make a great comparison with the New Zealand experience.
Friday, January 16, 2009
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