One Thousand White Women

By: Jim Fergus, J. Will Dodd - introduction

Narrated by: Laura Hicks, Erik Steele

Length: 14 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

Based on an actual historical event, this is the story of May Dodd—a remarkable woman who, in 1875, travels through the American West to marry the chief of the Cheyenne Nation.

One Thousand White Women begins with May Dodd’s journey into an unknown world. Having been committed to an insane asylum by her blue-blood family for the crime of loving a man beneath her station, May finds that her only hope for freedom and redemption is to participate in a secret government program whereby women from “civilized” society become the brides of Cheyenne warriors. What follows is a series of breathtaking adventures—May’s brief, passionate romance with the gallant young army captain John Bourke; her marriage to the great chief Little Wolf; and her conflict of being caught between loving two men and living two completely different lives.

“Fergus portrays the perceptions and emotions of women…with tremendous insight and sensitivity.”—Booklist

“A superb tale of sorrow, suspense, exultation, and triumph.” —Winston Groom, author of Forrest Gump

©1998 Jim Fergus (P)2006 BBC Audiobooks America

Critic reviews

"Fergus lets his imagination go wild and creates a journal of one of his ancestors who became one of those brides in 1875. Laura Hicks renders this imaginative work splendidly. She is vivacious and expressive as May Dodd." ( Audiofile)

Engaging!

Incredibly entertaining. The characters were all so distinct and interesting and the voice artist, Laura Hicks, was absolutely superb at bringing each to life. Highly recommend.

One thousand white women

An amazing story. History I had never heard before. I am so glad I didn’t have to live through that time

Great book!

I had never heard the story of a thousand white women before. It is an amazing story -- even more amazing for the fact that it is true. The words are the actual words of a woman who had this experience. There is heroic behavior by the Indians and horrific behavior both by the whites and the Indians. But it is part of our history and definitely worth reading. The reader does an excellent job of making all of the characters distinct and believable.

Not my favorite

The story is an intriguing concept but the characters are wooden and stereotypical—not one in the bunch that really appealed to me. A few facts in the book are historically accurate, but most are not. It serves to reinforce my sense that the U. S. government is not to be trusted AND that humans inhumanity to each other is pervasive through the centuries. As a work of fiction it is mediocre. I wouldn’t have finished it if I hadn’t committed to reading it for book club.

Loved this book!

Listened to this book somewhat reluctantly, upon the suggestion of a friend. I am so glad that I did! It captured me from beginning to end. Definitely recommend.

Outstanding

Everything about this book held my interest throughout, the story teaches you so much about native American history. Narration by Ms Hicks & Mr Steele was excellent. I have already started with the next book in this series.

unique point of view

Unique point of view that I have not seen or heard being utilize in any other fictional work about the Native American Indian and American conflicts. Overall I enjoyed the book and will continue reading series.
In my opinion this book was misplaced in genre, which negatively affects its overall views. Personally this book seems a bit more written as a juvenile fiction, which allows for shallower but more vast character development. That is the largest downfall off the book as we never really development a strong connection to any of characters dispite learning about them.
Overall I love the premise and idea behind the story, the journal idea was unique and fun way to move the story along. It's far from best work, but it's a fun listen that I recommend.

beautiful historic detail

Loved it, a beautiful true story, there is hope, but we already know how the story ends.

Amazing story

Wow, what an amazing and inspirational story. May Dodd and the other women were so brave. The ending was so sad it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you May Dodd For sharing your life story.

outstanding story and performance!

loved the premise of the story, felt real. appreciated there were no graphic love scenes, yet dealt with sensitive subjects. the performance was top of the line!