One Big Open Sky

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⚠️