Lost Wife

More about the book

In 1862 Minnesota, Sarah Wakefield flees her troubled past in Rhode Island, seeking a fresh start. She marries a physician in a Sioux town, but the region is fraught with tension as white settlers violate treaties and the Sioux face starvation and disease. Initially expecting hostility, Sarah instead finds acceptance among the Sioux women, who teach her to cook, sew, and speak their language. Her bond with them deepens, contrasting sharply with her distant husband. However, the Sioux community suffers as treaty violations lead to famine and conflict. This culminates in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, a pivotal Native uprising. As war erupts, Sarah is separated from her husband and finds refuge with the Sioux, who are fighting for their stolen land. She attempts to protect them during the ensuing Dakota Trial, though her efforts are ultimately in vain. This narrative is an intimate and compelling exploration of female captivity and the suffering of Native Americans, highlighting the complexities of history and personal relationships amidst turmoil.