The Removes

The Removes follows two parallel narratives set in the American West of the 1860s: the story of Libbie Custer, wife of Civil War hero George Armstrong Custer, and that of Anne Cummins, a teenage settler captured by the Cheyenne. Libbie transitions from life as a Michigan judge's daughter to her role as army wife, joining her husband at frontier outposts and maintaining their relationship through long separations. Anne endures four years of captivity among the Cheyenne after witnessing an attack on her family's homestead, forcing her to adapt to an entirely different way of life. Their stories intersect against the backdrop of the Indian Wars and westward expansion, as the U.S. Army wages campaigns against Native American tribes. Through the experiences of these two women, the novel depicts the complex relationships between settlers, soldiers, and indigenous peoples during this pivotal period in American history. The novel explores themes of survival, cultural identity, and the cost of manifest destiny through the perspectives of women who inhabited very different positions in the American frontier experience.

Readers report The Removes offers vivid historical details but struggles with pacing and character development. Many appreciate Soli's research into frontier life and Custer's campaigns, with several noting the authentic portrayal of 19th century hardships. Readers liked: - Rich historical accuracy and period details - Depiction of Native American perspectives - Strong writing about the natural landscape Readers disliked: - Slow first third of the book - Jumping between multiple storylines - Distance from characters' emotions - Graphic violence that some found excessive As one reader noted: "The historical details transport you, but the characters keep you at arm's length." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (180+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (50+ ratings) Most reader reviews fall in the 3-4 star range, with the strongest praise for historical authenticity and criticism focused on narrative engagement.

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🌟 The novel interweaves two true historical stories: that of Libbie Custer (wife of General George Armstrong Custer) and Anna Morgan, a teenager captured by Cheyenne warriors in 1864 🏆 Author Tatjana Soli's previous novel, "The Lotus Eaters," won the James Tait Black Prize and was a New York Times Notable Book of 2010 📚 The term "removes" refers to the forced relocations of Native American tribes, as well as the multiple moves military wives had to make following their husbands from post to post 🗺️ The book's vivid descriptions of the American frontier were informed by Soli's extensive research, including visits to Little Bighorn Battlefield and other historical sites in Montana 👰 Libbie Custer survived her husband by 57 years and spent much of that time protecting and enhancing his legacy through her own writings and public appearances, helping create the romanticized version of Custer that persisted for decades