West from Home: Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder, San Francisco, 1915 : Book Review

"West From Home" is a captivating collection of letters written by Laura Ingalls Wilder to her husband, Almanzo, when she visited their daughter, Rose, in San Francisco in 1915. These heartfelt letters provide readers with an intimate glimpse into Laura's life and allow us to experience the charm and uniqueness of early 20th century San Francisco.

In her letters, Laura paints a vivid picture of the bustling streets, diverse people, and architectural beauty of the city. Her attention to detail allows readers to be transported back in time, as she describes the sights and sounds of San Francisco with a sense of awe and wonder. As she compares it to her familiar Midwest surroundings, we can truly appreciate the atmosphere and spirit of this iconic city.

One of the highlights of the book is Laura's visits to various attractions and events, particularly the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Through her eyes, we can feel her excitement and enthusiasm as she takes in the grandeur of this exhibition. Her vivid descriptions make us feel like we are right there with her, experiencing the wonders and marvels of the era.

However, amidst all the adventure and new experiences, Laura's letters also reveal a deep longing for home and her beloved husband. She expresses her love and devotion to her family in such a heartfelt manner that readers can't help but feel connected to her and genuinely share in her emotions. This adds a personal touch to her writing and reminds us of the importance of family and home.

Overall, "West From Home" offers a captivating glimpse into Laura Ingalls Wilder's life during her time in San Francisco. With her engaging storytelling and intimate perspective, she allows readers to travel back in time and experience the spirit of early 20th century San Francisco. Whether you are a fan of Wilder's "Little House" series, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the city's past, this book is sure to captivate and charm you.

What are readers saying?

Laura Ingalls Wilder's book "West from Home" has received a variety of reviews from readers. This collection of letters, written by Wilder to her husband while she visited their daughter in San Francisco, has garnered praise for its vivid descriptions and engaging writing style. Many readers appreciated the historical context and insights into the early 20th century that the book provided.

However, there were some criticisms of "West from Home." Some readers found the book to lack a cohesive narrative, feeling that it was disjointed due to its reliance solely on Wilder's letters. Connecting with the book proved challenging for them, as they felt it lacked purpose or direction.

Another common complaint was the slow pace of the book. Some readers found it slightly boring or repetitive, feeling that the content of the letters did not hold their attention. They believed that the book could have benefited from more editing and condensing to maintain interest.

A few reviewers noted that "West from Home" may not have the same appeal to readers unfamiliar with Laura Ingalls Wilder's other works, such as the beloved "Little House" series. They felt that the book would be more enjoyable for those already familiar with Wilder's writing style and interested in learning more about her personal life.

Overall, while some readers enjoyed the intimate perspective that "West from Home" offered into Laura Ingalls Wilder's life, others found it lacking in narrative structure and engaging content. The book may be best appreciated by fans of Wilder's other works who have a deeper interest in her personal story.

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