The Curlew's Cry

by Mildred Walker, Mary Clearman Blew (Introduction)

The Curlew's Cry is the story of three decades in the life of Pamela Lacey and a Montana town. Descended from pioneers and the daughter of a rancher, Pamela lives according to her own script, and nothing seems to happen as expected. The world beats on—World War I, the influenza epidemic of 1917, the Great Depression—and local fortune rise and fall with the price of beef. For Pamela the fight that counts is defined by a sense of independence and pervasive loneliness, by the twists and turns of love and friendship.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Westerns

382 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1994

About the author

Mildred Schemm Walker (May 2, 1905 – May 27, 1998) was an American novelist who published 12 novels and was nominated for the National Book Award. She graduated from Wells College and from the University of Michigan. She was a faculty member at Wells College from 1955 to 1968. Walker died in 1998 in Portland, Oregon.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Jennifer Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so wonderfully surprised by Mildred Walker! Why have I never heard of her? This is such a beautiful, understated book. It reminded me of both Willa Cather and Edith Wharton in many ways--in Walker's voice, the theme of pioneers, the time it was set in, even the kinds of plot devices those authors would use.

Mildred Walker brings up such thoughtful themes in this novel, like: What defines a friendship? Does it have to be constantly fed or could it just exist for many years left alone--and even in the face of betrayal? Is "true love" maybe an idea we build up into such a magnificent castle that we could be disappointed when we find it is perhaps something much more modest, warm, and even frail? How do we ever understand another person and forgive them of all of their human imperfections, especially those we cherish the most, like long-time friends and family?

Be patient: this is not a "page turner." The pace echoes real life, where most days are mundane, but some have unexpected dramatic turns that can change the course of many lives. However, I felt very rewarded for my patience as I watched this gentle book unfold. I look forward to reading more Mildred Walker books now that I have discovered her!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing how this book relies so totally on its protagonist and delves so deeply into her thoughts. This is the book that most mimics some of my own thought processes. It also takes place in the early 1900s and is full of subtle details of action and dialogue that keep you remembering that. The novel was very slow-paced throughout, but I found I developed a sort of affinity with Pamela Lacey that would keep me up late reading it.

[Laurel Wicke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A recent Mildred Walker fan, I looked forward to reading more of her works. This one doesn't disappoint! The Curlew's Cry is complex in theme and its heroine, Pamela Lacey, is a puzzle--even to herself. She attempts to come to terms with her conflicting nature in world that is shifting through WWI, the depression, the developement of the West and struggles with what it means to be an independent woman within the structure of women's roles of that era. Good reading, folks. (But notice I didn't say easy. This ain't no chick lit.)

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Mildred Walker obsession continues.... and deepens. I loved this book - I was sucked in from the beginning, and wanted to know what would happen. I love the dichotomies here - East vs. West, pioneer vs. newcomer, old conventions of femininity vs. The New Woman. I really really Pam’s character too. And such an interesting ending!

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book because I liked "Winter Wheat" but I didn't like the heroine. She has a chip on her shoulder that lasts most of the book about things that were partly her own fault. I was annoyed by her attitude and skipped most of the book.

[Melissa Stuart Barnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take one part Willa Cather and one part Montana cattle ranch and you have this book. If you want to transport to another time and another place through the lost art of straight ahead fiction this is your book.

[Cricket Muse · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who appreciate the involved development of a young heroine. Walker continues her exploration of Montana’s history through Pamela Lacey who is from a pioneer family and lives in a manner that extols the independent spirit likened to pioneers before her.

Pamela grows in the course of thirty years from a young woman recently graduated from high school ready to be in love and married to an independent business woman living on her own terms.

Walker skips through years as she relates Pamela’s story, which sometimes leaves gaps in the plot. The omniscient narrative provides insights on the characters to benefit a better understanding of Pamela.

Though the story focuses on Pamela, it is also very much concerns her friend Rose. This is a story of how their lives are bound in one another’s and the term “frenemy” definitely comes to mind as they interact.

[Tirzah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Last summer, I read Mildred Walker's Winter Wheat. While there were a few aspects about it I didn't like, it still held my interest and I decided to try The Curlew's Cry.

I think this will be the last Walker book I read. It was not a bad story, but most of the book had this gloomy air without any sign of hope. I personally related to some of the characters' struggles, so having my past feelings unearthed didn't help matters either. I also thought Walker could have been more discreet in a few parts. My favorite part was probably the ending when the main character finally overcomes something she's struggled with for years. As the reader who traveled the journey with her, it was satisfying to get that ending. Despite this, the story overall was not that pleasant for me.

[Lorraine McCleary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mildred Walker is such a wonderful writer. She exquisitely presents women's feelings and her description of the West is lovely. In this novel Pamela, a young girl raised by pioneering parents in Montana, tries to find her place amid the loneliness of the prairie. She divorces her Eastern husband, who only wants mold her to his ideals. She returns West and sets up a dude ranch In the 40's. This is a story of finding oneself without a husband or love interest, amid loneliness. And the ability to forgive past wrongs and forge ahead with contentment.

[Anesa Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually loved this book and only decided (with difficulty) not to rate it 5 stars because it does feel a bit dated in 2024. In one way, that's a feature I enjoyed — it transported me completely to another time and place: When small ranches were more economically viable in the unspoiled stretches of beautiful Montana. But the premise of a woman "missing out" on marriage and devoting herself to career instead doesn't pack the punch it probably did when this novel was younger. Still, well worth reading.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book of Mildred Walker that I have read and I liked this one the most. The book was written in 1955 about a woman in Montana between 1905-1941. Her heroine, Pamela Lacey, clearly charts her own path with her own decisions. The writing is wonderful with huge chunks of western culture and memorable supporting characters. I highly recommend this book as a wonderful piece of Americana.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Winter Wheat” is still my favorite book of Mildred Walker’s but this one is great too. Even though the plotting was slow at times, you get time to know the characters over their lives and get invested. Walker is a genius at describing Montana ranch culture in a timeless way and her dialogue is just about perfect. Oldie but a goodie!

[Lisa Hudson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Curlew’s Cry was my first experience with a Mildred Walker story and I loved it. My only complaint was how I came to dislike the protagonist, Pamela Lacey. Her life just seemed like one long, never-ending pity party. It became monotonous and irritating, which is why I only gave the book 3 stars. Life can only be gloom and doom for so long.

[Beth Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read by Mildred Walker. She paints Montana as raw, rugged and beautiful. Her female protagonists are strong and independent. She makes me wish I were a true Montanan - born and bred.

[Tashina Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this because I enjoyed Winter Wheat. I don't think this was quite as good. I'd give it a 3.8 and Winter Wheat a 4.3 if I were being more precise. But I still enjoyed not knowing where the story was going to go, and I would read it again in 5 years.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each night I looked forward to reading about Pamela. She lives in Montana starting 1905 while in high school. Her story takes the reader through three decades of her life. The writing was wonderful. One review called Pamela’s story thoughtful, rugged, quietly told. First copyright 1955.

[Jenalyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought the writing was good but I didn't care for any of the characters or the story.

[Marilyn Saul · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started this book, then set it aside because I thought I might be through my phase of reading only early 20th century literature. I started a contemporary book, which just failed miserably to get my attention, so I turned back to The Curlew's Cry. I am so glad I did! I can't put my finger on why writing in the early 20th century is so superior than most contemporary books. But (IMO) few contemporary authors can come close to the language and structure. [LATER] OK, finished this book. I wanted to love it...a strong woman breaking free from the social norms of early to mid-20th century Montana culture. Unfortunately, I found Patricia Lacey annoying. I wanted to believe she made her choices deliberately, but, instead, her choices were plagued with self-doubt, over-analysis or blinders (one or the other at different times), inability to be happy with her choices, inability to relish living alone, and I envisioned her always with a frown on her face. I was bery disappointed and glad to see her go.

[Rrshively · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mildred Walker is to Montana literature what Willa Cather is to Nebraska Literature. Several have suggested that her works should be considered classics. For me, her novels remind me of those I read in my teens that nourished my love of literature such as those by Edna Ferber, Bess Streeter Aldrich, and Cather. The story begins in 1905 and centers on two teen girls, Pamela and Rose, and Wrenn, the boy they both admire. With the growth of the state of Montana for a backdrop, the book follows their lives into adulthood and ends in 1941. How the lives of these three are played out with themes of ambition, loneliness, love, and friendship makes for a satisfying novel. Clearly, the author loves Montana, and I love her novels.

[Charmaine Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am reading this book right now. It has created a lot of anxiety in me about marriage choices. Should you divorce someone you married for the wrong reason who bores you, who doesn't understand who you are but is an honorable person? Especially when no children are involved. I like Mildred Walkers writing and thoughtful stories. I will update later.

[LPK · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice old lady that I gave a riding lesson to gave me this book.

It stuck with me once it was over. I didn't gobble it up, but it was a subtle kind of story that you keep mulling over in your mind.

[Sharon R Zuiderveld · Rating 3 out of 5]

My interest flagged toward the middle but her point about a young, independent woman in the West (Montana) facing stereotypes was well done. The curlew's cry is a lonely one and was used as a metaphor for Pamela's life.

[Julianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Lovely writing- from another era.

[Ashley Stallings · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book which was left at my house by my mom..thanks mom! It takes you back to the good old days in the west! I really like Mildred Walker and its a good clean read!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a splendid book. I like this author very much. I am so glad her books are being reissued.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautifully written, well paced book of a solitary woman in the changing west of Montana (again, Montana!)

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book by Mildred.

[Reff · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved this

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't like it as much as Winter Wheat.

[Vera]

I started over again. I really liked all the books of hers I've read. I don't know why I didn't finish before. Third time has to be the charm.