Reapers of the Dust

by Lois Phillips Hudson

Lois Phillips Hudson is recognized as a major chronicler of America’s agricultural heartland during the grim years of the Great Depression. Reapers of the Dust, now reprinted for a new generation of readers, vividly evokes that difficult time. From Hudson’s childhood in North Dakota spring these unusual, moving stories of simple, joyful days, of continuing battles with hostile elements, and of a family’s new life as migrant workers on the West Coast. “Hudson writes with grace and beauty and an abiding understanding of the meaning of those bitter, tragic years.”—Chicago Tribune
 “These tales are to ‘discomfit civilization,’ in the tradition of personal accounts of the settling of the West by such writers as Mari Sandoz, Wallace Stegner, and Walter Van Tilburg Clark.”—The Nation

Genres: History

189 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 1984

Reviews

[LuAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of short stories, Reapers of the Dust is a cross between fiction and non-fiction, according to the author. She wrote stories based on her experiences as a child growing up in various parts of the country as her family moved with the crops during the Dust Bowl era. She shares some wonderful experiences. Even when times were tough, she managed to find the good in them.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone, especially those who often read about different points of history in the US.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fictional accounts based on author's experiences growing up in the early 1900's, especially of the Dust Bowl/Depression era from the Dakota's to Washington State.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read years ago. Wonderful book!

[Amy Brewster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing, very insightful.

[Arlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This North Dakota Dust Bowl story gives a child's personal view of living through the worst ND had to offer in those famous years. More interesting was the narration of her life as a migrant family worker -- a topic much less covered in personal and historical writings. This author flows between a reality picture and a fantasy picture, all within the confines of one sentence. While well-intended, this does leave the reader a little confused, at times.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had very detailed life experiences about the settlers of North Dakota and the roaming nomadic people of the Great Dust storm. Historically interesting and engaging.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a well written book.

[Becky]

Great follow up to Bones of Plenty She was such a great author it's a shame she didn't write more