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Days of Sunshine Days of Shadow
This book is a chronological timeline of the historical events in Laura’s life, as well as her immediate family and relatives. It begins before Laura, with her grandmother, Charlotte Quiner, and continues on through to the late twentieth century, with Laura Ingalls Wilder’s worldwide recognition long after her death. Here you will find the major events, such as birthdays, marriages, and deaths. But you will also find the small, seemingly insignificant dates. For example, an ordinary school day for Laura’s sister, Grace Ingalls, as recorded in Grace’s journal. All of these dates, both big and small, provide a clear, sequential overview of Laura and her family’s day-to-day life. Only the most reliable and historical sources have been used, in order to give the most accurate picture. Therefore, the author has relied heavily on primary sources, such as journal entries and family letters, and has stayed away from more fictional sources, like the “Little House” books themselves. Laura lived a full life, filled with sorrow and happiness, success and loss. Her years were indeed made up of sunshine and shadow, as Laura herself put it. This book simply organizes all of that “sunshine and shadow”, giving the reader context, fact, time and place.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2017
84 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 11, 2020
It was enjoyable to read highlights of notable events in the lives of Laura, and both her immediate and extended family. I was unaware of many things that were listed in the earlier portions of the book, so it was a treat to discover those facts. It was fun to read about events I did remember, and it made me want to reread the Little House books all over again.
It was very interesting to discover more about key moments in the life of Laura's daughter, Rose Wilder Lane. I was surprised to learn that Rose worked as a war correspondent in Vietnam for Woman's Day magazine. The most surprising part? She was 78 years old!
This book is a timeline of events, rather than a lengthy in-depth biography. That being the case, three stars would have been my highest rating. For the reasons stated above, I was initially inclined to do so.
Unfortunately, as I read further I realized the book is poorly edited in several places. Words are either missing or repeated, and sentences are cut off in random places--rendering the text of various events illegible nonsense. That's easily forgiven when I'm reading an advance copy of an unpublished book, because those mistakes will be fixed prior to being published. However, since this book was published in 2017, the poor editing leaves me no choice but to lower the rating to two stars.
It was very interesting to discover more about key moments in the life of Laura's daughter, Rose Wilder Lane. I was surprised to learn that Rose worked as a war correspondent in Vietnam for Woman's Day magazine. The most surprising part? She was 78 years old!
This book is a timeline of events, rather than a lengthy in-depth biography. That being the case, three stars would have been my highest rating. For the reasons stated above, I was initially inclined to do so.
Unfortunately, as I read further I realized the book is poorly edited in several places. Words are either missing or repeated, and sentences are cut off in random places--rendering the text of various events illegible nonsense. That's easily forgiven when I'm reading an advance copy of an unpublished book, because those mistakes will be fixed prior to being published. However, since this book was published in 2017, the poor editing leaves me no choice but to lower the rating to two stars.
May 14, 2021
Fascinating chronology
This is not a narrative but a full chronology of the Ingalls family members' lives, but especially the life of Rose Wilder Lane. The facts are based on historical records and personal writings. I found myself surprised by how clearly the personality of Rose was communicated through the facts and occasional journal entry. The woman was brilliant, generous, and strong willed, but also impetuous, volatile, and fiscally foolish. Highly recommend because it brings to life the characters you think you know.
This is not a narrative but a full chronology of the Ingalls family members' lives, but especially the life of Rose Wilder Lane. The facts are based on historical records and personal writings. I found myself surprised by how clearly the personality of Rose was communicated through the facts and occasional journal entry. The woman was brilliant, generous, and strong willed, but also impetuous, volatile, and fiscally foolish. Highly recommend because it brings to life the characters you think you know.
August 12, 2020
A chronological timeline of the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder, a favorite author of mine. I will read anything about her but this is accurate using letters and journals. It starts with her grandparents and ends with the death of her daughter, Rose. The title is a quote from Laura about her life.
Makes me want to read the books all over again.
Makes me want to read the books all over again.
October 21, 2023
Not a book, but a timeline
Rather misleading, as it isn’t a book, but a printed out timeline of the Ingalls/Wilders lives, it might be useful as a place to find source materials, but I personally didn’t find it worth the money, as the info is available in many other places.
Rather misleading, as it isn’t a book, but a printed out timeline of the Ingalls/Wilders lives, it might be useful as a place to find source materials, but I personally didn’t find it worth the money, as the info is available in many other places.
November 22, 2019
Very Informative Book
Provides a complete time line of Laura's life. Lots of details throughout the book. I definitely recommend reading this book
Provides a complete time line of Laura's life. Lots of details throughout the book. I definitely recommend reading this book
May 10, 2020
Yes!
The research that went into this book is astounding. I recommend it to all Laura Ingalls Wilder fans. I have read so many books about this author.
The research that went into this book is astounding. I recommend it to all Laura Ingalls Wilder fans. I have read so many books about this author.
March 4, 2021
While this was very factual and interesting, it’s just a timeline. As a book to read I give it 2 stars if I was using it for research, I would give it 5 stars.
March 5, 2021
Very well written. Author is to be commended for the meticulous detail and the chronology oof events. A must read for all fans of Laura Wilder and he books.
March 11, 2022
Nice time line
The book gives you a good time line of her life as well as the time line of some of the other people in her books.
The book gives you a good time line of her life as well as the time line of some of the other people in her books.
February 21, 2019
Well researched for serious Laura and Rose readers. Written in a date by date format. Many links provided for further investigation. Wonderful read!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews