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Prospects of a Woman
Elisabeth Parker comes to California from Massachusetts in 1849 with her new husband, Nate, to reunite with her father, who’s struck gold on the American River. But she soon realizes her husband is not the man she thought—and neither is her father, who abandons them shortly after they arrive. As Nate struggles with his sexuality, Elisabeth is forced to confront her preconceived notions of family, love, and opportunity. She finds comfort in corresponding with her childhood friend back home, writer Louisa May Alcott, and spending time in the company of a mysterious Californio. Armed with Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Self-Reliance, she sets out to determine her role in building the West, even as she comes to terms with the sacrifices she must make to achieve independence and happiness. A gripping and illuminating window into life in the Old West, Prospects of a Woman is the story of one woman’s passionate quest to carve out a place for herself in the liberal and bewildering society that emerged during the California gold rush frenzy.
353 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2020
30 people are currently reading
3359 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Voorsanger
1 book78 followers7x Award Winning Novel, Prospects of a Woman:
IPPY Awards Gold Winner in West-Pacific - Best Regional Fiction
Next Generation Indie Book Awards Winner in Regional Fiction
Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist in First Novel
Independent Press Awards Winner in Western Fiction
National Indie Excellence Awards Winner in Book Interior Design: Fiction
National Indie Excellence Awards Winner in Regional Fiction: West
National Indie Excellence Awards Winner in Western Fiction
Born and raised on the American River in Sacramento, Wendy Voorsanger has long held an intense interest in the historical women of California. She started her career in the Silicon Valley, writing about technology trends and innovations for newspapers, magazines, and Fortune 100 companies. She currently manages SheIsCalifornia.com, a blog dedicated to chronicling the accomplishments of California women through history. She earned a BA in journalism from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and an MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and has attended Hedgebrook, the Squaw Valley Writers Workshop, and Lit Camp. She is a member of the Castro Writers' Cooperative, the Lit Camp Advisory Board, and the San Mateo Public Library Literary Society. She has also worked as a lifeguard, ski instructor, and radio disc jockey. Wendy lives in Northern California with her husband and two boys. Learn more at www.wendyvoorsanger.net.
IPPY Awards Gold Winner in West-Pacific - Best Regional Fiction
Next Generation Indie Book Awards Winner in Regional Fiction
Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist in First Novel
Independent Press Awards Winner in Western Fiction
National Indie Excellence Awards Winner in Book Interior Design: Fiction
National Indie Excellence Awards Winner in Regional Fiction: West
National Indie Excellence Awards Winner in Western Fiction
Born and raised on the American River in Sacramento, Wendy Voorsanger has long held an intense interest in the historical women of California. She started her career in the Silicon Valley, writing about technology trends and innovations for newspapers, magazines, and Fortune 100 companies. She currently manages SheIsCalifornia.com, a blog dedicated to chronicling the accomplishments of California women through history. She earned a BA in journalism from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and an MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and has attended Hedgebrook, the Squaw Valley Writers Workshop, and Lit Camp. She is a member of the Castro Writers' Cooperative, the Lit Camp Advisory Board, and the San Mateo Public Library Literary Society. She has also worked as a lifeguard, ski instructor, and radio disc jockey. Wendy lives in Northern California with her husband and two boys. Learn more at www.wendyvoorsanger.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 14, 2020
With this book, the author can be likened to Gwen Bristow and Calico Palace.
“do not seek for things outside yourself”
The main character Elizabeth is a strong, determined and ambitious woman who takes full advantage of the more liberal laws in California, affording women the same rights as men. She is inspired by Emerson’s work: Self Reliance.They could earn money for themselves and it did not pass to the husband. They could divorce and keep their children. They could run their own business without needing a husband or father’s permission. Elizabeth finds clever ways to make money, from repairing miners’ clothes to printing and engraving, selling books, wise purchasing of shares in mining to journalism eventually. She meets many strong women along the way. A great story. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
“do not seek for things outside yourself”
The main character Elizabeth is a strong, determined and ambitious woman who takes full advantage of the more liberal laws in California, affording women the same rights as men. She is inspired by Emerson’s work: Self Reliance.They could earn money for themselves and it did not pass to the husband. They could divorce and keep their children. They could run their own business without needing a husband or father’s permission. Elizabeth finds clever ways to make money, from repairing miners’ clothes to printing and engraving, selling books, wise purchasing of shares in mining to journalism eventually. She meets many strong women along the way. A great story. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
October 20, 2020
It's 1850 and Elizabeth and her new husband Nate have travelled from Massachusetts to California to find her father who struck gold on the American River. What she finds is that her father has totally changed and has no desire to see her. He leaves his claim to Elizabeth and Nate and disappears into the wilderness. What she finds is a river with little to no gold and soon she and Nate are working long hours to find gold but starving due to lack of money. Nate starts disappearing into the nearest town and when she goes to find him she realizes that she can make her own money by sewing and mending for the prospectors. She also finds out that women in California have rights to be independent, to divorce and to own property unlike women in the rest of the country. As she begins to feel like Nate doesn't want to spend time with her and realizes that he is struggling with his sexuality, she realizes that it's time to move into town and leave her husband and marriage behind. It's a struggle for her as she realizes that there are sacrifices to make on the road to independence but she's a strong woman and able to survive the pitfalls This novel is a look at a woman trying to survive on her own during the California gold rush.
When you read a book about the Gold Rush in the mid 1800s, it's apparent how far women have come since then and the bravery and perseverance of the women who helped to start the changes. I didn't always like Elizabeth as a person but realized that she had to be tough and unfeeling at times to be successful in a man's world. This is one of the best books that I've read about the gold rush period because it's told through the eyes of a woman.
When you read a book about the Gold Rush in the mid 1800s, it's apparent how far women have come since then and the bravery and perseverance of the women who helped to start the changes. I didn't always like Elizabeth as a person but realized that she had to be tough and unfeeling at times to be successful in a man's world. This is one of the best books that I've read about the gold rush period because it's told through the eyes of a woman.
August 26, 2020
Is it possible to like a book but not like the main character? That's my reaction to this book. I admired Elizabeth's grit, tenacity, and ambition, I just didn't like her. Prospects of a Woman depicts the life of a New England woman who made a bad marriage and emigrated to California. She faces hard truths about her father and husband. Elizabeth reinvented herself several times. I just did not care for her character. My favorite was Nandy who's story should be a separate book, in my opinion. It's good historical fiction about the strong women who made California their home. Thanks to NetGalley and She Writes Press for the early copy in exchange for my review.
October 23, 2020
3.5 stars
Prospects Of A Women is an historical novel set in the Gold Rush era, which begins in 1850. Elisabeth Parker has come to California in search of her father who came out West to prospect. However, he wants nothing more to do with his old life and he leaves Elisabeth his claim.
Elisabeth is a resourceful woman and begins working the claim with her new husband, while providing mending for other gold prospectors. Elisabeth teachers herself new skills and is not afraid of hard work; later, she moves into town alone to make her own living. As Californian laws change, Elisabeth strives to become an independent woman, earning her own money.
The author’s knowledge and research into the era shines through and the idea of the Gold Rush story seen through the eyes of a woman is a good choice. However, it was hard to gain any interest and empathy with Elisabeth because there wasn’t the same depth of character to Elisabeth as there was to the historical detail. I understand that the author was trying to show Elisabeth as independent and forward-thinking but on several occasions her actions or word choice felt jarring rather than complimentary to the main narrative. There were also several sexual threads running though the story which seemed out of place and unnecessary.
Overall, an interesting idea, but it didn’t hold my attention as much as I had hoped.
Prospects Of A Women is an historical novel set in the Gold Rush era, which begins in 1850. Elisabeth Parker has come to California in search of her father who came out West to prospect. However, he wants nothing more to do with his old life and he leaves Elisabeth his claim.
Elisabeth is a resourceful woman and begins working the claim with her new husband, while providing mending for other gold prospectors. Elisabeth teachers herself new skills and is not afraid of hard work; later, she moves into town alone to make her own living. As Californian laws change, Elisabeth strives to become an independent woman, earning her own money.
The author’s knowledge and research into the era shines through and the idea of the Gold Rush story seen through the eyes of a woman is a good choice. However, it was hard to gain any interest and empathy with Elisabeth because there wasn’t the same depth of character to Elisabeth as there was to the historical detail. I understand that the author was trying to show Elisabeth as independent and forward-thinking but on several occasions her actions or word choice felt jarring rather than complimentary to the main narrative. There were also several sexual threads running though the story which seemed out of place and unnecessary.
Overall, an interesting idea, but it didn’t hold my attention as much as I had hoped.
March 11, 2023
The Gold Rush was one of my favorite parts of learning California history in the 4th grade. I've spent time in gold rush country and I love the Northern California area. So a book about a woman, set in that time period? Sign me up!
Elisabeth marries Nate, a man she barely knows to escape a life of poverty and despair in Massachusetts. Arriving in California, she discovers that life isn't any easier there. Her marriage isn't a happy one, because her husband, Nate, is a closeted gay man and she turns to another for affection. Working the claim they inherited from her father, the two struggle to make a living as well as a life.
What I enjoyed most about Prospects of a Woman was California's progressive views about the roles of women and Elisabeth's understanding of the options she had there. She could own her own business. She could divorce her husband. She could make her own decisions.
Elisabeth isn't an inherently likeable woman. But, her tenacity is to be admired. She writes letters to her friend, Louisa May Alcott, but while the letters give more insight into Elisabeth, we never see Louisa's responses, which would have given the story an added depth.
Elisabeth marries Nate, a man she barely knows to escape a life of poverty and despair in Massachusetts. Arriving in California, she discovers that life isn't any easier there. Her marriage isn't a happy one, because her husband, Nate, is a closeted gay man and she turns to another for affection. Working the claim they inherited from her father, the two struggle to make a living as well as a life.
What I enjoyed most about Prospects of a Woman was California's progressive views about the roles of women and Elisabeth's understanding of the options she had there. She could own her own business. She could divorce her husband. She could make her own decisions.
Elisabeth isn't an inherently likeable woman. But, her tenacity is to be admired. She writes letters to her friend, Louisa May Alcott, but while the letters give more insight into Elisabeth, we never see Louisa's responses, which would have given the story an added depth.
August 6, 2020
I requested this book to NetGalley, thinking it was a romance. In fact, I consider it a non-romance.
Elisabeth Parker is a young woman who escapes poverty and parental abandonment, getting married and traveling to California, in the middle of the gold rush.
What she finds is more unloving and more poverty, but also an entrepreneurial spirit that had the perfect California environment in 1849, which gave women rights that were forbidden to them in the rest of the world, such as the right to independent property of her husband or divorce.
An absolutely fascinating fact that I was unaware of. Its aim was to attract women to new territory for Americans who were stripping Indians and Californians of their lands.
Wendy Voorsanger is absolutely masterful in the development of the characters, in the way she involves us in the wild environment of California then and who lived in it. It is impossible not to feel involved in that crazy search for gold and the desperate ways of survival that many had to resort to.
It is, to this day, the best book on the gold rush period I read. But it is also a book about desire, the will to win as life's adversities and the capacity for personal reinvention in the face of disaster.
Great book.
Elisabeth Parker is a young woman who escapes poverty and parental abandonment, getting married and traveling to California, in the middle of the gold rush.
What she finds is more unloving and more poverty, but also an entrepreneurial spirit that had the perfect California environment in 1849, which gave women rights that were forbidden to them in the rest of the world, such as the right to independent property of her husband or divorce.
An absolutely fascinating fact that I was unaware of. Its aim was to attract women to new territory for Americans who were stripping Indians and Californians of their lands.
Wendy Voorsanger is absolutely masterful in the development of the characters, in the way she involves us in the wild environment of California then and who lived in it. It is impossible not to feel involved in that crazy search for gold and the desperate ways of survival that many had to resort to.
It is, to this day, the best book on the gold rush period I read. But it is also a book about desire, the will to win as life's adversities and the capacity for personal reinvention in the face of disaster.
Great book.
October 25, 2020
This is one of those stories that really makes you realize just how far we've come...and yet, just how far we still need to go. Elisabeth was thoroughly unprepared for what life on the new frontier would bring, and the abandonment (yet again) by her "father" was that last straw on the proverbial camel's back. Add to that the hardships she'll face on a personal front, the harsh, unfamiliar landscape she now finds herself in, and the uncertainty of a future she believed somewhat set...and you've got enough to bring your average girl down. Good thing she's more than average...and she's about to find out just how above the bar she really is as she navigates her way through a time that wasn't meant for women to forge their own destinies, and yet that's just what she's about to do.
Step into the past and see just what triumphs can be achieved when a woman's mettle is tested and giving up just isn't an option.
**copy received for review; opinions are my own
Step into the past and see just what triumphs can be achieved when a woman's mettle is tested and giving up just isn't an option.
**copy received for review; opinions are my own
August 10, 2020
Loved this - it keep me interested and curious about how this determined woman would fare in the beautiful but harsh early California landscape. Definitely a page-turner!
January 6, 2021
Prospects of a Woman is a historical novel about Elisabeth Parker. The story is set in 1849, and Elisabeth travels to California with her husband, Nate, to see her father. Things don’t turn out as planned as Elisabeth finds herself stranded by her father, and her husband has an identity crisis.
Elisabeth has a strong character, and her personality really shines in this book. Her mannerism and behavior facing drama and triumph were beautifully written.
The cover of the book was very nice. It represented the story and was clearly designed to attract the reader.
The literature had a classic lyrical flow to it. It was easy to read and captivating to follow. The author has the potential to write well-written stories. I particularly enjoyed the historical references embedded within the scenes. The accuracy alongside the attention to the era was admirable.
The storyline itself was novel to the point that it represented something far from the social norm and the dynamic of that made it special.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes strong female lead characters and historical stories.
Elisabeth has a strong character, and her personality really shines in this book. Her mannerism and behavior facing drama and triumph were beautifully written.
The cover of the book was very nice. It represented the story and was clearly designed to attract the reader.
The literature had a classic lyrical flow to it. It was easy to read and captivating to follow. The author has the potential to write well-written stories. I particularly enjoyed the historical references embedded within the scenes. The accuracy alongside the attention to the era was admirable.
The storyline itself was novel to the point that it represented something far from the social norm and the dynamic of that made it special.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes strong female lead characters and historical stories.
January 7, 2022
DNF @ 61%
Elizabeth and Nate annoyed me to no end. I mean, ugh. I get that Nate was interested in men and tried to still be a somewhat good husband for Elizabeth. But honestly? he seemed so uinterested all the time and just generally meh. Elizabeth wasn`t much better, she made fun of Nate when he could not make love to her, whined and complained wishing for other men..i just truly hated the characters, they got on my nerves.
Elizabeth and Nate annoyed me to no end. I mean, ugh. I get that Nate was interested in men and tried to still be a somewhat good husband for Elizabeth. But honestly? he seemed so uinterested all the time and just generally meh. Elizabeth wasn`t much better, she made fun of Nate when he could not make love to her, whined and complained wishing for other men..i just truly hated the characters, they got on my nerves.
February 1, 2021
This is the story of Elizabeth Parker, coming to the California gold rush with her new husband Nate in search of her errant father in hopes of supporting her family back home in Massachusetts. As ever, events do not go as planned. Not only is her father not who she thought he was, neither is her husband Nate, and Elizabeth strives to find a different kind of future as an independent woman within the more modern laws of California.
The set-up should make for a fine historical story, unfortunately Elizabeth is unlikable and surprisingly shallow for so well-read an individual, and just about every other character is more interesting and would have made for a fine book. I assume the historical research was accurate, but problems with natural history kept pulling me out of the story with a mighty wump, and these were just items I knew because of living in southern Oregon foothills. She talks of madrone bushes, but there no such thing as madrone bushes, only madrone trees, and the bushes described are manzanitas. Yet later when discussing the origin of the name of Manzanita City, a fictitious bush with "a little apple" is described. Uh, no, they are berries, see madrone bush described in earlier chapter. Minor silly quibble, right? But suddenly a few pages later a black panther appears. Come again? A jaguar wandered up from Mexico perhaps? There are no melanistic cougars, they do not exist. A bit later she picks a ripe pear off a tree and bites in, yummy. Ick ick ick. Ripe on the outside means rotten on the inside. Pears don't ripen like other fruit. Little things, but they yank you out of the story. And, unfortunately, they render the rest of the "facts" suspect.
And while I am whining, when she was setting up her bookstore, she "read all the books" so she could tell the men what they were about. Read all the books?!?! What a life of leisure they had there in the gold fields. Who on earth had time to read all the books? Did they have speed reading courses by candlelight?
Sorry. I had high hopes for this one. I only finished it because of NetGalley.
The set-up should make for a fine historical story, unfortunately Elizabeth is unlikable and surprisingly shallow for so well-read an individual, and just about every other character is more interesting and would have made for a fine book. I assume the historical research was accurate, but problems with natural history kept pulling me out of the story with a mighty wump, and these were just items I knew because of living in southern Oregon foothills. She talks of madrone bushes, but there no such thing as madrone bushes, only madrone trees, and the bushes described are manzanitas. Yet later when discussing the origin of the name of Manzanita City, a fictitious bush with "a little apple" is described. Uh, no, they are berries, see madrone bush described in earlier chapter. Minor silly quibble, right? But suddenly a few pages later a black panther appears. Come again? A jaguar wandered up from Mexico perhaps? There are no melanistic cougars, they do not exist. A bit later she picks a ripe pear off a tree and bites in, yummy. Ick ick ick. Ripe on the outside means rotten on the inside. Pears don't ripen like other fruit. Little things, but they yank you out of the story. And, unfortunately, they render the rest of the "facts" suspect.
And while I am whining, when she was setting up her bookstore, she "read all the books" so she could tell the men what they were about. Read all the books?!?! What a life of leisure they had there in the gold fields. Who on earth had time to read all the books? Did they have speed reading courses by candlelight?
Sorry. I had high hopes for this one. I only finished it because of NetGalley.
August 29, 2020
Prospects of a Woman may be set in 1850s California but its stalwart lead, Elisabeth Parker, is a heroine for our times. She forges her way through an inhospitable world of men determined to live independently and find a love that will be her very own. Wendy Voorsanger has created a character so charged with imagination and spirit she will lay claim to the hearts of all her readers.
October 20, 2020
“The story of one woman’s passionate quest to carve out a place in the liberal and bewildering society that emerged during the California Gold Rush frenzy...”
MY REVIEW:
Elisabeth Parker is a bad ass woman trying to find her way in a mans world! This book was such an interesting read, and I was sucked in from the prologue! (Which if you’ve been around for a minute, you know my thoughts on prologues, this one was GOOD, and literally started the book off with a bang)...
‘Prospects of a Woman’ was a brilliant, creative, but authentic take on an era where woman had no rights; it was extremely thrilling and edge-of-my-seat exciting at times. I went into this book with no expectations and was blown away! This debut historical novel is one of my top reads of 2020!!
MY REVIEW:
Elisabeth Parker is a bad ass woman trying to find her way in a mans world! This book was such an interesting read, and I was sucked in from the prologue! (Which if you’ve been around for a minute, you know my thoughts on prologues, this one was GOOD, and literally started the book off with a bang)...
‘Prospects of a Woman’ was a brilliant, creative, but authentic take on an era where woman had no rights; it was extremely thrilling and edge-of-my-seat exciting at times. I went into this book with no expectations and was blown away! This debut historical novel is one of my top reads of 2020!!
June 30, 2020
I read this as an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book! It’s the kind of story where I finish feeling like I grew up so much with our main character, Elisabeth. I loved the history and the feminism, and I found Nate’s character really interesting. I would love a book from his point of view!
I really enjoyed this book! It’s the kind of story where I finish feeling like I grew up so much with our main character, Elisabeth. I loved the history and the feminism, and I found Nate’s character really interesting. I would love a book from his point of view!
October 19, 2020
Prospects of a Woman by Wendy Voorsanger is an intriguing story of Elisabeth's first three years in the wilds of California circa 1850. She has arrived there with her new husband, Nate to find her father, who has run away from his family somewhat earlier. What she expects to find, she has no idea, but locating him begins her disillusion with life. Through thick and thin she persists, wearing the one dress she own, mining gold next to her husband until things start happening in her life. She never looks back, except at the family she has left behind. She continues her correspondence with her friend, Louisa May Alcott, with nothing more than grand fiction, unwilling to share the downward turn her life had taken. It is a harrowing picture of a time in history when anything was possible.
Elisabeth is a stalwart character who allows nothing to keep her down. Through her travels she meets other women who support her and love her. She does some things that are outside her character, but she has to survive, and survive she does. She goes through multiple careers in the short time we know her, always learning, always striving. There is not really a plot; it is more of a slice of live novel with many mini-plots and subplots along the way. There are men, all with flaws of their own. Some she loves, most she does not, but they help her along her way. This is an astounding time in California history, unfair to early Californios but supremely fair to women, if they are smart enough to take advantage. It was an exciting story. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Prospects of a Woman by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #prospectsofawoman
Elisabeth is a stalwart character who allows nothing to keep her down. Through her travels she meets other women who support her and love her. She does some things that are outside her character, but she has to survive, and survive she does. She goes through multiple careers in the short time we know her, always learning, always striving. There is not really a plot; it is more of a slice of live novel with many mini-plots and subplots along the way. There are men, all with flaws of their own. Some she loves, most she does not, but they help her along her way. This is an astounding time in California history, unfair to early Californios but supremely fair to women, if they are smart enough to take advantage. It was an exciting story. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Prospects of a Woman by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #prospectsofawoman
December 31, 2020
The title has a double meaning: 1) The possibilities of a woman and 2) gold prospecting. It covers what it is about.
A young, poor, recently married woman arrives with her husband at her father's gold claim in California. People can get rich during the Gold Rush or remain dead poor. But California is special as legally women have a lot more rights than in the rest of the USA. They can own their own property and can divorce.
Elisabeth is desperate to make something of her life as her father had abandoned her family and farm. To get security and independence.. At first the situation is quite dire as they are so poor. In her letters to her friend however she describes her fantasies as reality. When the time passes the letters get more and more a true account.
Elisabeth comes over as quite a hard woman but when you look at her history that is understandable although I wished at several occasions she had chosen differently.
For me as a non- American the historic setting was interesting. The story is well written.
A young, poor, recently married woman arrives with her husband at her father's gold claim in California. People can get rich during the Gold Rush or remain dead poor. But California is special as legally women have a lot more rights than in the rest of the USA. They can own their own property and can divorce.
Elisabeth is desperate to make something of her life as her father had abandoned her family and farm. To get security and independence.. At first the situation is quite dire as they are so poor. In her letters to her friend however she describes her fantasies as reality. When the time passes the letters get more and more a true account.
Elisabeth comes over as quite a hard woman but when you look at her history that is understandable although I wished at several occasions she had chosen differently.
For me as a non- American the historic setting was interesting. The story is well written.
October 22, 2020
I love historical fiction, and have been intentionally reading historical fiction from different time periods that I haven't read about. I've read a ton of WW2 historical fiction, but little from the California gold rush time period. I was also excited to read this book because of the Louisa May Alcott connection, which was an interesting and fun component to this book. I loved the author's writing style--it was so easy to read "just one more chapter." Elisabeth was an engaging character who I grew to admire over the course of the book--I can't imagine being a woman on my own during that time period. I admired her spirit and determination throughout the book. If you're looking for a solid historical fiction set during this time period featuring a strong female character, I absolutely recommend this book!
May 7, 2021
Prospects of a Woman looks at women’s rights and status during the Gold Rush. California was at the forefront of women’s rights, allowing women to own property, divorce, etc. unlike most of the United States. In 1850, Elizabeth and Nate travel from an apple orchard in Massachusetts to California’s American River to find her father. When found, his character has changed completely and he wants nothing to do with his daughter.
Marital problems with Nate and a new love for a Californiano lead Elizabeth to divorce her husband and find her own way.
The story is told in a somewhat distant third person point-of-view with occasional bits of close third person, especially when Elizabeth is working through her problems and her sexuality.
The book has some sexual scenes, but very discrete. I enjoyed this look into a woman’s life during the Gold Rush.
Marital problems with Nate and a new love for a Californiano lead Elizabeth to divorce her husband and find her own way.
The story is told in a somewhat distant third person point-of-view with occasional bits of close third person, especially when Elizabeth is working through her problems and her sexuality.
The book has some sexual scenes, but very discrete. I enjoyed this look into a woman’s life during the Gold Rush.
October 10, 2020
I received an ARC from the publisher via NeNetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I didn’t learn much beyond the basics about the California Gold Rush, so I was intrigued by Prospecte of a Woman and how it tied into the women’s experience during that event and dealing with the limitations placed on her in society in general.
Voorsanger really seems to know her stuff, as her prose engrossed me in the time period. I like how she was able to illustrate the contrast between the more reserved, traditional expectations of women in Boston and the whole new world of options that opened up for women like Elisabeth out West, like having her own business and being able to divorce her husband. And while she’s not always the most likable protagonist, she is believable for the time period and the story.
I also really enjoyed Elisabeth’s relationship with Louisa May Alcott, and while I would have liked her to have gotten some page time or at least seen her responses to Elisabeth’s letters, I still enjoyed that sense of seeing Elisabeth have a more personal connection with someone we know today as a famous author, especially set in a time prior to her writing Little Women.
This is a great book highlighting a woman finding a way to thrive in a man’s world, and a great testament to how far we’ve come. If you love historical fiction, I think you’ll enjoy this one.
I didn’t learn much beyond the basics about the California Gold Rush, so I was intrigued by Prospecte of a Woman and how it tied into the women’s experience during that event and dealing with the limitations placed on her in society in general.
Voorsanger really seems to know her stuff, as her prose engrossed me in the time period. I like how she was able to illustrate the contrast between the more reserved, traditional expectations of women in Boston and the whole new world of options that opened up for women like Elisabeth out West, like having her own business and being able to divorce her husband. And while she’s not always the most likable protagonist, she is believable for the time period and the story.
I also really enjoyed Elisabeth’s relationship with Louisa May Alcott, and while I would have liked her to have gotten some page time or at least seen her responses to Elisabeth’s letters, I still enjoyed that sense of seeing Elisabeth have a more personal connection with someone we know today as a famous author, especially set in a time prior to her writing Little Women.
This is a great book highlighting a woman finding a way to thrive in a man’s world, and a great testament to how far we’ve come. If you love historical fiction, I think you’ll enjoy this one.
October 18, 2020
I really liked this one a lot- and I'm not even a big historical fiction fan but I had such a good time reading this one. It also feels so timely with discussion of women's rights but also how far LGBTQ+ rights have come (and how far we have yet to go).While it takes places in a historical setting during the Gold Rush, I felt like this was more of a women's literary fiction. Romance didn't fit either. It felt more like a coming of age story for Elisabeth, the discovery of who she is and what she wants for herself in life.
I was absolutely engrossed in this one and I found myself rooting for Elisabeth throughout.
I was absolutely engrossed in this one and I found myself rooting for Elisabeth throughout.
October 17, 2020
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I got so much more. We travel to California during the gold rush days with Elizabeth a young married woman from Massachusetts. I never write a spoiler review, but I will tell you that by the time I read "the end" I was in awe of the strength of this young woman. She suffers mightily trying to make a life in the gold fields of California. The supporting cast of characters are vital, interesting people. You will get some history along with this story of independence. Ms Voorsanger did her research and I think she gave us an incredible story of self reliance.
October 25, 2020
Loved learning about Northern California gold rush history with this woman's perspective. The protagonist had such determination and grit to withstand the trials, tribulations and loneliness of living out in the west in an up and coming small town.
In addition, there's a good dose of nature, romance and books that kept me hooked to the end.
In addition, there's a good dose of nature, romance and books that kept me hooked to the end.
December 4, 2020
A compelling and entertaining trip back to the days of the Gold Rush, as seen through the eyes of a woman – a rarity in that chapter of California history. I love that the author mixes historical fiction with real trailblazing women from that era, and characters inspired by actual people. The pages are filled with wonderful details that even make you smell and taste. Times were harsh, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat wondering who will survive and how the story will end. But this is also perfect escapism during our own difficult and challenging times.
April 23, 2021
I was fortunate to win a copy of Prospects of a Woman from Wendy Voorsanger. Once I began reading it, I couldn't put it down. Voorsanger's research on the California Gold Rush is impeccable. She completely puts the reader into the world of that time and place. I was hooked on the female protagonist and all the characters. They were real to me and heartbreakingly drawn by a master writer. I highly recommend this novel.
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May 13, 2022dnf. reading this book was like walking through mud.
October 16, 2020
Every once in a while you encounter a book that just grabs you right from the beginning. That was this book. It was a shocker (in a good way). Instantly, I was transported back in time.
Major big props to Elisabeth. She started the story out as a meek and by the end had changed/grown into a strong, independent woman. It was women like her that helped pave the way for working women today. Elisabeth was the main character in this book. Everyone else could not compare. Although, I will say that when it came to her husband; in the beginning I was not a fan but as the story progressed I did warm up to him. Yet, Elisabeth really did not need a man.
Author, Wendy Voorsanger weaves an important period in time with engaging characters into a lovely story in Prospects of a Woman. I greatly look forward to reading the next book from this author.
Major big props to Elisabeth. She started the story out as a meek and by the end had changed/grown into a strong, independent woman. It was women like her that helped pave the way for working women today. Elisabeth was the main character in this book. Everyone else could not compare. Although, I will say that when it came to her husband; in the beginning I was not a fan but as the story progressed I did warm up to him. Yet, Elisabeth really did not need a man.
Author, Wendy Voorsanger weaves an important period in time with engaging characters into a lovely story in Prospects of a Woman. I greatly look forward to reading the next book from this author.
May 28, 2025
Girl he ain’t worth it I promise you!!!
September 19, 2020
Transport yourself to Gold Rush California and learn about how California women had more freedom than women in other states. Beautiful writing and interesting, complex characters.
October 21, 2020
This was an interesting historical fiction about a woman named Elisabeth (BTW, I love the name as that's how my name is spelled, haha) who moves from the Eastern part of the U.S. to California with her new husband in search of the father who abandoned her and her family, to try and make a go of it. The first part of the story where she is living and working the mining claim her father left her is very interesting and captivating. The relationships between Elisabeth and her husband as well as Elisabeth and the other men working the claim along side them, are very interesting. Later in the story Elisabeth moves on from the mining claim and the little mining town nearby, and on to San Francisco. I felt this later part of the story could have used more in terms of Elisabeth building her life and career in San Francisco. Instead, the story gets a little side tracked with the "love story" that has followed her from the mining claim. While, I think relationships are always a great way to develop a character and become invested in her story, some of the sex (and I'm not trying to be prude...I just got bored of it) and inner turmoil surrounding the men in her life, took away from the bigger, more important theme of a strong, independent woman, making a life in a state that allows a woman to do so during this time, which is rate. I still think this is a good story and worth a read despite my criticisms. I did enjoy Elisabeth and her adventure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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