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When the Mockingbird Won't Sing: True Grit in 1855, Oregon City
It’s 1855 in Oregon City. Twelve year-old Biddy has survived an intolerable life of indenture by remembering two things: adults can’t be trusted, and it’s best to be invisible. Due to an early trauma, she’s mute with no memory of her past. The man who holds her contract for indenture has evil plans for her, and he will stop at nothing to ensure his schemes come to fruition. Things look hopeless for Biddy until she meets two school teachers, Brenna and Emily. From that moment on, these three lives become intricately entwined. Biddy’s new champions take desperate measures to ensure her safety. Life and death choices are made and these accelerate into an unanticipated conclusion. As is often the case in life, what was wished for is granted in a most unexpected way.
Victoria Murata has again embraced history to tell an enduring story of love and loss in our country’s not too distant past.
Victoria Murata has again embraced history to tell an enduring story of love and loss in our country’s not too distant past.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2019
307 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Murata
4 books16 followersWhat's my favorite all-time book? I used to say The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers. Recently I re-read it and I wouldn't say that anymore. It's still beautifully written and it hasn't changed. It's me who's much changed from who I was in college a long time ago.
I used to never quit on a book. I would stick with it till the end, always thinking that it would redeem itself. Not any more. I'll usually read at least 25% and if it hasn't moved me in some way by then I put it down.
I grew up in St. Cloud, Minnesota, a college town of (then) about 40,000 people. As a child and young adult, I spent summers engaged in active pursuits within a stone's throw of the Mississippi River. After graduating from high school, I attended St. Cloud State College where I received a B.S. degree in education. I spent two years teaching in a lovely small town in rural southeastern Minnesota before moving to Albuquerque, NM where I attended the University of New Mexico and obtained a Master's Degree in education.
I taught mostly middle school English and History for another 28 years and retired in 2003. I still live in Albuquerque and I have two children and four grandchildren and spend my time traveling, exploring acrylic paints and pastels, and writing. I currently have written and published four novels: two historical fiction and two fantasy, all young adult.
I used to never quit on a book. I would stick with it till the end, always thinking that it would redeem itself. Not any more. I'll usually read at least 25% and if it hasn't moved me in some way by then I put it down.
I grew up in St. Cloud, Minnesota, a college town of (then) about 40,000 people. As a child and young adult, I spent summers engaged in active pursuits within a stone's throw of the Mississippi River. After graduating from high school, I attended St. Cloud State College where I received a B.S. degree in education. I spent two years teaching in a lovely small town in rural southeastern Minnesota before moving to Albuquerque, NM where I attended the University of New Mexico and obtained a Master's Degree in education.
I taught mostly middle school English and History for another 28 years and retired in 2003. I still live in Albuquerque and I have two children and four grandchildren and spend my time traveling, exploring acrylic paints and pastels, and writing. I currently have written and published four novels: two historical fiction and two fantasy, all young adult.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 14, 2021
Historical Fiction
This book loosely follows book one in the series except it could be a stand alone historical fiction without ever reading book one. I liked how the beginning of women's rights started to play out during this era. Women were realizing that men held all the power as far as property, voting rights, divorce, authority over the children, etc. One statement that really brought this to light was about a woman being ruined if she had premarital sex. When asked about if the man's reputation got ruined, and the answer was no, it really showed how great the double standards were. I actually feel like women have come a long way since then, yet there is still some of the double standard issues today. I was so happy with how the ending came together with a resolution for all of the main characters. I do have some disagreement with the thoughts and the way the reverend answered the question about prayers not being answered because the person did something wrong. Just my opinion.
This book loosely follows book one in the series except it could be a stand alone historical fiction without ever reading book one. I liked how the beginning of women's rights started to play out during this era. Women were realizing that men held all the power as far as property, voting rights, divorce, authority over the children, etc. One statement that really brought this to light was about a woman being ruined if she had premarital sex. When asked about if the man's reputation got ruined, and the answer was no, it really showed how great the double standards were. I actually feel like women have come a long way since then, yet there is still some of the double standard issues today. I was so happy with how the ending came together with a resolution for all of the main characters. I do have some disagreement with the thoughts and the way the reverend answered the question about prayers not being answered because the person did something wrong. Just my opinion.
May 4, 2021
Hard To Put Down
I chose five stars because the book, in my opinion , was that good . It was hard to put down,consequently, there's lots of things left undone. I highly recommend this novel to
anyone. Language was clean throughout for which I'm extremely thankful. Storyline flowed and didn't bog down and when the plot reached its climax, I was sitting on edge hardly breathing. Thank you for a most wonderful read!!!
I chose five stars because the book, in my opinion , was that good . It was hard to put down,consequently, there's lots of things left undone. I highly recommend this novel to
anyone. Language was clean throughout for which I'm extremely thankful. Storyline flowed and didn't bog down and when the plot reached its climax, I was sitting on edge hardly breathing. Thank you for a most wonderful read!!!
August 14, 2021
Very touching novel involving excitement, tragedy, murders, and love.
Biddy, a young mute orphan was indentured to a cruel alcoholic who had planned to make his income by using Biddy as a prostitute when she was old enough. Events lead to her being saved by friends and her two teachers.
Biddy, a young mute orphan was indentured to a cruel alcoholic who had planned to make his income by using Biddy as a prostitute when she was old enough. Events lead to her being saved by friends and her two teachers.
May 23, 2022
Happy endings
Very nice story about a troubled little girl who loses her world but gains a universe. Enjoyable to read and the author brings in some scary problems,but they are much too quickly resolved. The epilogue was way to sweet for my liking. If you like books with all happy endings then this is the one for you
Very nice story about a troubled little girl who loses her world but gains a universe. Enjoyable to read and the author brings in some scary problems,but they are much too quickly resolved. The epilogue was way to sweet for my liking. If you like books with all happy endings then this is the one for you
July 7, 2023
EXCEPTIONAL WORK!
I don't remember ever reading a book that I couldn't remember a single mistake, typo, etc in, but THIS ONE is it! It is written so well, and put together so well that it is a very easy and captivating book to read. I loved the accurate historical references. I will now find Murata's first book and read it!
I don't remember ever reading a book that I couldn't remember a single mistake, typo, etc in, but THIS ONE is it! It is written so well, and put together so well that it is a very easy and captivating book to read. I loved the accurate historical references. I will now find Murata's first book and read it!
August 22, 2020
I loved the book. I loved that Biddy finally spoke and the Brenna and Ben sort of adopted her. It was a good story. But much like another book from Leah Binicky it was about the Oregan Trail. Both books were good reads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2022
When the Mockingbird Won't Sing
This is the second book I have read by this author. I am so impressed by the way she writes along with the way she weaves the story. I will be following her books now.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I am so impressed by the way she writes along with the way she weaves the story. I will be following her books now.
October 24, 2022
A Wonderful Story With Great Characters
Five Stars for this novel! Excellent research for a wonderful time period in United States history! Both books are excellent and holds your interest! Highly recommend!
Five Stars for this novel! Excellent research for a wonderful time period in United States history! Both books are excellent and holds your interest! Highly recommend!
March 15, 2023
A story of love
Oregon statehood.
You will enjoy this story that transcends the loss of family to renewed friendship. It shows courage beyond a normal child could handle. Could not put it down.
Oregon statehood.
You will enjoy this story that transcends the loss of family to renewed friendship. It shows courage beyond a normal child could handle. Could not put it down.
December 15, 2023
Can't put it down!
As I was reading, and getting into the story. It hit me!! I was born in 1955 at Oregon City Oregon Hospital, On top of the hill over looking the Willamett Falls, and the paper mill.
As I was reading, and getting into the story. It hit me!! I was born in 1955 at Oregon City Oregon Hospital, On top of the hill over looking the Willamett Falls, and the paper mill.
February 8, 2020
Loved this book
Loved this book. Had me crying and laughing in so many parts.
Would definitely recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction.
Loved this book. Had me crying and laughing in so many parts.
Would definitely recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction.
November 14, 2020
Great read
Enjoyed this book very much, interesting story. Loved how the issues at that time in history were explained. Historical,suspenseful, romantic!
Enjoyed this book very much, interesting story. Loved how the issues at that time in history were explained. Historical,suspenseful, romantic!
March 10, 2021
Great read!
Have read both books. Both are excellent and hard to put down. Looking forward to more of her books hopefully soon.
Have read both books. Both are excellent and hard to put down. Looking forward to more of her books hopefully soon.
April 3, 2021
Complex and intriguing
The characteristics of people under duress shines through the tragedies of life. Love and joy and fulfillment win over base natures.
The characteristics of people under duress shines through the tragedies of life. Love and joy and fulfillment win over base natures.
April 12, 2021
New Beginnings
This is a good story telling about new beginnings with all of them in this story. A young girl who hasn't had any kind of a life
This is a good story telling about new beginnings with all of them in this story. A young girl who hasn't had any kind of a life
May 25, 2021
Enthralling
You will endure the struggles of a young girl and all those around her. You will see how hardship makes you stronger. You will learn to carry on.
You will endure the struggles of a young girl and all those around her. You will see how hardship makes you stronger. You will learn to carry on.
June 25, 2021
Enjoyable book
I have both books and find them very entertaining. Hope to read more by this author. They had a lot yo over come
I have both books and find them very entertaining. Hope to read more by this author. They had a lot yo over come
December 22, 2021
Could not put the book down
Absolutely enjoyed this read. So detailed with the history surrounding the times and the mystery that comes to life about the individuals in the story.
Absolutely enjoyed this read. So detailed with the history surrounding the times and the mystery that comes to life about the individuals in the story.
May 11, 2022
Ok but good
Did not need the homosexual lesson. The section of the book was not needed and brought nothing to the story.
Did not need the homosexual lesson. The section of the book was not needed and brought nothing to the story.
June 18, 2022
Entertaining
I love to read. It is my happy place. Being born and raised in Oregon I always enjoy books in that setting. Oregon City has changed so much since 1857.
I love to read. It is my happy place. Being born and raised in Oregon I always enjoy books in that setting. Oregon City has changed so much since 1857.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews