Melissa Ostrom teaches English literature at Genesee Community College in Batavia, New York. Her short fiction has been published in literary magazines, and nominated for a Pushcart Prize. The Beloved Wild is her YA debut. She lives in Batavia, New York, with her family.
Title: The Beloved Wild
Genre: YA Historical/Fiction
Author: Melissa Ostrom
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Publication: March 27th 2018
Cover Rating: 4/5
Reading format: Provided ARC
The Beloved Wild by Melissa Ostrom is the story of Harriet Winter and how she doesn't want to become a wife that is used and abused and not cherished. She doesn't want to be sold off as livestock to the highest bidding husband. So she decides to strike out with her older brother while he starts his own farm. Harriet thinks this will be a wonderful adventure. Sadly, she finds out that life outside of her tiny little town might not be what she was hoping for.
Harriet is one of those girls who doesn't believe that the firstborn son should be entitled to inheriting everything. It sucks even more for her when her older brother is a gambling idiot and not mature enough to run a farm. Harriet doesn't want to be married off to live a life of servitude. She doesn't want to pop kids out and possibly die in childbirth. She wants to be more. This leads her to strike out with her older brother as he tries to start his own farm in Genesee Valley, NY.
This book was a tad bit slow and boring for me. It was really just about a girl who wanted more in life than her gender allotted her for the time period. Her humor and the overall feel of the book made me think of Little Women if it had taken place on a farm. I really don't have much else to say about the book. It was pretty straightforward without many added twists and turns. The plot was pretty basic and I just think the book wasn't exactly my cup of tea but I know plenty of people who would enjoy the book.
In the end, Harriet learned that sometimes, what you already have is the best thing for you. It's not wrong to want to explore your options but not everything is greener on the other side. Also, the way the synopsis read, it seemed like Harriet would realize she loves someone ELSE. I didn't think it would be the same person.
Overall, I gave the book 3.5/5 stars.
*Disclaimer* I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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