Title: Midge: A Story of A Fearless, Strong Woman and Her Lineage
Author: Jon Waller
Publisher: Kravitz and Sons, LLC
ISBN: 979-8-89639-168-5
Genre: History
Pages: 150
Reviewer: Margie Przybylski
Hollywood Book Reviews
Jon Waller’s historical work, Midge: A Story of A Fearless, Strong Woman and Her Lineage, traces the sacrifice and love passed down through generations of strong women in his family. His family – a blend of Lakota Sioux Indian as well as American colonists – helped to expand the territory of South Dakota during the Civil War.
While containing a treasure load of historical truth and American genealogy Waller’s novel reads like fiction that is difficult to put down. The story arch is captivating and supported by beautiful writing. Waller’s story begins with Ann and her daughter LIzzie – of Sioux origin fighting back to protect the Black Hills of South Dakota against gold seekers. They protected these sacred lands and allowed them to be preserved and continue to be enjoyed today. Ann longs for a time where men folk can be persuaded of the ideas of women – and decides she can be among the first to try. Ann and Lizzie lead a movement to gather tribes together to fight the Army and protect the Black Hills.
The lineage of strong women continues as Lizzie goes on to marry, and shortly after gives birth to Helen. When “Midge” joins the family – she is named Helen. She received this nickname during her time in the Red Cross during World War II. Waller does an excellent job of condensing so much history into an entertaining and enriching read.
This book is a great assignment to students, as well as history lovers, young and old. Reading this novel brings wisdom and insight to the indigenous involvement in the preservation of United States’ lands, as well as supporting overseas troops during the World Wars. As time went on – descendants of the Sioux intermingled with the colonists – forming new alliances and changing history. Not all unions among descendants of the Sioux and their white neighbors are well received – however they each serve to make their mark on America.
Waller’s book also touchingly portrays the love between a great grandmother and the daughters that follow. The strength of their bond shows as generations grow and change, and history and values are passed down from woman to girl over the decades that pass. The courage of Ann and Lizzie flows through following generations from Helen to Midge. As time speeds onward – this family has ties to world wars, and other pillars of history. Midge is the captivating story of a woman whose strength became the foundation of her family’s legacy.