Historical Fiction · WarmA returning soldier and the Scottish settlers of pioneer Iowa
The Able McLaughlins
A Scottish farming community in pioneer Iowa after the Civil War
The Able McLaughlins is set in pioneer Iowa during the Civil War era, where a Scottish Covenanter family settles. Wully McLaughlin returns from Grant's army to learn that his sweetheart, Chirstie McNair, has been wronged by Peter Keith, the community's troublemaker. The novel follows how Wully and Chirstie face the consequences within their close-knit immigrant community.
More about this book
Who
Wully McLaughlin, Chirstie McNair, Peter Keith, and Chirstie's father Alex and stepmother Barbara.
World
Pioneer Iowa during the Civil War era, among Scottish Covenanter settlers.
What makes it different
It was Margaret Wilson's first novel. It won the first Harper Prize Novel Contest in 1922 to 1923 and the 1924 Pulitzer Prize. Its portrayal of an immigrant community is noted for its folkloric detail.
Feel
Austere and warm in turns.
Page count and cover shown for: Selected edition
Behind the book
It won the Harper Prize Novel Contest of 1922 to 1923, the first time that prize was awarded.
Source: Wikipedia
Further reading
- The Able McLaughlinsWikipedia