The World of Laura Ingalls Wilder cover art

The World of Laura Ingalls Wilder

The Frontier Landscapes that Inspired the Little House Books

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The World of Laura Ingalls Wilder

By: Marta McDowell
Narrated by: Donna Postel
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About this listen

The universal appeal of Laura Ingalls Wilder springs from a life lived in partnership with the land, on farms she and her family settled across the Northeast and Midwest. In this revealing exploration of Wilder's deep connection with the natural world, Marta McDowell follows the wagon trail of the beloved Little House series. You'll learn details about Wilder's life and inspirations, pinpoint the Ingalls and Wilder homestead claims on authentic archival maps, and learn to grow the plants and vegetables featured in the series. Excerpts from Wilder's books, letters, and diaries bring to light her profound appreciation for the landscapes at the heart of her world.

©2017 Marta McDowell (P)2018 Tantor Adventure Travel Art & Literature Authors Ecosystems & Habitats Gardening & Horticulture Literary History & Criticism Natural Resources Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature Science Social Sciences Women Gardening Adventure Ecosystem Travel Memoir

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Fantastic! loved every word of the enchanting story of the life of Laura and her family.

Wonderful

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This is a hard book to review. It's a mixture between 'too shallow' and 'relying too much on pre-existing knowledge'. That makes it somewhat unsatisfying for both the casual and the 'deep into Laura fan-territory' types of readers.

I will try to explain.

With too shallow I mean that there are not too many details given. At least certainly not about the plants and the landscape. It is mostly a rehash of what is described in the Little House books (literally quoting whole passages) plus some not too hard to find additions. Think for instance something like: "The trees were full of sweet chestnuts"+ addition: "These are edible, unlike horse chestnuts". I mean, that's hardly a revolutionary new insight. All the gardening advise is clearly aimed at children or novices. But anyone who comes to this book due to an interest in the LH books, would already know this. Mostly because Laura already described all this herself. So in that sense it is not suitable for anyone but children and/or novice gardeners.

At the same time, it really supposes that you've already read all the books about Laura & Rose Wilder, biographies, plus know the LH books by heart. Think something like: "As we know from her biography, Laura was (enter some obscure fact, but with no explanation given)". That is confusing or at least unsatisfactory to the group mentioned above.

So, it's neither here nor there. It's basically a very simple summary of some of the plants/landscapes listed in the books, but a superfan account as well. This is also shown in the long passages where the author speaks about her own connection to the LH books, her own childhood, her own parents... But not through funny anecdotes or warm stories. They are more of the 'my father also planted an apple tree' variety of comments. Not very interesting at all, except for the author. It's great that the books meant so much to her, but in an already short book that is sold on the strength of the LH books, don't go on tangents about your own childhood, you know?

I didn't want to give this 3 stars because it's pleasant enough in itself. Its' a friendly voice speaking about plants and repeating some of the lovely descriptions of landscapes noted in the original LH books. That makes it a nice, cosy book to listen to when you're doing chores, or are trying to fall asleep. But I honestly don't think it's worth 4 stars either. Because I listened to it for free on Plus it still had value to me. But if I had spend a whole credit on it, I would be miffed.

I suspect the physical book includes a lot of photographs about the described plants/landscapes. That would somewhat make up for the lack of substance. So if you are really interested in the subject and not just looking for an easy listen, I suggest you get that. It will probably be much more interesting to you.

Probably better as a physical copy

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This book is so interesting. I know little of the pioneering days. Laura was a brave woman to travel so much and be able to set up a happy home wherever her husband wished to settle. Her love of the natural world was inspiring. She lived a good and long life and she definitely deserved it.

Laura’s Fortitude

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Lovely relaxing audiobook focussing on the plants and habitats from the Little House series of books. Great for a taste of nature in the middle of winter.

Breath of fresh prairie air

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Very interesting. Real story of the places and almost itinerant life often young and adult Laura. Emphasis on fauna and flora - realities and history of farming etc. I will re read Little House etc with a fresh understanding. Rose, her daughter, some insight there but more of a tease- is there a biography? I need to know lots more about all of it!

Fascinating insight into the real life of LIW

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