The Bear Flag: A Novel of California - Softcover

Holland, Cecelia

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1575660865 ISBN 13: 9781575660868

Publisher: Kensington Pub Corp, 1996

Synopsis

Widowed on the arduous trek west, proud Cat Reilly takes whatever work she can find in Suttor's Fort and mixes with such types as Kit Carson before falling in love and becoming involved in the battle for California's independence. Reprint.

About this title

From School Library Journal

Holland uses the natural intrigue of history, the charm of romance, the promise of the West, the drive of Manifest Destiny, colorful historical figures, and several ingeniously developed fictional characters to weave a thrilling story of the race for settlement and the ultimate control of California. Catherine Reilly, a widow, survives to earn respect in a man's world on the frontier. Her life is interwoven with such American heroes as Kit Carson, John C. Fremont, John Sutter, John Bidwell, and Don Mariano Vallejo. Major historical events such as the Kelsey-Bidwell-Bartleson Crossing of the Great Basin and the Sierra in 1841, the Fremont and Carson Winter Crossing in 1844, and the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846, form the backdrop for Cat's story. A valuable "note" explains the historical events, persons, and any alterations Holland has made in them within the story. Highly desirable as supplementary reading in American Civilization classes.
- Dolores M. Steinhauer, Jefferson Sci-Tech, Alexandria,
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

In Cat Reilly, Holland has fashioned her strongest heroine since Great Maria (LJ 10/1/74). Cat loses everything--including her husband--on the brutal trek to California. She reaches Sutter's Fort and falls in love with Count Sohrakoff, a Russian agent for the Mexican dons who rule California. The settlers' uprising in 1846 places Cat and the Count on opposing sides. Lesser writers of the historical genre strain to produce the intrigue, romance, and adventure that Holland seems to provide effortlessly. No one is better at conveying the frustration of the competent woman striving to influence events in a society that has little place for women. Real rogues and heroes populate the pages of this admirable novel, which should win more recruits for the ever-growing club of admirers of Holland, historical novelist extraordinaire. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 3/1/90.
-David Keymer, SUNY Inst. of Technology, Utica
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Kensington Pub Corp
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 1575660865
• ISBN 13: 9781575660868
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 344