Hmmm. Intriguing source material with outstanding potential. It reminds me a bit of The Ballad of Little Jo. The beginning and ending of this book are both cringe-worthy, and there are disappointingly few, if any, surprises in store for readers. It came as no surprise to read, in the acknowledgements, that the concept originated as a screenplay. Still, it's evident that this novel was a labor of love and fascination for the author. I really enjoyed this piece of historical fiction. It is written for adults, as there is quite a bit of salty language. This is the story of Charlotte/Charley Parkhurst who works as a Whip ( a stagecoach driver) in the Old West. She is disguised as a man, as women have a very hard life during this time in history, and most of them are wives. This story begins when as a baby Charlotte is dropped off on the doorsteps of the Boston Society for Destitute Children Orphanage. We meet Charlotte as her unlucky life begins to take shape. There are very few "good" things that happen to Charlotte as she becomes an adult. I became totally immersed in this novel. It has short chapters and is an easy type read.The story is adventurous, romantic, tragic, happy, and sad. It was so easy to get caught up in the history, experiences, and characters as described from the Old West. Charlotte Parkhurst quest is to find happiness and the only way she figured she could do this, is by disguising herself as a man. Later in her young life Charley is lost and broken and makes it her mission to find and destroy the killer of her husband and daughter. This novel swept me into a different time in history. A good read.
What do You think about The Whip (2012)?
Fantastic book couldn't put it down all time favorite this summer by far!
—varsha
Some good history buried in a lot of bad romance.
—kiara
Good book. A little tough to read in spots.
—Lucion
