The All-True Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton

In her latest novel, set in the tumultuous 1850s, Jane Smiley introduces us to Lidie Harkness, a spirited young woman from Quincy, Illinois, who embodies courage and resilience in a deeply divided America. As Lidie joins her husband, Thomas Newton, on a mission with New England abolitionists to settle the Kansas Territory, she finds herself drawn into the chaos of "Bloody Kansas," facing danger and moral dilemmas that amplify her commitment to abolition. When tragedy strikes her personal life, Lidie boldly disguises herself as a boy and ventures into hostile territory in search of the truth, navigating a male-dominated world with wit and determination. Smiley's vivid storytelling and rich characterization shine through as she captures a pivotal moment in American history through Lidie's compelling journey.