The All True Travels And Adventures Of Lidie Newton by Jane Smiley

Set in the tumultuous period of the 1850s, the story follows Lidie Newton, a spirited and independent young woman from Quincy, Illinois, who embarks on a journey to the Kansas Territory with her abolitionist husband. As they navigate the violent and politically charged landscape of "Bleeding Kansas," Lidie is thrust into a world of danger and moral complexity, challenging her beliefs and resilience. Through her adventures, she encounters a diverse cast of characters and faces the harsh realities of frontier life, ultimately discovering her own strength and convictions in the face of adversity.