⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 stars rounded up to 5)
Samantha Specks’ Dovetails in Tall Grass is a deeply moving and beautifully written debut that brings to life one of the darkest and most overlooked events in American history—the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. Inspired by the true story of the largest mass execution in U.S. history, Specks tells the story of two young women on opposite sides of the conflict: Emma Heard, a settler’s daughter, and Oenikika, a Dakota woman. Their lives collide as tensions rise, treaties are broken, and war devastates the Minnesota frontier.
Specks’ writing is immersive and lyrical, painting a vivid portrait of 19th-century Minnesota while capturing the heartbreaking realities of war. She doesn’t shy away from the brutality of the time, yet she also highlights the resilience of the human spirit. Emma’s journey is raw and personal, shaped by grief and loss, while Oenikika’s voice offers a rare and powerful look into the Dakota experience.
The historical backdrop is as compelling as the characters themselves. The novel sheds light on the unjust trials of 1862, where 303 Dakota men were sentenced to death in rushed proceedings. Ultimately, 38 were hanged in Mankato in the largest mass execution in U.S. history.
For readers who love historical fiction rooted in real events, Dovetails in Tall Grass is a must-read. It’s a story of injustice, survival, and hope—one that lingers long after the final page. A spectacular debut.
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a comp of this book. The opinions are my own.