The Divorce Colony: How Women Revolutionized Marriage and Found Freedom on the American Frontier

Review\n**Smithsonian Magazine, "10 Best History Books of 2022"**\nApple, “Best Books of the Year So Far" (2022),
Apple, "Best Books of the Month” (June 2022)\nAmazon, "Best Books of the Month" in Nonfiction (June 2022)\nBooklist, "Book Buzz: Top Book-Group Picks for Adults From PLA 2022"\nPhiladelphia Inquirer, "Best New Books to Read in June"\nArlington Magazine, "10 Books to Read in June"\nThe Everygirl, "The Most Anticipated Books of Summer 2022"\n"An entertaining and edifying account of the divorce industry that emerged in Sioux Falls.”―Wall Street Journal\n“White’s history of the Sioux Falls divorce colony is narrated energetically... A reminder, bright and sparkling for those who need it, that when endings are out of reach, so too are new beginnings.”―New Republic\n"It’s essential feminist history. In White’s telling, it’s also a gossipy story of misogyny, millionaires, and murder."―New York Daily News\n"Through well-documented research, White melds the changing stances within the worlds of politics, religion, the courts and the growing nation's social culture, all of which were moving slowly, incrementally, more tolerant of necessary divorce."―Star Tribune\n"White’s book is as readable as her research is thorough. Her writing style is so engrossing that the book could be historical fiction, [even though] it is not."―The Sun\n"A fascinating read, and eerily pertinent to the rights of women today."―Historical Novel Society\n"The Divorce Colony delivers a delicious, cinematic tale of real-life scandal, suspense, and above all else, survival. It’s beautifully written, fiercely feminist, and best of all, a true page-turner from start to finish. It's a story I wish I had written."―Abbott Kahler, New York Times bestselling author (as Karen Abbott) of The Ghosts of Eden Park\n"For those out there who have an abiding fascination with nineteenth-century railways, with matters concerning sex, scandal, divorce, exile, and refuge, with the Frontier and the prairies—for anyone who would fain meld Peyton Place with West by Northwest and The Shining, April White has done us all a great favor. I loved every word of this most surprising book."―Simon Winchester, New York Times bestselling author of The Professor and the Madman and The Men Who United the States\n"Until I read April White's remarkable book, The Divorce Colony, I had not thought of women seeking to leave marriages in the 19th century as human rights pioneers. But this story—vivid, compelling, infuriating, inspiring—changed my mind. And I have no doubt, it will change yours, too."―Deborah Blum, New York Times bestselling author of The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz-Age New York\n“The Divorce Colony paints a carefully-researched portrait of four women at the turn of the 20th century who had had enough. White’s colorful portrayal of these brave divorcees—conjured before our eyes through an impressive deep dive into the archives—reminds us of the distance, both literal and figurative, that women have travelled to uncouple and regain their freedom. A fascinating read!"―Paulina Bren, Ph.D., award-winning author of The Barbizon: The Hotel That Set Women Free\n“Unearthing a hidden gem previously lost to history, April White weaves impeccable research and elegant prose into a thought-provoking page turner. The Divorce Colony is an irresistible work of narrative nonfiction.”―Matthew Pearl, New York Times bestselling author of The Dante Club and The Taking of Jemima Boone\n"Start The Divorce Colony and you'll have a hard time leaving."―Post Bulletin\n"Lively."―Argus Leader\n"[A] sparkling account... White’s vivid character sketches and fluid storytelling buttress her argument that by seeking divorce, these women helped to democratize marriage."―Publisher's Weekly\n"Perfect for historians, readers of women’s issues, and historical novel lovers.”―The North Platte Telegraph\n"[An] absorbing, thoroughly researched account... White effectively humani