There’s something about the Oklahoma landscape that seems to breed stories as vast and complex as the plains themselves. In “Shelterwood,” Lisa Wingate taps into this rich vein, weaving a tale that spans generations and explores the darker corners of the state’s history. It’s a story of stolen childhoods, buried secrets, and the enduring strength of those who refuse to let injustice stand unchallenged. Buckle up, folks—this isn’t your grandma’s historical fiction (unless your grandma happens to be a fan of gut-punching narratives that’ll keep you up way past your bedtime).
A Tale of Two Timelines: Ollie and Val’s Parallel Journeys
Lisa Wingate structures “Shelterwood” around two interconnected narratives, each set in a different era of Oklahoma history. In 1909, we follow eleven-year-old Olive Augusta Radley (Ollie to her friends, of which she desperately needs more) as she flees into the wilderness with six-year-old Nessa, a Choctaw girl under her family’s care. Fast forward to 1990, and we’re introduced to Valerie Boren O’dell, a newly-minted Law Enforcement Ranger at Horsethief Trail National Park, who stumbles upon a long-hidden mystery that echoes Ollie’s past.
It’s a clever structure that allows Wingate to explore the ripple effects of history, showing how the sins of the past continue to shape the present. The transitions between timelines are smooth, each narrative thread building tension and revealing pieces of the larger puzzle.
Ollie’s Odyssey: A Child’s Courage in the Face of Cruelty
Let’s talk about Ollie for a minute, because this kid? She’s something else. Wingate has crafted a protagonist who’s equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring. Ollie’s voice rings true—a child thrust into an adult world, desperately trying to do the right thing even when she’s not entirely sure what that is.
The 1909 sections are a masterclass in building tension. As Ollie and Nessa navigate the dangers of the Winding Stair Mountains, you can practically feel the twigs snapping under their feet, hear the distant howl of coyotes. Wingate doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the time, painting a vivid picture of a world where children are seen as commodities to be exploited.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. There’s a thread of hope running through Ollie’s story, embodied in the makeshift family she builds along the way. The scenes of camaraderie around the campfire, of shared meals and whispered stories, provide moments of warmth that make the darker aspects of the narrative all the more poignant.
Val’s Investigation: Peeling Back Layers of History
In the 1990 timeline, Valerie O’dell serves as our window into the long-term consequences of the events Ollie experiences. Val’s sections have a different flavor—part police procedural, part small-town drama. Wingate captures the unique challenges of being a female ranger in a male-dominated field, and Val’s struggle to balance her career with single motherhood feels painfully authentic.
The mystery at the heart of Val’s story unfolds at a satisfying pace, with each new revelation casting the historical sections in a different light. Wingate does an excellent job of doling out information, keeping the reader guessing without resorting to cheap tricks or implausible twists.
A Land of Conflict: Oklahoma as a Character
One of the strengths of “Shelterwood” is the way Lisa Wingate brings the Oklahoma setting to life. The land itself becomes a character, shaping the lives of those who inhabit it. From the rugged beauty of the Winding Stair Mountains to the complex web of tribal, state, and federal jurisdictions, the setting is integral to the story.
Wingate doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of Oklahoma’s history, particularly the exploitation of Native American children and the corrupt practices surrounding land allotments. It’s clear she’s done her research, and the historical details add depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Themes That Resonate: Justice, Family, and the Power of Story
At its core, “Shelterwood” by Lisa Wingate is about the fight for justice in a world that often seems indifferent to suffering. Both Ollie and Val, in their own ways, become champions for those who cannot speak for themselves. The novel explores the idea of family—both the ones we’re born into and the ones we choose—and the lengths we’ll go to protect those we love.
There’s also a strong emphasis on the power of storytelling. Ollie’s tales around the campfire become a source of comfort and unity for her ragtag group, while Val’s investigation is, in many ways, an attempt to uncover a long-buried narrative. Wingate seems to be suggesting that it’s through stories that we make sense of our past and shape our future.
Wingate’s Craft: A Master Storyteller at Work
If you’ve read Wingate’s previous works like “Before We Were Yours” or “The Book of Lost Friends,” you’ll recognize her deft hand at weaving historical fact with compelling fiction. “Shelterwood” showcases her growth as a writer, with tighter pacing and even more nuanced character development.
Wingate’s prose is evocative without being flowery. She has a knack for capturing the rhythms of speech, whether it’s the rough-edged dialect of early 20th century settlers or the more polished tones of 1990s professionals. The result is a narrative that feels immersive and authentic.
A Few Bumps in the Trail
No novel is perfect, and Lisa Wingate’s “Shelterwood” does have a few minor issues. There are moments where the pacing in the 1990 sections drags a bit, particularly when dealing with park politics. Some readers might find the large cast of characters in Ollie’s sections a bit overwhelming at first, though Wingate does a good job of distinguishing them as the story progresses.
These are minor quibbles, however, in what is overall a powerful and engrossing read.
The Verdict: A Journey Worth Taking
“Shelterwood” is the kind of novel that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page. It’s a reminder of the importance of bearing witness to history, even—especially—the parts we’d rather forget. Wingate has crafted a story that’s both a gripping page-turner and a thoughtful exploration of some of America’s most painful legacies.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction that doesn’t pull its punches, or mysteries that delve deeper than your average whodunit, “Shelterwood” should be at the top of your to-read list. Just be prepared to lose some sleep – and maybe shed a few tears – along the way.
Comparisons and Context
Fans of Christina Baker Kline’s “Orphan Train” or Kristin Hannah’s “The Four Winds” will find much to appreciate in Wingate’s blend of historical detail and emotional resonance. “Shelterwood” also shares DNA with works like Louise Erdrich’s “The Night Watchman,” which similarly explores the impact of government policies on Native American communities.
Within Lisa Wingate’s own body of work, “Shelterwood” feels like a natural evolution. It shares thematic elements with “Before We Were Yours,” particularly in its focus on historical injustices against children, but the dual timeline structure and mystery elements give it a distinct flavor.
Final Thoughts: A Forest of Stories
You know how sometimes you walk into an old-growth forest, and you can just feel the weight of all the years, all the stories those trees have witnessed? That’s what reading “Shelterwood” feels like. Wingate has created a narrative ecosystem as complex and interconnected as the roots of those ancient trees.
It’s a book that reminds us that the past is never really past, that the choices we make echo through generations. But it’s also a testament to resilience, to the human capacity for kindness in the face of cruelty, and to the enduring power of truth to light the way forward.
So grab a copy of “Shelterwood,” find yourself a cozy spot under a big old tree, and prepare to be transported. Just don’t be surprised if you come back to the present with a newfound appreciation for the stories whispering on the wind.
