About The Author
Ann Pontrelli
“I spent my early years on a small farm in the Oregon Coast Range where my grandparents once claimed an eighty-acre homestead. My parents had built a warm and welcoming home there, and we often had dinner guests. I heard enough stories of family adventures and misadventures to fill any author’s story-starter file. But the story I most wanted to tell is how each generation of my family claimed free land and slowly moved toward the west. After retiring from a satisfying career as a teacher I began writing that story, and continue to write from my home near my alma Marter, the University of Oregon.”
Published Books
Prairie Land
A Novel
Barbara and Nate leave the lush forest of Ohio to claim land on the vast prairie of Illinois. Recently married they believe love can conquer anything. but is it strong enough to weather the storms of a nation in turmoil? The Indian Removal Act had broken numerous treaties casting a shadow over the land. Deep seated prejudices and injustices were dividing the country to the point of a pending war. As storms coil around them will their love be strong enough, or will it crumble beneath the weight of the times? And will Barbara and Nate have the courage to reveal their own secrets?
FENCING AMERICA: VIRGIN LAND, 1629
Blogs
Women’s Strength on the Frontier: The Role of Female Courage in Prairie Land
In Ann Pontrelli’s Prairie Land, the frontier is more than just an untamed wilderness—it’s a test of survival, endurance, and inner strength. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century America, where the vast plains often meant isolation and danger, the women of Prairie Land exemplify the courage, resilience, and adaptability required to thrive in a harsh, unpredictable environment.
The Heart of the Frontier
Barbara Banks, one of the central figures in Prairie Land, is not just a character; she is a symbol of the thousands of women…
How Prairie Land Sheds Light on America’s Forgotten Past
Fiction as a Tool for Understanding History
One of the strengths of Prairie Land is its ability to bring historical events to life through the lens of fiction. While the novel is a work of imagination, it is grounded in real historical events and experiences that have shaped America’s past. By focusing on the personal stories of characters like Nate and Barbara Banks, the novel humanizes the broader historical narrative of Native American displacement and broken treaties. It provides readers with an emotional connection that might otherwise seem distant or abstract. …
The Impact of War on Generations
In Ann Pontrelli’s Prairie Land, the sweeping landscapes are not just backdrops for personal struggles but stages where national conflicts leave deep, lasting impacts on families like the Banks. The recurring theme of war—stretching from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War to World War II—is interwoven throughout the novel.
The Civil War, one of the most defining events in American history, plays a crucial role in Prairie Land, not just as a historical event but as a deeply personal experience for the Banks family. The war fought between the Union and the Confederacy from 1861 to 1865, was a conflict that tore the nation apart, and its effects were felt in every corner of society. …
Testimonials
Sarah T.
"A moving story of love and resilience set against the backdrop of American history. Barbara and Nate's journey is unforgettable."
John M.
"Barbara and Nate’s tale intertwines romance and history beautifully. A compelling read about love during turbulent times."
Emily R.
"An emotional and gripping story that masterfully blends love and survival on the frontier. I couldn’t put it down!"
Mark L.
"Barbara and Nate's story is a heartfelt masterpiece. The historical backdrop adds incredible depth to their journey."