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Summary
Author Notes
Born in Henderson, Nevada, Cecelia Holland was educated at Pennsylvania State University and Connecticut College, where she received her B.A. degree. She has served as a visiting professor of English at Connecticut College since 1979.
Holland's historical novels have received broad critical acclaim. According to one critic, she "proves that there can be more to historical thrillers than swordplay and seduction." (Time) Among her novels is City of God (1979), which is set in Rome during the period of the Borgia family. Told from the point of view of Nicolas, a secretary to the Florentine ambassador to Rome, this novel brings to life the period of the Renaissance, including the political intrigue that characterized Rome at the time. Other works include Until the Sun Falls (1969), a story of the ancient Mongols and their empire, The Firedrake (1966), her first published novel, Great Maria (1974), The Bear Flag (1990), and Pacific Street (1991).
Holland is very adept at capturing the period she writes about, including the clothing, furnishings, and customs of the time. One critic has noted that Holland "is never guilty of the fatuity which plagues most historical fiction: she never nudges the reader into agreeing that folks way back then were really just like you and me, only they bathed less often."
(Bowker Author Biography)
Reviews (4)
School Library Journal Review
Holland uses the natural intrigue of history, the charm of romance, the promise of the West, the drive of Manifest Destiny, colorful historical figures, and several ingeniously developed fictional characters to weave a thrilling story of the race for settlement and the ultimate control of California. Catherine Reilly, a widow, survives to earn respect in a man's world on the frontier. Her life is interwoven with such American heroes as Kit Carson, John C. Fremont, John Sutter, John Bidwell, and Don Mariano Vallejo. Major historical events such as the Kelsey-Bidwell-Bartleson Crossing of the Great Basin and the Sierra in 1841, the Fremont and Carson Winter Crossing in 1844, and the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846, form the backdrop for Cat's story. A valuable ``note'' explains the historical events, persons, and any alterations Holland has made in them within the story. Highly desirable as supplementary reading in American Civilization classes.-- Dolores M. Steinhauer, Jefferson Sci-Tech, Alexandria, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
John Charles Fremont, here depicted as an arrogant map-maker, and his imperturbable scout Kit Carson are among the historical figures who shape a turbulent history of California in this lusty pioneer saga by veteran novelist Holland ( The Lords of Vaumartin ). Sharing the stage with them is a fictional character, Cat Reilly--a principled young woman from Boston who crosses the Sierra in grueling winter with a hardy band of settlers seeking the proverbial golden opportunity. During this trek by wagon train, Cat's young husband is killed. The party eventually arrives at Sutter's Fort in the thriving Yankee settlement known as New Helvetia, itself a remnant of an earlier encampment. Cat throws her considerable energies into the community's struggle for existence and the state's struggle for official recognition, becoming a prime mover in raising the bear flag over the Republic of California in 1846. The warfare that led to California's founding is chronicled with historical accuracy and passionate protagonists, illuminating our not-always-glorious national evolution. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Booklist Review
Holland seamlessly interweaves fact and fiction in order to vivify California's reluctant incorporation into the United States. Widowed during an arduous trek across the Sierra Nevada, Cat Reilly is compelled to carve out a unique niche for herself on the western edge of the continent. When she joins forces with a motley band of homesteaders and misfits at Sutter's Fort, her fate becomes inextricably entangled with that of her adopted frontier homeland. Though she is drawn to a mysterious Russian count employed as a spy by the Mexican Army, the conflict between their visions of California's destiny forges a seemingly insurmountable barrier to their love. During the inevitable clash between the settlers and the powerful dons, Union military forces seize the opportunity to conquer California. Detailed historical fiction populated by a distinguished gallery of supporting characters including Kit Carson and John Charles Fremont. --Margaret Flanagan
Library Journal Review
In Cat Reilly, Holland has fashioned her strongest heroine since Great Maria (LJ 10/1/74). Cat loses everything--including her husband--on the brutal trek to California. She reaches Sutter's Fort and falls in love with Count Sohrakoff, a Russian agent for the Mexican dons who rule California. The settlers' uprising in 1846 places Cat and the Count on opposing sides. Lesser writers of the historical genre strain to produce the intrigue, romance, and adventure that Holland seems to provide effortlessly. No one is better at conveying the frustration of the competent woman striving to influence events in a society that has little place for women. Real rogues and heroes populate the pages of this admirable novel, which should win more recruits for the ever-growing club of admirers of Holland, historical novelist extraordinaire. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 3/1/90.--David Keymer, SUNY Inst. of Technology, Utica (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.