Just finished this one after reading it part before and part after a trip to the Klondike/Yukon region. Very well written and relates some fascinating stories not often heard in other sources. ( )

In 1896 gold was discovered in the Klondike region of Canada's Yukon. Due to the remoteness of the area, it took another eleven months for news of the discovery to reach the outside world, triggering the gold rush that would last only a few years.

The 1890’s, sometimes called the gay 90’s, nurtured the seed of independence and freedom in the heart of many women. This book contains short biographical sketches of women from many backgrounds that used that newfound freedom for the adventure that was the Klondike.

It briefly tells their tales beginning with Kate Carmack, a native woman whose husband and brother s made the first strike. It continues with sketches of women from all walks of life: those following husbands and sweethearts; those who left husbands, children to follow their dream; women who became entrepreneurs such as store owners and miners; prostitutes and dance hall girls; Catholic nuns and members of the Salvation Army; teachers, doctors and nurses; rich tourists who brought canaries and pedigreed dogs while they ‘did’ the Klondike while they toured its sights.

Personally, I would have enjoyed more details of their day to day life and the unique challenges they met in this Arctic region just south of the Arctic Circle. I most enjoyed the stories of women in their ground length skirts (let no ankle show! although bloomers were acceptable until they got into town) as they climbed the daunting Chilikoot Pass which was the most direct route, although it was also the most strenuous. Mention was made of enduring sixty below zero temperatures and building fires on the ground in order to melt the earth underneath enough to mine. All in all, though I was left short wanting more details of their unique physical environment and how these amazing women met its challenges. ( )