Title: In the Great Quiet
Author: Laura Vogt
Publication Date: April 1, 2026
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Format Read: Kindle e-ARC
Genre: Historical Fiction
I was drawn to In the Great Quiet by Laura Vogt because it tells the story of a woman alone, homesteading in Oklahoma in the 1890s. This, of course, was a time when women didn’t often own property outright. I knew the main character of this story must be special, and she most definitely is.
Minnie Hoopes is headed to Oklahoma to claim her very own land in 1893. She’s scouted it out and knows exactly where she wants to go. However, a couple of gunfighters also have their eyes on this parcel, and they’ll do almost anything to get it for themselves. We’re barely into the tale when these men wind up dead by Minnie’s hand. Another renegade, the Lawman (Stot), happens upon her, discovers her secret, and they strike up an unlikely friendship.
The book is narrated almost entirely in close first person by Minnie herself. She is a likable main character, no-nonsense and strong-willed. One might even call her a woman before her time. The author hasn’t tried to create perfection. She’s everything a woman is—strong, gritty, flawed, and tender. We have the privilege of knowing her thoughts throughout, and she often slips into memories of times past. Through these moments, we come to truly know her.
I was struck almost immediately by Vogt’s strong visual prose, which she establishes through concrete sensory details and layered imagery. She does a wonderful job setting the scene. It’s lyrical and atmospheric, with nature-forward language. As a reader, you aren’t just in a forest, but in its layers. The pacing is gentle, reading like a slow walk rather than a sprint. At times, though, I wanted to at least jog when we were walking. Her prose is also softly poetic without tipping into purple prose. I especially enjoyed her use of magical realism in many of Minnie’s solo moments.
In the Great Quiet is a solid choice for fans of historical fiction, especially those who crave an authentic-feeling setting and a well-rounded main character. I always try to suggest similar reads, but I find myself struggling with this one. It’s a vibe unto itself. I’ll try, though, with some previously reviewed titles on this site. The setting is as well done as in The Other Moctezuma Girls, and the story itself sits on a level with Loon Point. Definitely give this one a go if you enjoyed those aspects of either book.
Nerd Rating: 🤓🤓🤓 — beautifully written, but the slower pacing didn’t always hold my attention
Let’s Discuss
Could you truly live alone, cut off from others, to build a life of your own?
Find out more about Laura Vogt and In the Great Quiet here.
I read a digital copy made available by Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley, and this review reflects my honest opinion.