Very interesting reading into a rather disturbing society. Having read this in the 21st century (stories about the developing westward expansion in the United States written in the 19th century), some of the societal norms are in direct juxtaposition to the norms of today. Many who would read this, if they do not constantly keep in mind this is a historical novel and NOT an attack against one's current beliefs, may be extremely offended by the language, even though it was the standard of the times in which the stories were written. ( )