John Willingham's new novel, The Last Woman, is scheduled for release in August 2023 by Thorndike Press, a leading national large print publisher. The definite dates for paperback and e-book releases will appear soon on this page.
Almost eighty years old in 1939, Frenchy McGinnis has been the last woman in the dying cowtown of Tascosa, Texas, for two decades. Fiercely loyal to people who have vanished from her life, she is, by turns, re-living and reflecting on her past.
Born Catherine Fleurot McCain in Baton Rouge, her life changes dramatically in 1877 when her best friend flees after being assaulted by a priest. Catherine leaves her drunken Cajun mother behind and follows her friend up the Mississippi River.
In Arkansas, she is accused of murder after a desperate act of self defense and assumes the alias of Frenchy. Her rustic but mathematically gifted new friend, Mamie, accidentally becomes an accomplice. Escaping on a riverboat, they find in a game of chance the path to a hard-won freedom remarkable for two young women in the West. Then Frenchy meets a bold but caring man in Dodge City, and they move on to Tascosa. Meanwhile, a narcissistic pursuer with a warped since of mission is tracking her down. Inspired by a true story.
Photo credit Carol M. Highsmith
Almost eighty years old in 1939, Frenchy McGinnis has been the last woman in the dying cowtown of Tascosa, Texas, for two decades. Fiercely loyal to people who have vanished from her life, she is, by turns, re-living and reflecting on her past.
Born Catherine Fleurot McCain in Baton Rouge, her life changes dramatically in 1877 when her best friend flees after being assaulted by a priest. Catherine leaves her drunken Cajun mother behind and follows her friend up the Mississippi River.
In Arkansas, she is accused of murder after a desperate act of self defense and assumes the alias of Frenchy. Her rustic but mathematically gifted new friend, Mamie, accidentally becomes an accomplice. Escaping on a riverboat, they find in a game of chance the path to a hard-won freedom remarkable for two young women in the West. Then Frenchy meets a bold but caring man in Dodge City, and they move on to Tascosa. Meanwhile, a narcissistic pursuer with a warped since of mission is tracking her down. Inspired by a true story.
Photo credit Carol M. Highsmith
"...she could not only see the sheer cliff at the end of the trail but could kick some pebbles off the edge. And watch them fall."
Here is more Information about John' s op-eds, books, and essays.
John Willingham, 2022