Hour Glass

This touching historical novel from Rene (I Once Knew Vincent) imagines a tender moment in the rough-and-tumble life of the legendary Calamity Jane. In the late summer of 1876, 12-year-old Jimmy Glass must take his ailing Pa and six-year-old sister from their mining claim into nearby Deadwood, S.D. Hank Glass, who has smallpox, is led to the pest tent with the rest of the quarantined victims, while Jimmy and his sister are taken in by brothel owner Miss Dora DuFran at the behest of none other than Calamity Jane. In a rare vocal moment, Flower Glass, normally a quiet child who is averse to touch, introduces herself as “Ower,” which immediately becomes “Hour.” Hour’s sweet and shy nature endears her to the working girls at Diddlin’ Dora’s. In their brief acquaintance, Jimmy and Jane each manage to save the other’s life, and the two children find a place in Jane’s heart, despite her gruff exterior. Rene’s tale features all the action and excitement of a classic western, and its humor and pathos add depth. (Feb.)