BOOKS
Big Bend Country: A Journey of Good Times, Hard Times, and Hope
It's hard to imagine what it took to eke out a living in rural North Dakota in the early 20th century. It is but a century ago in years, but eons in terms of the everyday life experiences of today. The memories of his mother, Lorraine Guenthner Kruckenberg, enable author Larry Lee Kruckenberg to bring the travails of a working prairie farm into sharp focus. It was a good life, but a hard life, filled with work and family. Through his mother's words, Kruckenberg details every aspect of what it was like to grow up in a remote part of Mercer County, and upon reaching adulthood, raising a family under very difficult circumstances. It is a chronicle of life, hardship, and sometimes tragedy, that underscores the strength of our forebears, and renews appreciation for those who came before us. It is one person's remarkable journey, grounded in personal sacrifice, faith, and hope of the times.
Winner of the 2022 IPPY Bronze Medal Award in the category of Midwest - Best Regional Non-Fiction
No One Dare Call Her A Liar: The Untold Story of Alma Kruckenberg's 1938 Murder
One of the most notorious crimes in North Dakota history has reverberated through several generations of Larry Lee Kruckenberg’s family. The brutal murder of 16-year- old Alma Luise Kruckenberg at the hands of her minister on August 16, 1938, was shocking enough. The subsequent confession, trial, and sentencing of her murderer took place with astonishing speed, leaving Alma’s family and friends barely time to process the horrifying event. Lurid details of the crime have been passed down from one generation to the next, becoming distorted with every telling.
In a meticulously researched retelling, the nephew Alma never knew provides a painstaking account of murder and motive, uncovering some secrets along the way. More than 80 years after the crime, the author sheds new light on what transpired, finally laying to rest a tragedy that has haunted his family for decades. Through official court transcripts, archived newspaper articles, writings from the murderer, conversations with elders who still remember, and traces of Alma’s diary that have been lost to time, Larry Kruckenberg tells the complete story of a crime that once captivated attention around the world, finally giving voice to the victim.
On Fertile Ground: Frontier Challenges and Early Settlement 1873-1899
Travel back in time to what was once known as Big Bend Country in southwestern North Dakota and experience firsthand the challenges and triumphs of pioneers from 1873 to 1899.
In his latest work, On Fertile Ground, author Larry Lee Kruckenberg reimagines their lives, based on real historical accounts. Kruckenberg’s personal connection to the region is evident in the authentic and vivid details that populate these tales. From conflicts involving Native Americans to the struggles of homesteading to the arrival of European immigrants, these stories capture the spirit of the era and the resilience of the people who lived it.
This unique collection of stories is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the northern Great Plains – particularly Dakota Territory – and is a testament to the power of storytelling to keep the past alive. Kruckenberg’s previous books, which delve into his own family history, have been widely praised for their insight and empathy, and this collection is sure to be no exception.
Bound & Determined: The Path Forward 1900-1915
Larry Lee Kruckenberg invites readers to delve into the vibrant tapestry of Big Bend Country in southwestern North Dakota in his latest non-fiction work, Bound and Determined: The Path Forward 1900-1915. As the fourth installment in the esteemed Big Bend Country series, Kruckenberg once again showcases his talent for bringing history to life through captivating storytelling.
During this transformative period, residents of Big Bend Country experienced an era of significant change and progress. Despite the lingering challenges of frontier life, a palpable sense of optimism permeated the region as residents united in their pursuit of a brighter future.
Bound and Determined serves as more than just a historical account – it is a celebration of community, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the human condition. With each turn of the page, readers are transported back in time, where they can witness firsthand the remarkable journey of people living in Big Bend Country during a pivotal period in its history.