John Willingham, The Last Woman, TCU Press Adult historical fiction, October 2025.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.

The Last Woman is based on the real Frenchy McCormick who lived from 1852 to 1941, eventually becoming the sole resident of Tascosa, Texas. She remained there for thirty years after the death of her partner, Mick McCormick, with whom she had travelled from Dodge City to Texas. Earlier, as Catherine McCain, she had travelled from Baton Rouge to St. Louis and then to Dodge City. From this sketchy history, John Willingham became interested in developing a story around Catherine’s journey from Baton Rouge to Tascosa in the 1880s, leading to the creation of a fictional version of Frenchy, whose life might well have been close to the one he depicts in The Last Woman. Willingham has used his knowledge of the social and economic environment of the time to weave a story that provides an explanation for the impetus for Frenchy’s various moves and final desire to remain in Tascosa. This story becomes one of three women, only one of whom survived, dealing with not only the inhospitable landscape, but the need to support themselves in a masculine environment in which the church and its teachings held sway, women’s truth giving way to the power of the law and the church working against them in unison.

Catherine is introduced through her notebook, which she goes to after reflecting upon her disappointment that her sanctuary has been invaded by newcomers. She believes that by writing her story she can fulfill her desire to pay her debts before she dies. Both the newcomers’ presence and their introduction of a film, the narrative of which she loudly despises are clues to her past and her strength of character. Her friendship with the fraught Father Miguel, her friendships with other women and the work she undertakes give the story a presence beyond the all too familiar one of sexual abuse in the Catholic church, the support given to such abuse by powerful citizens, and the implicit disregard for women’s rights with which the narrative begins.

Frenchy’s recall of her friends, her history, travels and working to earn her way make a mainly absorbing narrative. Although at times the writing becomes less engaging, and I found at times the story was predictable, this was countered by the opportunity to learn more about the period and location. Frenchy made an excellent vehicle for Willingham’s story. He is to be admired for bringing an intriguing woman’s known history to the fore in this novel of apt possibilities.

I started this story really looking forward to reading it, I must say I really did struggle with the book and unfortunately gave up several chapters in. I tried to grasp the story of Frenchy and did hate giving up on her but sadly I did, I will park it for now but will come back to Frenchy’s story at some point.
My thanks to NetGalley and Publisher TCU for the chance of the early read.

There are times when you read a summary of a story and think you would like to read it. In this case, at least for me, it was not to be. I didn't enjoy it and I didn't finish it. Yet I have to thank NetGalley for this ARC and the opportunity to give my honest opinion Knowing full well what it takes for someone to write a novel, I will give it 3 stars.

The Last Woman, by John Willingham, was inspired by a woman named Frenchy who moved from Baton Rouge to Helena, Arkansas to St. Louis to Dodge City to Tuscosa, Texas. She was reputed to be a colorful character and the author’s character was definitely colorful. After the railroad bypassed Tuscosa, the town dried up and for years Frenchy was its only resident. If this were a movie, it would be rated “R”. It was an interesting read. I was able to read an ARC on #NetGalley.

Catherine McClain grew up in Baton Rouge in the 1870s. She lived with her Cajun mother Marie, who was prone to drink and not to motherhood. Her Irish father was no where to be found. The Parish priest Father Jean chose young girls for "paintings", including her sweet friend Louise. Louise escapes and then it's Catherine's turn. Father Jean naturally accuses her of molesting him!

We follow Catherine, Louise, and other members of the supporting cast Gabe(a Haitian boy), Mamie (a buxom girl), and eventually her lover and later husband Mick McCormick. There are more bad guys, most notably the Reverend with his dreams of revenge, salvation, and arrogance. Catherine moves from Baton Rouge to St. Louis and Dodge City, and she eventually ends up in the small town of Tascosa, Texas where her 80 year old self, now called Frenchy McCormick, is writing her story. The book takes us to the end of Frenchy's life.

I enjoyed this novel for the characters, Catherine smart, cool, and competent, Louise sensitive, shy and determined, and Mamie, a lovely spiritual creature with pluck and common sense. The historical aspects of the wild west with cowboys, gambling (Faro), drinking and burlesque was amplified by words in common parlance, though not so much that you could not follow it. As I dug a little deeper I was surprised to learn that Faro was the most common card game for gambling at the time and also almost always full of cheaters! If you like strong women and novels about the West I think you will enjoy this book. There is drama, some of it heartfelt.. Frenchy and Mick McCormick were real people, and what little is know about them served as the inspiration for the novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Texas Christian University Publishing for providing an advance review copy of The Last Woman in exchange for an honest review..

I enjoyed the friendship, challenges, danger and lives of these women. A good book that I will read again.

I was given an ARC to give an honest review. These are my words and opinion.

This story follows the journey of Frenchy McCormick from Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Tascosa, Texas in the 1870s where she faced many adversities from religious trauma to gender inequality.

The character development stands out, with several supporting characters playing critical roles in Frenchy’s journey, especially Mamie.

Mamie provided a contrasting perspective on womanhood and survival in a harsh, patriarchal world. Her spirituality and inquisitive nature offer Frenchy both guidance and occasional tension. Their dynamic showcases how women navigated solidarity amid grief, uncertainty, and other challenges, adding a layer of feminism to this story.

Conversely, there is Reverend Campbell Harper, the antagonist, who represents an overwhelming, oppressive figure for Frenchy. Harper is a difficult character to endure in this book but an effective representation of moral hypocrisy and oppression of the time. His manipulation of faith and authority was a constant challenge for Frenchy throughout her journey, causing her to question her own faith and autonomy.

The climax of the novel landed a bit flat for me. The narrative builds steadily; however, when the moment finally arrives, it lacked the payoff the buildup seemed to promise. Still, the strength of the storytelling stayed true to who Frenchy was and the subtlety of the climax may reflect the quiet victories that defined much of Frenchy’s real life.

Ultimately, this is a powerful tribute to a woman who might have otherwise been forgotten. It succeeds in making you understand her struggle, admire her strength, and remember her story.