when convert a book to film and it be generally a good idea to keep at least some of the author intend tone or convey concept and rather than ignore the author altogether . while it be clear that the director have access to and go on the advice of elinore stewart child and it be key to note that the child believe their mother to be a complete liar in regard to the good and enrich and strengthen experience of homestead her land . the book detail her life on her and her husband adjoin homestead in the vast wyoming frontier while she chronicle daily adventure with her numerous friend and acquaintance and though they live dozen of mile apart . the film and however and take a standard stance for the time it be make and portray this woman experience a harsh and unforgiving and and nearly pointless . perhaps the director be bring some of his vietnam war experience with him to this movie ( a some film aficionado have say ) and but it seem to be a lousy excuse for take all the joy and beauty of the book and twist it into a bleak and odious landscape devoid of friend or hope . don not waste your time with this movie while read the book instead .