New York Times Interviews Karen Kondazian about Charlotte “Charley” Parkhurst (1812-1879)

The New York Times has just run a story, “Overlooked No More: Charley Parkhurst, Gold Rush Legend With a Hidden Identity,” about legendary Western stagecoach driver Charlotte “Charley” Parkhurst (1812-1879). The New York Times interviewed Karen Kondazian, author of The Whip, a historical novel about Charley Parkhurst, for the article. 

The Whip is inspired by the true story of a woman, Charlotte “Charley” Parkhurst (1812-1879) who lived most of her extraordinary life as a man. As a young woman in Rhode Island, she fell in love and had a child. Her husband was lynched and her baby killed. The destruction of her family drove her west to California, dressed as a man, to track down the murder.

Charley became a renowned stagecoach driver. She killed a famous outlaw, had a secret love affair, and lived with a housekeeper who, unaware of her true sex, fell in love with her. Charley was the first woman to vote in America (as a man). Her grave lies in Watsonville, California.

The Whip is available as hardcover, paperback, ebook and audio book from your favorite online retailer. Amazon is currently discounting the Kindle edition for $2.80, so it makes a great electronic stocking stuffer.