The Bequest: A love story on the American frontier

“Using a seemingly endless avalanche of finely-crafted incidents and delightful insights, The Bequest takes us on a journey into deep and unexplored complexities of a mother’s love, and the strength of the human spirit. There are treasures to be discovered here, on every page.”

“Thought-provoking and deeply original, The Bequest reads like a Hollywood script. I can’t wait to see it on the Big Screen.”

“As the father of a nonspeaking son, I approached The Bequest with a very high bar—and this novel clears it. Set against the unforgiving backdrop of the American frontier, it tells a powerful story of maternal love and survival, while confronting a question every parent of a vulnerable child understands: what happens when you’re no longer there to protect them.

Anders, a nonspeaking boy whose inner life far exceeds what the world perceives, is rendered with rare insight and dignity. The Bequest is both a gripping narrative and a thoughtful exploration of love, responsibility, and the lengths a parent will go to secure a future for their child.”

“Wakefield has written a raw, unflinching Western that doesn’t pull any punches. It’s gritty, heartbreaking, and full of quiet miracles between a mother and her son.

This isn’t your typical cowboy tale. It’s a story of ferocious love, desperate choices, and the kind of courage you only find when everything is on the line.

If you want a book that grabs you by the throat and stays with you long after the last page, clear your darn schedule. The Bequest is the real deal.”

“As a mother, I was completely captivated by The Bequest. Nea’s fierce love for her son and her relentless fight to protect him at all costs in a brutal and unforgiving frontier world is a beautiful and inspirational portrait of motherhood. The Bequest is powerful, emotional, and impossible to put down.”

“Set amongst the grime, filth and soul crushing corruption of the Badlands of nineteenth century Wyoming, Andrew Wakefield grippingly depicts the nightmare and brutality a widowed mother must endure to ensure the survival of her very special son. Ultimately, their only haven - time spent learning from the encamped Native Americans dwelling outside Fort Laramie - proves to be a glimmer of hope and a possible source of salvation for both her and her beloved boy.

This is a deeply moving depiction. It’s a tale that every human heart, especially of those entrusted with the care and welfare of a disadvantaged person will find terribly moving and impactful.”