"Half Broke Horses" is a novel by Jeannette Walls that intertwines the author's grandmother's life story with historical context. The narrative begins with Lily Casey Smith, a determined and adventurous woman born in 1901 in a frontier town in Arizona. Lily embodies resilience and strength, facing various challenges from a young age, including the difficulties of rural life and the expectations placed on women of her time.
The book explores Lily's journey as she navigates her family's struggles and her pursuit of independence. The hardships she faces shape her character, leading her to embrace a life filled with hard work, education, and a deep connection to the land. Throughout her adventures, she becomes a schoolteacher and a rancher, demonstrating her unwillingness to conform to traditional roles.