The book in one sentence: Tamsen Donner recounts the ill-fated journey of 80+ pioneers through the Sierra Nevada Mountains in 1846.
My thoughts: I received Impatient with Desire
I had a little explaining to do, that it was historical fiction based on the tribulations of pioneering Americans migrating to California. I found the subject matter fascinating, provoking, if not a bit depressing, but highlighting the tenacity of the human spirit despite whatever life throws. The fact that it is a well-researched
I had a bit of a problem with the chronology of this book as it got a little confusing, despite the highly detailed accounts and lists of people in the story.
First line: Think of all the roads a man a woman walk until they reach the road they'll walk together.
Last line: Chain up!
Verdict: Kudos to Gabrielle Burton on this riveting read! I couldn't put it down, despite some minor confusions.
More reading on the true story upon which this is based:
The Expedition of the Donner Party and Its Tragic Fate
The American Experience: The Donner Party
The Journal of Douglas Allen Deeds : The Donner Party Expedition, 1846 (My Name Is America)
The Expedition of the Donner Party and Its Tragic Fate
Update, July 2011: The cover was changed to this, after much feedback from reviewers. I must say it's a vast improvement. What do you think?