From the Back:
"An unforgettable story of hardship, survival, and the bonds of family, based on true events. Tabby's indomitable spirit proves that women, as well as men, helped to tame the West."--Suzanne Woods Fisher, bestselling author of Anna's Crossing
Tabitha Brown refuses to be left behind in Missouri when her son makes the decision to strike out for Oregon--even if she has to hire her own wagon to join the party. After all, family ties are stronger than fear.
Along with her reluctant daughter and her ever-hopeful granddaughter, the intrepid Tabitha has her misgivings. The trials they face along the way will severely test her faith, courage, and ability to hope. With her family's survival on the line, she must make the ultimate sacrifice, plunging deeper into the wilderness to seek aid. What she couldn't know was how this frightening journey would impact how she understood her own life--and the greater part she had to play in history.
Tabitha Brown refuses to be left behind in Missouri when her son makes the decision to strike out for Oregon--even if she has to hire her own wagon to join the party. After all, family ties are stronger than fear.
Along with her reluctant daughter and her ever-hopeful granddaughter, the intrepid Tabitha has her misgivings. The trials they face along the way will severely test her faith, courage, and ability to hope. With her family's survival on the line, she must make the ultimate sacrifice, plunging deeper into the wilderness to seek aid. What she couldn't know was how this frightening journey would impact how she understood her own life--and the greater part she had to play in history.
My Reflections:
Set in the 1840's Jane Kirkpatrick's newest novel titled "This Road we Traveled," is just the kind of book that excites me.
I absolutely adore books written about the wagon trail. Right from my early reading experiences this time period and setting has inspired and encouraged me throughout the ruts and broken dreams of my life's journey.
This story is so unique from other Oregon wagon trail stories I have read. The historical background and character development really drew me in and I became instantly entwined with the great challenges and tragedy these pioneers faced.
The story centers around matriarch Tabitha Brown who is mother and grandmother to the family. Tabitha or Tabby for short is a fiercely independent sort who wants to help to support her family in any way she possibly can. Tabby's vibrant faith and strength coupled with unimaginable courage are exemplary!
I enjoyed that this story was told by different perspectives; mother daughter and granddaughter. You really get to experience the kaleidoscope of dynamics all taking place at the same time. It made me really ponder the different stages of ones life and how the perspectives motivated or hindered ones life story.
Will I be regretful and bitter as I age or will I be reflective and content, able to open up to the younger generation with love and compassion?
Such great concepts to ponder.
So this book was so much more than a historical fiction read for me, it was enlightening and encouraging as well as a great story to relax with.
It is no surprise that Jane Kirkpatrick is well known for her moving and historically accurate writing. It is always a joy to read a well-written novel and "This Road we Traveled" is certainly a worthy read.
THE AUTHOR
Jane Kirkpatrick
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