This book was a suggestion from Stephen King who said:
I take most of Stephen King recommendations as if he personally handed me the book and said, “Go read this”. Most of the time, I am not let down, as I feel that we have similar taste in fiction. This book was no exception.
I admit that I was a little leery when I picked it up from the library, since I requested it without having clue one what it would about. I opened book and peaked at the jacket to get some idea about the story I would soon be reading, and I was surprised to see that it would be about the Donner Party. A subject I knew about, but never had really read into much. The book jacket states: “A tense and gripping reimagining of one of America’s most haunting human disasters: the Donner Party with a supernatural twist”. Intrigued – I dove right in.
From the very first page right down to the last you are immersed in the lives and fates of the wagon train that headed out to seek a new life and fresh starts in the Summer of 1846. The author keeps true to a great deal of history while yes, spinning a supernatural reason as to why they resorted to cannibalism. Most people, after all, cannot imagine being so hungry that human flesh looks like a viable option. Having some other explanation for it makes the whole idea, easier to swallow. (see what I did there?!)
I think what I liked most about this book though is how well Alma tells it. Anyone could have taken a tragic story like the Donner’s and done anything with it, but she really brought these people back to life. I think that is the best way I can describe it. She brought these people back to life. I imagine that it was difficult to write because, aside from some journals and letters, we don’t know what they were thinking, why they were leaving, what they were hoping to find. So, to have these characters come to life on the page, having real thoughts and emotions and knowing that these people actually existed and died, is quite extraordinary. She really told a tale that was both informative in its history and entertaining in its fiction. A real gifted writer and one that I look forward to reading more of.
I think anyone who likes historical fiction, fiction, horror, mystery, supernatural or even honestly, anyone who enjoyed playing the Oregon Trail as kid might like this book.
Now it is your turn: What should I read? Mr. King hasn’t mentioned anything in awhile, and I am looking for ideas. If you have read my blog you know what kid of books I like!
Leave suggestions in the comments! Happy reading everyone!
"Words, Words, Words..." 