An evenhanded, informative account of an American catastrophe.
Herman’s first historical novel tells the true story of 13-year-old Virginia Reed, a member of the ill-fated Donner Party.
From the eyes of a 13-year-old girl, this well-written book follows the infamous Donner party while eschewing sensationalism about cannibalism and instead conveying the harsh reality of catching mice and cutting pieces from canvas roofs to boil for “food.” Nothing—food, water, shelter, life—was guaranteed, yet author Herman uses an even, almost understated style to make the trip seem natural to modern readers. She details Virginia’s gradual disillusionment with both the trip and the adults in charge, as they make fateful decisions on a trip that begins with picnics and rock-climbing and ends with starvation and death. The extremely well-researched book contains real tidbits—such as starving a Mrs. Reed signing a paper that forces her to pay double for two cattle so she’ll have food for her and her children—that add to the story’s harrowing realism. In particular, Herman demonstrates how the party, on its way from Illinois to California, was misled by a Pied Piper–type character named Lansford W. Hastings, whose exaggerations and misinformation led to the wagon train’s misfortunes and sealed the passengers’ fate. All of the darkness of the human soul is on display here, as when the wagon train turns on Virginia’s father, comes close to hanging him, and then cruelly kicks him out of the camp and into the desolate wilderness. Readers might be under the assumption that people were nicer “in the good old days,” but watching men and women scheme to turn a desperate situation to their own advantage—while knowing that it means certain death for others—is a sobering reminder that savagery has always traveled with us. By illuminating the party’s incredible tragedy through the sorrowful eyes of a young girl, Herman shines a bright, ominous light that will never go out.
An evenhanded, informative account of an American catastrophe.Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2013
ISBN: 978-1490317793
Page Count: 236
Publisher: CreateSpace
Review Posted Online: April 18, 2014
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
1893
Pub Date: March 31, 2000
ISBN: 0-06-028454-4
Page Count: 250
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
The Germans may have failed to destroy England, but this book hits its target.
Strong young characters, a solidly researched historical storyline and expressive illustrations work well here, as they did in Berten and Schott’s previous partnership (Littsie of Cincinnati, 2003).
Joining the ranks of books about children evacuated from London during World War II, Jake and Samantha, or Sam, ages 10 and 8, find themselves in Pevensey in 1940 under the care of the horrible Miss Bottomley. Sam is easily tired by her leg braces, a result of having polio, but Miss Bottomley still forces both children to do all the chores, remain outdoors for long hours in the cold, and barely gives them anything to eat. After one particularly bad morning, the siblings befriend both Miss Bottomley’s pet ferret, Fulham, and Brother Godric, a monk who maintains the ruins of the local abbey. Descriptions of life as an evacuee and the fear of German bombing are interspersed with tales of English history. Berten includes gas mask drills and home front guards while also covering the destruction of monasteries under Henry VIII, the problems of medieval lepers in England and more. Schott’s illustrations are well spaced, well envisioned and complement the text. The seemingly pat ending, in which medieval treasure is found and the children are reunited with their parents, is actually well researched. Fulham’s discovery of a secret area in the abbey is in character for the burrower, and British law does indeed allow for treasure hunters to be paid the full value of their finds. The only resolution that feels rushed and far-fetched is Miss Bottomley’s sudden turnaround of character after a childhood admirer professes his affection. Fans of the Chronicles of Narnia are rediscovering this era in history, and Berten, without the fantasy setting of the classic series, helps the reader find magic in exploring new settings and uncovering medieval history.
The Germans may have failed to destroy England, but this book hits its target.Pub Date: N/A
ISBN: 978-0-9724421-1-4
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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