Helpful Score: 3
When I started reading this book I did not realize that the 2006 publication was just a reprint and it was originally written in 1950. There seemed an innocence in the writing of a time gone by, which made the book even better as a period piece.
I thought the book started out slow. I actually put it down for a couple months and came back to it. As the group left Santa Fe and hit the trail for California is when I got hooked. The description of the land, scenery and people was very detailed. I learned things about early California history I had no idea. Knowing what LA is like today, I was enthralled reading about the dirty, smelly town back in the early 1840s! Dont let the length of the book daunt you I didnt want the story to end.
I thought the book started out slow. I actually put it down for a couple months and came back to it. As the group left Santa Fe and hit the trail for California is when I got hooked. The description of the land, scenery and people was very detailed. I learned things about early California history I had no idea. Knowing what LA is like today, I was enthralled reading about the dirty, smelly town back in the early 1840s! Dont let the length of the book daunt you I didnt want the story to end.
Helpful Score: 1
Love this book! I read it when I was about 12 and loved it so much, I've reread it several times since then. Wonderful historical fiction.
Helpful Score: 1
I first read Gwen Bristow's book in the 70s and loved them then. On re-reading them, I have enjoyed them just as much. Wonderful story-teller, vibrant 'alive' characters, interesting storylines, lots of adventure without over-doing it.
Helpful Score: 1
I have read and reread this book over the years and find it is still one of my favorites. The characters come alive for me in a way that few do. Still love it as much as I did the first time I read it when I was 15.
Great wonderful story, Wonderful author. Old copy.
Historical fiction of California in the 19th century. Fascinating and well-written, with strongly-developed characters. Not for children, as one of the characters is "colorful." An interesting, and well-drawn account of a significant period in U.S. history.
