Drama, Adventure, and Family Struggles Abound as Three Generations Head West on the Oregon Trail
When Tabitha Brown’s son makes the fateful decision to leave Missouri and strike out for Oregon, she refuses to be left behind. Despite her son’s concerns, Tabitha hires her own wagon to join the party. Along with her reluctant daughter and her ever-hopeful granddaughter, the intrepid Tabitha has her misgivings. But family ties are stronger than fear.
The trials they face along the way will severely test Tabitha’s 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.
With her signature attention to detail and epic style, New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick invites readers to travel the deadly and enticing Oregon Trail. Based on actual events, This Road We Traveled will inspire the pioneer in all of us.
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My Thoughts
Once the wagon wheels start rolling, this story is an interesting look at some of the struggles and trials many pioneers of the Oregon Trail encountered. As a fan of historical fiction and the Oregon Trail, I enjoyed the story as well as the healthy dose of historical facts and figures. Although the focus is on historical figure, Tabitha Brown, this story is also told from the perspectives of her daughter and granddaughter. I really like this multi-generational approach!
Tabitha Brown is a feisty, determined woman in her late sixties who refuses to be left behind when the majority of her children and grandchildren set out for the Oregon territory. She doesn’t let her age, lameness, or anything else keep her from following her family west. Tabby may be passionate and outspoken but she is also compassionate and kind.
Pherne Sinclair is Tabby’s daughter and the most reluctant traveler in the family. Her heartbreak over the loss of an infant son and sentimental attachment to their Missouri home and everything in it makes it hard for her to let go and move forward. As the journey progresses, Pherne seems to gather strength from her daughter, mother, and husband.
Virgilia Sinclair is Tabby’s granddaughter and my favorite perspective from the story. She is in her late teens when they begin their journey and she matures into a patient, caring, and hardworking young woman along the way. Best of all, the story doesn’t end when the wagon train arrives in Oregon, Kirkpatrick goes on to give closure and reveal the line between factual and fictional.
I requested the opportunity to read and review this title through NetGalley and Revell Reads. The opinion expressed is my own.
About the Author
Reviewers and readers alike acclaim Jane’s work as unique in a world of storytellers. “Kirkpatrick’s books enfold the reader. They whisper “let me tell you about a woman who…. They find a secret place in each of us and bring it gently to the surface.” The Statesman Journal, Salem Oregon.
Moving from being a rancher, writer, and rattlesnake fighter to full-time writer has produced 29 books from bestselling and award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick. She has 24 novels and five non-fiction titles to her credit.
Creating stories from the lives of actual historical women or events, Jane’s focus is on telling stories that inspire. “I like helping people from the distant past step from their generation into our own to teach us and touch us with their lives.”
Jane lives with her husband Jerry and two dogs near Bend in Central Oregon. Her works have sold over a million copies, been translated into foreign languages, won literary awards such as the Wrangler, WILLA Literary and Carol as well as being a New York Times bestseller. A mental health professional, she’s a lively presenter who has spoken about the power of story throughout the world.
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Faithfully Bookish 
Excellent review, Beth!
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