Helpful Score: 3
When a new book comes out by Jane Kirkpatrick, I am on pins and needles until I can get a copy and read it! This one is yet another 5 star book by her! She is the best at blending historical facts with fiction. With much detailed research on written accounts and records Jane brings to life Spaulding family; missionaries to the Nez Perce Indians and the rich history of the Oregon Territory where they served.
Tirelessly and with their whole hearts, Eliza's mother and father taught and ministered to the tribe. At age ten, the mission suffered a fierce attack by the Cayuse Indians. Several people were killed and Eliza, only 10 years old, was taken captive, and had a front row seat to all the horrors that took place. This event had a massive affect upon her the rest of her life.
She suffered from what we now call PTS. Sounds or sights would trigger flashbacks and painful memories. This combined with experiencing the trauma at such a young age left Eliza confused about what actually happened. There were no counselors or medications as there is now so she developed her own ways of dealing with the problem. She leaned on her faith in God, and pure determination and grit. This haunted her even after she married and had children of her own.
The chapters alternate between her mother's diary from that time and Eliza's life. Between the two I could see discrepancies of her mother's description what happened and what Eliza remembered. She is forced to face her past and her present when her husband and children move back to the very place of the tragedy. Her journey is one of healing, especially in the area of finding the truth. She comes to understand that painful memories are not always accurate, especially filtered through the eyes of a child.
This is a story of courage and suffering, from which for a time there was no escape. It is one woman's search for peace of heart and mind. As always, through her characters, Ms. Kirkpatrick, strong messages of biblical and life wisdom. I found many I could apply to my life. This is a book you want to read!
I received this book free from Revell publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.
Tirelessly and with their whole hearts, Eliza's mother and father taught and ministered to the tribe. At age ten, the mission suffered a fierce attack by the Cayuse Indians. Several people were killed and Eliza, only 10 years old, was taken captive, and had a front row seat to all the horrors that took place. This event had a massive affect upon her the rest of her life.
She suffered from what we now call PTS. Sounds or sights would trigger flashbacks and painful memories. This combined with experiencing the trauma at such a young age left Eliza confused about what actually happened. There were no counselors or medications as there is now so she developed her own ways of dealing with the problem. She leaned on her faith in God, and pure determination and grit. This haunted her even after she married and had children of her own.
The chapters alternate between her mother's diary from that time and Eliza's life. Between the two I could see discrepancies of her mother's description what happened and what Eliza remembered. She is forced to face her past and her present when her husband and children move back to the very place of the tragedy. Her journey is one of healing, especially in the area of finding the truth. She comes to understand that painful memories are not always accurate, especially filtered through the eyes of a child.
This is a story of courage and suffering, from which for a time there was no escape. It is one woman's search for peace of heart and mind. As always, through her characters, Ms. Kirkpatrick, strong messages of biblical and life wisdom. I found many I could apply to my life. This is a book you want to read!
I received this book free from Revell publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.
Helpful Score: 1
I read from the back of the book in author notes first. I also found the author interview with Jane Kirkpatrick informative. They helped to bring a depth and clarity to this true story I wouldn't have otherwise. The author gives a glimpse into this tragedy from a different angle than other writers.
This author wanted to explore the daughter's life and make it the focal point of this novel. Jane says, "There had never been an exploration of Elisa the child as an interpreter during the Whitman tragedy." ..."Novels are meant to move people, to bring emotion to the surface and enable us to see our lives in new ways. To paraphrase French writer Marcel Proust, "The real journey of discovery is not in seeking new landscape but in seeing with new eyes. I wanted to show Eliza's journey toward seeing with new eyes."..."A novel allows one to speculate about the why and how one felt regarding an incident..."
I had never heard of the Whitman tragedy. I learned about this event up-close and personal. The author is brilliant at weaving the mother's diary entries and the daughter's first person POV to create a heart-felt, compelling and fascinating way to learn about this historical event. This is a journey filled with challenges, survivors and a sense of hope. I liked how the author explores our memories in this tragic event. She says, "...What we remember isn't always the way it actually, factually was and that new stories can transform our wounds and old shames, weave new memories that nourish."
I found this statement and subject illuminating. I hadn't thought of this before. This author does a great job of revealing a dark past and give renewed hope for a bright future in this novel. I love the deep faith that is portrayed through her characters, who in spite of the unbearable circumstances they are in, find peace. If you like historicals you'll love this story.
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsor
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
This author wanted to explore the daughter's life and make it the focal point of this novel. Jane says, "There had never been an exploration of Elisa the child as an interpreter during the Whitman tragedy." ..."Novels are meant to move people, to bring emotion to the surface and enable us to see our lives in new ways. To paraphrase French writer Marcel Proust, "The real journey of discovery is not in seeking new landscape but in seeing with new eyes. I wanted to show Eliza's journey toward seeing with new eyes."..."A novel allows one to speculate about the why and how one felt regarding an incident..."
I had never heard of the Whitman tragedy. I learned about this event up-close and personal. The author is brilliant at weaving the mother's diary entries and the daughter's first person POV to create a heart-felt, compelling and fascinating way to learn about this historical event. This is a journey filled with challenges, survivors and a sense of hope. I liked how the author explores our memories in this tragic event. She says, "...What we remember isn't always the way it actually, factually was and that new stories can transform our wounds and old shames, weave new memories that nourish."
I found this statement and subject illuminating. I hadn't thought of this before. This author does a great job of revealing a dark past and give renewed hope for a bright future in this novel. I love the deep faith that is portrayed through her characters, who in spite of the unbearable circumstances they are in, find peace. If you like historicals you'll love this story.
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsor
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
