Search - Snow Mountain Passage

Thorough account of the struggles of the Donner Party as they journeyed from St Louis to California. The author uses the memoirs of Patty Reed, the daughter or James and Margaret Reed who was eight years old at the time. The book tells of the tragedy of being caught in the Sierra mountains and stranded for several months during one of the worst winters during that time period. Very well written.

I enjoyed the way this book was pieced together like a patch work quilt. The author used known facts as well as some journal entries from members of the Donner party to allow us a front row seat as this tragedy unfolded. While there are moments of sadness along the trail, there are also moments of joy as well. These people were hoping for a new beginning but before this new life could start they had to survive great hardship and starvation. In the end many would succumb to the harshness of mother nature while others would barely escape from her grasp.