Product Details
- Paperback: 384 pages
- Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (April 10, 2012)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1599559595
- ISBN-13: 978-1599559599
- About the book:
After surviving the tragic deaths of her parents and baby sister and a harrowing trek across the plains to Utah, it’s no surprise that Maggie’s nights are plagued by nightmares.But after years of harsh treatment by her foster mother and sisters, and memories that seem to hint at an unthinkable crime, Maggie is forced to strike out on her own. To separate the truth from the dreams, Maggie faces a painful ordeal and learns that she’ll need to put her trust in those around her to survive.
My take on this book:
I must admit I was initially drawn to this book because of the cover, but once I started reading the story I quickly realized that this book was a true gem.
Magdalena (Maggie) Chabert has been plagued with dreams that she just can't figure out. It is understandable though, because her parents and baby sister died while traveling across the praire to Provo. She and her sister Giovanna were taken in by the Alden's after her parents died, and Ma Alden had always told her there was nothing left of her families belongings and Maggie had believed this for four years. When she discovers a secret though she wonders if perhaps Ma Alden has lied to her, and if so what really happened. As her dreams seem to jar loose long buried memories, she knows she should feel gratitude toward the Alden's for taking in her and her sister, but she can't help but want answers, and becomes determined to find out the truth.
This book was set during the 1800's and the author easily pulled me into that time. While I had to try and figure out some of Maggie's writing,as the story unfolds I began to understand why. The author also uses a certain dialect that further drew me into the time period.While times were hard, there was a sense of community and sharing, although I did think it was a bit harsh that Ma Alden often reminded Maggie of the fact that she had taken them in. It was easy to feel the turmoil that Maggie was experiencing. I could easily understand how Maggie's dreams would make her want to know the truth. She was also dealing with the fact that her friend Mariah moved away, and her relationship with her friend Henry was changing.Overall an interesting coming of age story that would appeal to anyone who enjoys good historical fiction.
About the author:
Sarah Dunster is an award-winning poet and fiction writer. Her poems have been published in Dialogue: a Journal of Mormon Thought,Segullah Magazine, and Victorian Violet Press. Her short fiction piece, Back North, is featured in Segullah’s Fall 2011 issue. In addition, Sarah’s first novel Lightning Tree will be released in spring of 2012 by Cedar Fort. Sarah has six children and one on the way and loves writing almost as much as she loves being a mom.
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