The title is so misleading, because at first glance you'll think it's some kind of bodice ripper romance novel, which is about as far away from real subject matter of the book as you can get.It's a historical novelization of the DONNER PARTY. And it's actually beautiful, and awesome. While it's fiction, and makes no claim not to be, the author did plenty of legwork in her research trying to authenticate as much as possible both in fact and experience.I mean, this is tragedy known by everyone, and it's kind of steeped in mysticism and revulsion and fear, and yet Burton finds a way to bring empathy and heroism to these doomed people. This level of writing is for avid readers as fine wine for foodies-- layered and highly enjoyable. This one was hard for me to rate, maybe a 3.5. For one, it is about The Donner Party. If you have seen the movie 17 Miracles (if you haven't you should!) there is not a more heart wrenching scene then the one at the beginning of the movie that shows the discovery of the Donner party. This book is about that party as they crossed the plains and became stranded for 4 months in the snow without provisions. It is unfathomable what that group went through. It is not a completely true account but the author did TONS of research and gave such a clear idea of what it might have been like to be them. I was totally hooked, and read the book super fast. The writing was okay...kind of confusing and unclear at times. It was also written in letter form but not done as well as it could have been, so the writing took away from the story a bit. That being said, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in that time period or learning more about the Donner party. Totally enlightening and sheds real empathy on a dire situation. A clean read but there are some really difficult moments that might be hard for the sensitive reader.
What do You think about Impatient With Desire (2010)?
Wonderful book, but not one to finish in the middle of the night.
—monkeys
Very interesting book about the Donner Party. I recommend it.
—Hope
