It's the late 1800s, just before the turn of the century, and you're about to lose your farm in Washington due to tough economic times. How are you going to save the family farm? Helga Estby decides to walk clear across the country, from Mica Creek to New York City, with her teenaged daughter Clara, in order to earn $10,000 from a mysterious benefactor. This book, written by a descendant of these intrepid women, details the adventures and disappointments they encountered along the way. I agree with other reviewers that the end was a bit anticlimactic, but I doubt it could have been otherwise and still stuck to historical accuracy in terms of the ladies' story. This is a quick, fun little read. Overall, I liked this book. I thought the story inspired by true events lived by the authors great-aunt and great grandmother to be fascinating. The options for women at that time were quite limited and these characters showed "true grit".However, the "afterword" just depressed me! In real life, well, let's just say that everything did not work out and I feel sad whenever I think about it.
What do You think about Year We Were Famous (2011)?
I was disappointed in the ending but I guess you can't change the facts when the story is true.
—readbooks
Children's version of the story of Helga Estby's walk across America.
—chocolate
Started a bit slowly but a most enjoyable read overall.
—Corrina
