TO THE WILD HORIZON
Imogen Martin
Storm Publishing
February 7, 2024
393 pages
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“Grace knelt over the man she had shot.”
This is the first line of this book. It was enough to get my attention. It is the story of a wagon train heading west from Missouri to Oregon, on the Oregon Trail. The year is 1846.
The main character is Grace, a young woman who is heading west in her own wagon. She is accompanied by her younger brother, Tom, age 10.
It is a gruelling journey, over 2000 miles and taking months to complete. I am in awe of these pioneers who took it upon themselves to forge their way to a new life. The stamina and fortitude are amazing.
There is a large cast of characters, a wide range of personalities. Grace is exceptionally strong, stubborn and principled. I love how she often puts others ahead of herself, even when it’s not in her best interests.
But, it’s also hard to read that a woman belongs in a certain role. And, when she dares step out of that role, it is frowned upon. Strong, independent women were not the norm in the pioneer society.
The author has done a wonderful job of making the reader feel like they are along on the journey. The descriptions of the landscape create a perfect image in my mind. I learned a lot from the story. As always, when I read a historical novel, I Google to verify facts and get more information.
There are a couple of trigger warnings. Sexual assault. Battle with natives as the pioneers crossed their land.
I was happy with the ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
