Survival: A Novel of the Donner Party

This book is a novel that is based upon one of the most tragic ordeals in pioneering history. It tells the story of the Donner party, and the author does not stray too far from the truth, credibly weaving historical fact with fiction. The author expertly tells the story of this wagon train of people who in July 1846 started off with high hopes for California via a new, untried route through the Sierras. Their decision to separate from a larger convoy of wagon trains, traveling along a tried and true route, in order to take this new, purportedly shorter route to California, was one that would haunt them for the rest of their journey, as the new route was not what it was claimed to be. The inexperience of these travelers, the poor decisions that were sometimes made, and their seeming inability to truly unify as one entity, all contributed to their ultimate debacle. Beleaguered by thirst as they trekked across a desert, marauded by Indians along the way, plagued by the loss of necessary oxen and cattle, beset by accidents and personal squabbles that would sometimes turn deadly, they would finally reach the Sierras and begin their perilous crossing, only to find themselves snowbound at the summit while within sight of the pass that they needed to cross to be home free. Trapped by the weather in early November, they would set up a make-shift camp, never thinking about just how long their encampment would last. With minimal food supplies at their disposal, these intrepid, westward-ho emigrants would find themselves trapped for months, facing incredible hardships that would tax them beyond human endurance. Some would eventually resort to cannibalism in order to survive. This is a riveting story about survival of the fittest, about personal sacrifice, and human foibles. It is a story that reflects the human spirit, both good and bad, in time of crisis. The author brings to life many of those who were to play a pivotal role in the affairs of the Donner party. Their story is told in flashback, as one of the last living survivors, Virginia Reed, recalls those fateful events that were to engulf the Donner party. Despite some artistic license, the core story remains true to the facts. Fairly well-written and eminently readable, those who are interested in the basic story of the Donner party will find it within the pages of this book.

This definetly should be put on the list of missed great books. True to life gut wrenching page turning. Could easily be turned into a motion picture but somehow this little known book as been overlooked and not even in print anymore. If you can find a copy, READ IT!