The New York Times best-selling author of The Boys in the Boat presents an unforgettable epic saga of family, tragedy, and survival on the American frontier. "An ideal pairing of talent and material.... Engrossing.... A deft and ambitious storyteller," remarks Mary Roach in the New York Times Book Review.

In April 1846, 21-year-old Sarah Graves, aspiring for a better future, set out west from Illinois with her new husband, her parents, and eight siblings. After joining a party of pioneers led by George Donner, they reached the Sierra Nevada Mountains seven months later, as the season's first heavy snows closed the pass ahead of them. In early December, starving and desperate, Sarah and 14 others embarked on snowshoes for California, enduring almost unfathomable hardships and horrors over the next 32 days.

In this gripping narrative, New York Times best-selling author Daniel James Brown sheds new light on one of the most legendary events in American history. By meticulously following every painful footstep of Sarah's journey with the Donner Party, Brown produces a tale that is both spellbinding and richly informative.

The author's skillful storytelling transports readers back to the mid-19th century, immersing them in the harrowing experiences of the ill-fated pioneers. Through vivid descriptions and well-researched historical details, the book paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by the Donner Party, from the treacherous terrain and harsh weather conditions to the desperate struggle for survival.

As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into the personal lives and relationships of the characters, feeling the weight of their decisions and the emotional toll of their ordeal. The narrative seamlessly blends the historical facts with a deeply human perspective, giving voice to the individual struggles and triumphs of the pioneers.

Through this masterful work, Daniel James Brown not only illuminates a pivotal moment in American history but also explores the universal themes of resilience, determination, and the human spirit's ability to endure even in the face of overwhelming adversity. The result is a captivating and thought-provoking read that will linger with readers long after the final page.

product information: