Probably the grossest and most graphic book I’ve ever read. I am shocked I finished it. But it was a true story and a story well told, plus the book club book, so I powered through. Otherwise I might not have finished it. 

Beautifully written and researched book! The author deeply cares about the the people of the Donner party and doesn’t judge them for the impossible choices they faced in the Sierras. The author includes modern science explanations (medical, weather, & historical context) of what the Donner party were experiencing and it helps to give an in depth understanding of of the whole ordeal, why it went so wrong and reality of what they endured. This book doesn’t sensationalise the Donner party or their suffering but with empathy he just tells it like it was. 
Would highly recommend - 5/5

Not as harrowingly told as I’d expected. Good story, deeply informative, not as emotional as I’d hoped.