The nonfiction telling of Sarah Graves' journey to California as a part of the Donner party. Told by a historian who captures the spirit of the party. It was difficult to follow the characters but the story was very intriguing.

When I first read this book, the only thing I knew about the Donner Party was the cannibalism aspect. While obviously a morbid curiosity that is a significant part of the story, there is so much more surrounding the events of that Winter. The different decisions from both those within the party and those outside that had a direct impact on events is so interesting to watch unfold.

Overall, I absolutely adore the amount of detail woven into the pacing of the retelling of events. If more historical details about events, issues, places, and people from the time period don't interest you, there will be moments throughout that are slow as they serve to help paint a fuller picture while not necessarily progressing the story.