A Light in the Wilderness

I love this book cover. The book cover portrays so much. From the solid yellow tones, the the grasses underfoot and even the hands holding the skirts and basket. So much is told from these images. In recent years a trend seems to be of a crop before showing a face and I love that, especially in examples such as this because it allows the imagination so much more.

Often in this genre, Christian Historical Fiction, I find that one book is on a particular character and then a trilogy is made with each sequel being from another main character's point of view. But in this book it starts out being split and alternating between views telling three very different yet interwoven stories. I've read plenty of the wagon train female headed west and quite a few of the Native American Indian character, but this is still one within a handful that I have read from the perspective of former black slave.

This was interesting, and I love the stories based on truth, but I do think I'm one of the few people that is just not enthralled with Jane's writing. I find myself continuously coming back as she picks fabulous topics and plot lines to write about, yet sometimes a sad overall story just doesn't enrapture me the most.

I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.

posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2014/10/23/light-wilderness/

I recently received a copy of A Light in the Wilderness for review purposes. Jane Kirkpatrick's novel tells the story of three women, how their paths cross, and what they mean to each other. Two of them, Letitia and Nancy, are moving from Missouri to the Oregon Territory to forge new lives. Letitia is a freed slave, and Nancy is a woman who befriends her. The third, Betsy, is a Kalapuya woman living in the Oregon Territory.

Letitia is at the heart of the story. As a freed slave, her papers showing that she is free are very important to her. Free or not, though, many people still see her as little more than property. Davey Carson, the Irish immigrant cattleman who's facing struggles of his own, is someone who sees her as a person, and he and Letitia are able to build a relationship. Letitia and Nancy meet when Letitia assists at the birth of one of Nancy's children, and a friendship is forged. Betsy lives in the Oregon Territory, and we first meet her teaching the ways of her people to her grandson, so that the knowledge will not be lost.

Letitia and Nancy strike out with their families for the new opportunities to be had in Oregon, and they're able to give each other support and encouragement along the way. Letitia meets Betsy after she and Davey settle in Oregon, and a friendship is formed there as well, as Betsy and Letitia learn how they can help each other. In her friendships, Letitia is truly free to be herself, with no regard for color or social station.

That's what struck me the most about this book, the friendships between the three women. Letitia faced difficulties in the world of men, and Davey, the man she loved, let her down at times, but it was her friendships and her faith in God that sustained her. That's such an important thing for me to remember as I go through my days, and I'm glad that this novel reminded me of it.

I didn't even realize this was based on historical events until I got to the end, I'm embarrassed to say! It's made me want to learn more about that period of history, because it's not something I know a lot about. I'm going to have to do some more research.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who's interested in historically based fiction and anyone who's interested in a good book that draws you in and makes you feel like you know the characters. It's available on Amazon.com.

DISCLAIMER: I received a free copy of this book for review purposes. However, all opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.