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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
Audio
I REALLY wanted to like this book. Over that last few years, I've heard it referred to and recommended as a read alike to Outlander. Well. The biggest similarity I found was the length. I couldn't connect with the characters, the whole 'Boots' thing felt forced and the timing dragggged almost as much as the Dragonfly book. Glad I'm done with it but I wish it had been half the length.
I REALLY wanted to like this book. Over that last few years, I've heard it referred to and recommended as a read alike to Outlander. Well. The biggest similarity I found was the length. I couldn't connect with the characters, the whole 'Boots' thing felt forced and the timing dragggged almost as much as the Dragonfly book. Glad I'm done with it but I wish it had been half the length.
Though it is a long book, this had a nice pacing. It kept my attention throughout and I didn't feel overwhelmed. There were a few places where the characters went into details about battles and people of the French/Indian war, but there was only one part where I thought it was slightly tedious. I can't attest to the historical accuracy of this work, but it is fiction and accurate or not, it's an exciting journey. The only complaint I have is that there were a few things that I felt could've been wrapped up a little neater so as to leave fewer questions.
It isn't often that you find a book on a random browse throught the library that becomes a favorite. "Into the Wilderness" and the subsequent sequels were brought to my attention in just this way. It isn't just a historical fiction nor is it a chick lit or "trashy" romance. I frequented a forum led by the author for a while and there was one man on this forum who would take offense to you for the even hinting it. I read the book before I watched "Last of the Mohicans", but it made the movie better for me knowing the rest of the story.
Edit:rereading this 12 year’s after the first reading. Can that be right? I think so or my son’s middle name wouldn’t have been Nathaniel. I just needed the comfort of this book right now, and it is not disappointing!
The second reading was just as good. It was a slower comfort read over a few months time and helped me refresh my memory about he series so that I can continue and eventually read the last book finally.
Edit:rereading this 12 year’s after the first reading. Can that be right? I think so or my son’s middle name wouldn’t have been Nathaniel. I just needed the comfort of this book right now, and it is not disappointing!
The second reading was just as good. It was a slower comfort read over a few months time and helped me refresh my memory about he series so that I can continue and eventually read the last book finally.
I read this as an unabridged audiobook and it seemed like tape one consisted of author thank you's and an unending listing of family trees involved in her story and I assumed I'd be in way over my head with this one. I was right.
Elizabeth is a 29 year old spinster who wants nothing more than her independence and to teach young children. With this in mind, she sets out into the wilderness that is "Paradise" to join her father and brother. What she doesn't know is that her father who faces financial ruin has arranged to marry her off to the local doctor with the promise of bequeathing half of his large land holdings to her. She's livid and attracted to a man most unsuitable . . .
Nathaniel, who was raised by Native Americans is just as attracted to Elizabeth. Her tart tongue and independence intrigue him as much as her looks but he knows their attraction can only lead to pain. When Elizabeth discovers her father's plan she's already fallen deeply in love with Nathaniel and decides to concoct a little deception of her own which will enable Nathaniel to have the land he so longs to make his own. But things aren't going to go smoothly for all involved as the doctor is determined to have the land no matter the cost . . .
This is a fictional story filled with historical information and action-adventure along the lines of Diana Gabaldon (minus the paranormal bits). It's long but interesting and the characters leap off the page but somewhere midpoint this book just didn't resonate with me the way I expected it to.
It was readable but not exceptionally gripping. The love story didn't touch me emotionally and it's just too darn long. I appreciate the attention to detail but without the characters engaging me it became an almost tedious read. The two are very realistically painted but for some reason are leaving me cold. If I had read this in book form I probably would have put it down midpoint and never picked it up again.
Elizabeth is a 29 year old spinster who wants nothing more than her independence and to teach young children. With this in mind, she sets out into the wilderness that is "Paradise" to join her father and brother. What she doesn't know is that her father who faces financial ruin has arranged to marry her off to the local doctor with the promise of bequeathing half of his large land holdings to her. She's livid and attracted to a man most unsuitable . . .
Nathaniel, who was raised by Native Americans is just as attracted to Elizabeth. Her tart tongue and independence intrigue him as much as her looks but he knows their attraction can only lead to pain. When Elizabeth discovers her father's plan she's already fallen deeply in love with Nathaniel and decides to concoct a little deception of her own which will enable Nathaniel to have the land he so longs to make his own. But things aren't going to go smoothly for all involved as the doctor is determined to have the land no matter the cost . . .
This is a fictional story filled with historical information and action-adventure along the lines of Diana Gabaldon (minus the paranormal bits). It's long but interesting and the characters leap off the page but somewhere midpoint this book just didn't resonate with me the way I expected it to.
It was readable but not exceptionally gripping. The love story didn't touch me emotionally and it's just too darn long. I appreciate the attention to detail but without the characters engaging me it became an almost tedious read. The two are very realistically painted but for some reason are leaving me cold. If I had read this in book form I probably would have put it down midpoint and never picked it up again.
2.5 stars
I don't agree with those who compare this book to the Outlander series. I felt like there was little character development for both Elizabeth and Nathaniel, and I found her clumsy, blushing, love-at-first-sight feelings after being a confirmed "spinster" to be annoyingly cliche. The 2.5 stars is for the research she did on the Mohawk Nation and how she intertwined their stories with those of the settlers.
I don't agree with those who compare this book to the Outlander series. I felt like there was little character development for both Elizabeth and Nathaniel, and I found her clumsy, blushing, love-at-first-sight feelings after being a confirmed "spinster" to be annoyingly cliche. The 2.5 stars is for the research she did on the Mohawk Nation and how she intertwined their stories with those of the settlers.
Super fun fall read! Very fun world to drop into. I gave three stars because I desperately wanted to slow the pacing a little, enjoy a more languid walk through the story and romance—usually not my inclination as a reader but felt that way here. I also felt the strength of the female lead a bit forced, like the author was trying to convince the reader of her strength verses showing it.
adventurous
emotional
informative
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Dear Mom,
You said [b:Into the Wilderness|72854|Into the Wilderness (Wilderness, #1)|Sara Donati|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320395200l/72854._SY75_.jpg|3098033] would fill the gap between my annual [b:Outlander|10964|Outlander (Outlander, #1)|Diana Gabaldon|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529065012l/10964._SY75_.jpg|2489796] reads. Per usual, you were absolutely right. [a:Sara Donati|41193|Sara Donati|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1267083400p2/41193.jpg]’s novel features unexpected love affairs, challenges to adaptability, and polarized prejudices that [a:Diana Gabaldon|3617|Diana Gabaldon|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1213918339p2/3617.jpg]’s epic series offers. She even mentions and alludes to a few of Gabaldon’s characters, like Ian (our fave Scotsman turned Native American). But I do think Sara Donati’s novel is a much better read when I’m not thinking of Outlander. Here’s a great review on the relationship between the two historical romances:
If you really want to appreciate Into the Wilderness, I suggest leaving Gabaldon on the shelf for the moment. Sara Donati introduces her readers to a complicated, recently established America (when has America not been complicated, though). As America decides what kind of country it wants to be, cultures clash in backwoods New York, 1792. In a world that values land over women, Donati chooses to tell this story through the lens of a stubborn, brave, quick tempered woman, Elizabeth Middleton, who aims to satisfy gender equality by any means. Elizabeth meets a new culture, the Mohawk tribe, that favors women’s ideas, thoughts, leadership even. Donati explores the suffocation of women’s empowerment that exists in late 18th century European culture and frees women through the Native American ideals.
A small trope in Donati’s first novel of the 5 book series suggests American women do not value themselves, and Donati blames their society, as the Native American often point out the American women’s lack of self-love:
Speaking to Elizabeth: “Many-Doves smiled. “You are not known for your kindness to yourself.”
Hey, Mom, I hope you feel appreciated and empowered.
You said [b:Into the Wilderness|72854|Into the Wilderness (Wilderness, #1)|Sara Donati|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320395200l/72854._SY75_.jpg|3098033] would fill the gap between my annual [b:Outlander|10964|Outlander (Outlander, #1)|Diana Gabaldon|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529065012l/10964._SY75_.jpg|2489796] reads. Per usual, you were absolutely right. [a:Sara Donati|41193|Sara Donati|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1267083400p2/41193.jpg]’s novel features unexpected love affairs, challenges to adaptability, and polarized prejudices that [a:Diana Gabaldon|3617|Diana Gabaldon|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1213918339p2/3617.jpg]’s epic series offers. She even mentions and alludes to a few of Gabaldon’s characters, like Ian (our fave Scotsman turned Native American). But I do think Sara Donati’s novel is a much better read when I’m not thinking of Outlander. Here’s a great review on the relationship between the two historical romances:
If you really want to appreciate Into the Wilderness, I suggest leaving Gabaldon on the shelf for the moment. Sara Donati introduces her readers to a complicated, recently established America (when has America not been complicated, though). As America decides what kind of country it wants to be, cultures clash in backwoods New York, 1792. In a world that values land over women, Donati chooses to tell this story through the lens of a stubborn, brave, quick tempered woman, Elizabeth Middleton, who aims to satisfy gender equality by any means. Elizabeth meets a new culture, the Mohawk tribe, that favors women’s ideas, thoughts, leadership even. Donati explores the suffocation of women’s empowerment that exists in late 18th century European culture and frees women through the Native American ideals.
A small trope in Donati’s first novel of the 5 book series suggests American women do not value themselves, and Donati blames their society, as the Native American often point out the American women’s lack of self-love:
Speaking to Elizabeth: “Many-Doves smiled. “You are not known for your kindness to yourself.”
Hey, Mom, I hope you feel appreciated and empowered.
4.5 stars audio review
I file this mentally under 'epic reads' for so many reasons. The two lead characters, Elizabeth and Nathaniel are ones to measure up to. The frontier setting was magical, rough and required hardiness. The description was superb, even though this is not country I can identify with, I think I conjured a good version in my imagination, in people, clothing, wilderness, animals, smells and culture.
We talk about strong heroines in books but Elizabeth Middleton is one of the most notable strong women I have ever had the pleasure to meet in a book. She's headstrong, opinionated, capable but also makes stupid decisions on the odd occasion and has a good cry. I loved her, I felt I could identify with her as a women and respect her. Nathaniel was a worthy match but oh so different. It was this difference in both personality, language, culture and lifestyle that made this book wonderous. The cast of side characters were richly painted and made my reader's heart sing. Worthy of mention are Robbie, Curiosity and Bears to name a few.
The culture was hugely interesting to me; the Mohawk people and life made for fascinating reading, especially Elizabeth's navigation of that world. I loved that Elizabeth tolerated no prejudice and was a real advocate for Mohawk land and rights. I have no idea of the authenticity how the Mohawk people were written but it seemed respectful and I got lost in their world.
On finishing, I find myself deflated because 30 hours of superb narration are over and I'm not sure another audiobook will appeal for some time. It is difficult to measure up to such a book as this. This is a favourite of 2017 and suspect a favourite of all time. Recommended to each and every one of my book friends.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
I file this mentally under 'epic reads' for so many reasons. The two lead characters, Elizabeth and Nathaniel are ones to measure up to. The frontier setting was magical, rough and required hardiness. The description was superb, even though this is not country I can identify with, I think I conjured a good version in my imagination, in people, clothing, wilderness, animals, smells and culture.
We talk about strong heroines in books but Elizabeth Middleton is one of the most notable strong women I have ever had the pleasure to meet in a book. She's headstrong, opinionated, capable but also makes stupid decisions on the odd occasion and has a good cry. I loved her, I felt I could identify with her as a women and respect her. Nathaniel was a worthy match but oh so different. It was this difference in both personality, language, culture and lifestyle that made this book wonderous. The cast of side characters were richly painted and made my reader's heart sing. Worthy of mention are Robbie, Curiosity and Bears to name a few.
The culture was hugely interesting to me; the Mohawk people and life made for fascinating reading, especially Elizabeth's navigation of that world. I loved that Elizabeth tolerated no prejudice and was a real advocate for Mohawk land and rights. I have no idea of the authenticity how the Mohawk people were written but it seemed respectful and I got lost in their world.
On finishing, I find myself deflated because 30 hours of superb narration are over and I'm not sure another audiobook will appeal for some time. It is difficult to measure up to such a book as this. This is a favourite of 2017 and suspect a favourite of all time. Recommended to each and every one of my book friends.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.