This Road We Traveled

The wilds of the western United States were conquered by the strengths, sacrifices, and sometimes deaths of women as well as men who left the security of their homes for adventure and, for some, a better life. Women often made the dangerous journey solely because their husbands made that decision for them. Women of that day had no vote and no right to apply for the free land being apportioned in Oregon. Oftentimes heart wrenching decisions were made for them, leaving them to trust in God for the consequences.Jane Kirkpatrick researched the history of Tabitha Brown carefully and then brought her story to life in a fictional account of her actual travels from Missouri to Oregon in 1846. Never wanting to be dependent on her grown children, or perhaps because her independent nature carved from early widowhood drew wedges between her and her sons, Tabitha (Tabby) took responsibility for her decision to accompany part of her family on a harrowing journey and also care for her elderly brother-in-law on this long and dangerous trip.This Road We Traveled gives insight into the physical, emotional, and spiritual struggles the various characters endure as seen through the eyes of Tabby, her daughter Pherne, and Pherne’s daughter Virgilia. These three generations of women are united in their love for God, family, and each other. Each struggles with different challenges and their characters are formed in the forge of the many tests they endure.Kirkpatrick is a skilled storyteller cycling through the main characters’ points of view revealing the events occurring in each life without getting bogged down in any one character’s difficulties. None of the issues are simple, varying from choosing the correct fork in the road to discovering God’s will for the future. One woman dealt with reining in her tongue so that her words matched the kindness in her heart. Another struggled with the importance of possessions, and the third had difficulties with friendships.The pacing of the plot is good and the characters are well developed. Although there are many Christian themes emphasizing moral choices, the book is not about a cookie cutter religion; the characters have various attitudes about their relationship with God and how they should live out their faith. The author describes the desert landscape, the treacherous mountain passes, and the homes, both humble and more luxurious with equal skill. Slavery, an issue that is being stiltedly worked out during that time period, crops up several times. The various Indian tribes are not stereotyped. Some are quite generous to the travelers who are in the throes of desperation and others are violent and aggressive. Politics also play a role as the U.S. is afraid the British will cut off routes in the west.This Road We Traveled brings to life an important part of history. Tabitha was a real person who actually made this journey at the age of 66. She had hardships on the journey and went on to help many in the state of Oregon which publicly acknowledges her contributions with the title “Mother of Oregon.” I learned a lot about her life, travels in the 1840’s to the west, and the difficulties of settling into a new community. Tabby’s story is an inspiration, and I am grateful to Kirkpatrick for sharing it.

Jane Kirkpatrick writes outstanding Christian historical fiction. I am never disappointed with one of her novels, and I have read many. This book takes place, as do many of her other novels, in the Oregon Territory during the mid-1800s and includes a harrowing and suspenseful account of a family traveling from Missouri. The main character, Tabitha (Tabby) Brown, shows admirable determination in the face of many challenges. Again the author has discovered, carefully researched, and presented another of the under-sung heroines of history.

Tabitha Brown traveled to Oregon in the early days of the Oregon trail. Already in her sixties, she enlisted the help of her elderly brother-in-law, and the two of them made the journey on their own. They were among the first to take the Applegate cutoff, a decision that could have proved fatal. The first portion of the book recounts their travels to the Territory, and I found this the most interesting. I live very near the place where the Applegate cutoff reached Oregon, so those details were particularly fascinating. I won't spoil the story by adding more.The portion of the book that concerned Tabitha's settling in Oregon Territory, and her subsequent life, were dealt with in less depth, but nevertheless informative. This Road We Traveled is billed as fiction, but many of the details are factual portions of Oregon history.A good story about an inspirational woman.

Outstanding historical fiction filled with believable characters, captivating plot, and encouraging life lessons from a rich historical era.I believe this is my favorite book by this author. I can relate to the main character's age, challenges, and quest for "facing challenges in life's uncertain journey."

beautiful story.. it moves along a a "gentle" pace, but for me did not get boring at all. It wasn't edge of your chair stuff, but was engaging and really spoke to the struggles & triumphs of various individuals as they make such a huge move. More than that, it explores the dynamics of family relationships, expectations, disappointments and overcoming the things that can divide.I love Jane Kirkpatrick's writing. Well researched, based on history and I always gain personal insights as I enter her character's lives.

I happened to be traveling in the area that is the subject of this book while I was reading the book. The names of the people were memorialized in museums, appeared on roadside makers, appeared on maps. Between the book and the actual names and places, I was immersed in the story. Jane Kirkpatrick is an excellent writer and researcher and brings history alive.

This was a especially moving book about a journey this family takes from Missouri to Oregon. They began actually in New England and came south after their farther passed. Ups and downs are plentiful but God is faithful. This is my first JK book but it won't be the last. Have got one friend to get herself a copy for Spring break and and is interested. Much of this story is filled with the truth of the times and how we have to get up and keep going until He calls us home.. loved this book!

What a powerful and gripping tale of one woman's boldness to follow her family into the wilderness to Oregon. Tabby Brown may be old and lame but she isn't weak, she's strong and determined with lots of grit. And add faith to her determination. Tabby blazes a trail for her family and begins quite new life in Oregon.

A good read.