The Indifferent Stars Above

I was hesitant to read this story when I first heard about it, after all everyone knows the “story” of the Donner party, and it’s quite depressing.  The book follows the Graves family, more specifically Sarah, as they travel from Illinois to California.  The first part of the book depicts just how “behind” the party was due to unforeseen weather and other circumstances.  Following Lansford Hastings’s book, The Emigrant’s Guide, the party sets out on a harrowing trip through the Sierra Nevada Mountains, months behind schedule.  As the group becomes trapped in the winter snow, Brown recounts themes of moral dilemmas, human resilience, and desperation.  The book not only highlights the physical challenges of the journey but also delves into the emotional and psychological toll on the individuals involved. Overall, it is a compelling and deeply researched account of a tragic episode in American history.