Dark Journey: The Tragedy of the Donner Party Book

When I started this book, I thought I knew the story. Everyone has heard of the Donner Party and how they ended up turning to cannibalism to survive. After reading this book, I learned I knew nothing. Eckert is a history author that few can compare to in my opinion and this is an excellent example of his work.

This story is absolutely heart wrenching. In the beginning you are introduced to the men, women and children, who are dreaming of big happy future in a new state. Misled by false advertising and egos of strangers, these poor people make a journey that leads straight into tragedy. How many times this group tried and failed to escape the mountains? How many times loved ones left their family behind hoping to save them? The story of Mr. Reed and Eddy who both left their families to get help was so touching. The strength most of these people had is unbelievable. To walk days in multiple feet of snow with no food, no warm clothing, already weak from hunger and yet knowing if they stop, they die.

What amazed me? At the end, they did not just survive with odds so stacked against them. They were able to leave the horror behind and rebuild once they did find safety. Some of the party was so young and saw so much, but they too triumphed.

Excellent book.

This book also counts as a book that scared me for my 2015 Briggs Reading Challenge.