1. A Light in the Wilderness
    Jane Kirkpatrick
    Revell / 2014 / Trade Paperback
    Our Price$13.49 Retail Price$16.00 Save 16% ($2.51)
    4.6 out of 5 stars for A Light in the Wilderness. View reviews of this product. 49 Reviews
    Availability: In Stock
    Stock No: WW722310
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Displaying items 6-10 of 49
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  1. mcaldwell
    Erie, PA
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: Female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Carrying their Lights
    October 28, 2014
    mcaldwell
    Erie, PA
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: Female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 4
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Letitia Carson, a free black woman who is married to a white man, struggles to hold onto her freedom every day. Davey, her husband (though not recognized by law as her husband) is an immigrant from Ireland who desires to better his life. Jane Kirkpatrick has mastery of her characters. She pulls real people out of history and brings them to life with all of their hardships and victories. Letitia has free papers but she is still in danger in both Missouri and Oregon. Though married and protected by Davey, her life could be turned upside down in the event of his demise and she reminds him of that every season. What turmoil there was, even on the West Coast, in determining who was free and who was slave. Entering that picture we also have Betsy, a Kalapuya Indian along with Nancy, a widow with several young children. All are trying to survive in 1800s America in the age of expansion. The book provides history and a look into what it very well may have been like for black women, widowed women, and Indian women in the Oregon territory. They took their "lights" to the wilderness of Oregon and they persevered.
  2. KGD history teacher
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    An Exceptional Historical Fiction
    October 25, 2014
    KGD history teacher
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    When Letitia receives her freedom papers, she is not sure what freedom really means. She comes to find out that it means the ability to make ones own choices and bear the consequences, good or bad, for those choices. She comes to find out it may also mean standing up for yourself. Whatever freedom means, Letitia values it highly and vows to keep her freedom papers with her always.

    Letitia makes a choice not to go to Oregon with her former owners. Instead, she chooses to stay in Missouri, a slave state. The problem is that she has no place to stay or keep her cow. She also has no place to work. Davey Carson offers her a place to live and eventually he offers her his heart. Since it is illegal for a black and white to marry, what does she choose? How does she make it when she eventually heads west on the Oregon Trail to a new life in Oregon? She would never have survived without the friends who come into her life.

    This is an exceptional book, based on the true story of Letitia Carson and those who came in contact with her. The author has done extensive research on her little known story. She becomes one of the first free black women to arrive in Oregon. She will bring two lawsuits against a white man in defense of her freedom. I was so surprised to learn of the exemption laws in Oregon and the prejudice inflicted in a supposed free state. The authors depiction of the lives of women on the trail to Oregon the dangers and heartaches as well as joys is especially thorough. This was a wonderful book, delightful as well as informative.

    I received this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

  3. Mommofboys
    Maine
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Well written, enjoyable historical fiction
    October 24, 2014
    Mommofboys
    Maine
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 4
    Meets Expectations: 5
    I loved the 3 female characters in this book, particularly Letitia. Their struggles, hopes, triumphs, and disappointment engaged me and made me care about what happened to them. For days after reading this book, I was wrapped up in considering the conflicts women of that time faced, particularly women who were not white. I mulled over Letitia's gentle but tough spirit, and ways that she could set her mind in a positive way, recognizing that we all have the freedom to decide our attitudes, regardless of the very real oppression we may feel in circumstances.

    Like some others, I would have liked to know more about Davey and his backstory, to which there were hints and illusions, but no full explanation. He was conflicted in that his prejudice toward both black people and women was at odds with is love and admiration of Letitia. It would have helped to know more about why his brother was mad at him, what had happened between him and his son. But, then, this was really Letitia's story, so those details may have detracted or thrown off the pace.

    I was drawn into the historical setting. The author seamlessly weaves a lot of historical facts into the story so that it feels authentic without being bogged down by a history lesson.

    As soon as I was finished with this book, I gave it to my mother, who finished it in 2 days. We would both like to read more by this author.
  4. DesertRat
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    A Light in the Wilderness
    August 15, 2014
    DesertRat
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Jane Kirkpatrick is a masterful storyteller and her latest, A Light in the Wilderness, is a must-read for the sheer beauty of a story well-told! Not only is this a story of one woman's courage, it is a story about overcoming struggle and persevering in the midst of injustice. It shows us what loyalty and friendship can do for the human spirit. Jane Kirkpatrick uses words to paint a vibrant landscape where we can enjoy a respite from our own world for a time. Her characters are believable and courageous, giving us an adventure in human drama as if we trod right along with them through the perils and pleasures of the Oregon Trail. A good story gives us important things to think about along the way while we enjoy the artistry. But even beyond that, this book breathes life into an important yet little-known story. Leticia Carson's life can light the way for many; fortunately for us all, Jane Kirkpatrick has put the kindling to the flame.

  5. cheetah
    Keizer, OR
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    An Inspiring Story that is Rich in History
    June 18, 2014
    cheetah
    Keizer, OR
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    A Light in the Wilderness is amazingly rich in historic detail yet so easy to read. Letitia is a woman who has friends because she knows how to be a friend, one I have whole-heartedly welcomed into my world. In spite of the dangers she faces in life, she stands as a powerful example of strength and a determination to prevail against the odds while maintaining her kind heart and admirable character.
Displaying items 6-10 of 49
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