Thoughts:
The author
Shannon Burke is an American novelist and screenwriter.
In a nutshell
A terrific adventure set in the American West of the 1820s narrated in a historical novel. A tale of friendships that goes on a trapping expedition. The book is also a love story between the young trapper William Wyeth and Alene, a strong widow.
Enjoyed
Expedition into the Old American History and countryside. The adventure reveals the nature of individuals’ men, bravery, loyalty, and friendship—Western fiction beyond frontiers.
Self-reflection
Fascinated by social dynamics, American history and cultures. I also dream of travelling in the American countryside one day.
Quote from the book
“That morning the three of us started up into the high mountains and within a few hours were in dense alpine forests dotted with cold blue lakes and bounded by steeply sloping rock walls. We made camp at the prettiest of the high mountain lakes and stayed up in those mountains for two weeks, during which time we hunted and fished and explored the surrounding peaks.
Ferris sketched the land and the trees and the flowers and I scribbled out my impressions from the spring season, taking much care to note my emotions in a way that only a young man can feel is necessary.
And though it was unlikely that there would be any chance to send it, I scribbled out a long letter to Alene, telling her of our take for the first half of the season and of Layton’s glorious feud with Pike, which I was sure would interest her, and made vague references to the initial discord in the brigade that seemed to have faded, though not vanished entirely.
It was strange to write her from that wild and distant place. I knew that my real life and my future were with her, and that she was the single most important person in my life, yet I had not thought of her much over the previous months, and it was only late at night when I felt close to her, or that my mind returned to our life together. I am not saying my heart was not hers, but only noting a curious fact.
When you are on a trapping brigade, engaged in constant struggle with constant danger, it is hard to imagine any other life, and it is easy to forget the civilized world and your connection to it.”
Nudge
As you cannot travel abroad due to the pandemic, which alternatives ways – on the ground or online – have you discovered, brought back and enjoyed so far – to travel over the next months/years?
