In a short piece at the end of the edition I read, Nancy Turner explains that Sarah Agnes Prine was her great-grandmother, and that the book was inspired by the real-life tales she heard of her as a child. The simple diary format of the book gives insight into Sarah’s thoughts and conveys the feel of life in the Arizona territories. In spare and unsentimental prose, Turner effectively captures the spirit of the pioneer era. I’ve heard many stories about relatives on my husband’s side of the family who lived through those times in similar circumstances.
I loved Sarah’s goodness, toughness and indomitability. I loved the romance between her and Jack Elliot. This is the kind of story that draws you in and holds you fast until the end. Perfect for a rainy day when you just want to curl up in a quiet corner and lose yourself in a good book.
