A Light in the Wilderness

I recently received a copy of A Light in the Wilderness for review purposes. Jane Kirkpatrick's novel tells the story of three women, how their paths cross, and what they mean to each other. Two of them, Letitia and Nancy, are moving from Missouri to the Oregon Territory to forge new lives. Letitia is a freed slave, and Nancy is a woman who befriends her. The third, Betsy, is a Kalapuya woman living in the Oregon Territory.

Letitia is at the heart of the story. As a freed slave, her papers showing that she is free are very important to her. Free or not, though, many people still see her as little more than property. Davey Carson, the Irish immigrant cattleman who's facing struggles of his own, is someone who sees her as a person, and he and Letitia are able to build a relationship. Letitia and Nancy meet when Letitia assists at the birth of one of Nancy's children, and a friendship is forged. Betsy lives in the Oregon Territory, and we first meet her teaching the ways of her people to her grandson, so that the knowledge will not be lost.

Letitia and Nancy strike out with their families for the new opportunities to be had in Oregon, and they're able to give each other support and encouragement along the way. Letitia meets Betsy after she and Davey settle in Oregon, and a friendship is formed there as well, as Betsy and Letitia learn how they can help each other. In her friendships, Letitia is truly free to be herself, with no regard for color or social station.

That's what struck me the most about this book, the friendships between the three women. Letitia faced difficulties in the world of men, and Davey, the man she loved, let her down at times, but it was her friendships and her faith in God that sustained her. That's such an important thing for me to remember as I go through my days, and I'm glad that this novel reminded me of it.

I didn't even realize this was based on historical events until I got to the end, I'm embarrassed to say! It's made me want to learn more about that period of history, because it's not something I know a lot about. I'm going to have to do some more research.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who's interested in historically based fiction and anyone who's interested in a good book that draws you in and makes you feel like you know the characters. It's available on Amazon.com.

DISCLAIMER: I received a free copy of this book for review purposes. However, all opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.