The Indifferent Stars Above by Daniel James Brown

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

When you hear the phrase the “Donner Party,” what is your first reaction? Way back in 1847, when stories began circulating about those who resorted to extreme measures to stave off hunger, people were outraged and horrified. Even today, the Donner Party is referenced in pop culture as a group of doom. Daniel James Brown takes a tragic event in American frontier history and presents modern day analysis on the reasons behind the party’s decisions and how these decisions affected those who survived the ordeal. Following the adventures of one member of the Donner Party, Sarah Graves Fosdick, Brown takes readers on the party’s journey, from leaving their homes behind, to being caught in a major snowstorm and reliving the pain and anguish the party faced as food and supplies depleted.

Using written accounts from survivors and from previously written histories, Brown puts together a nonfiction account that I found to be simply incredible and exceptional. One can tell that Brown wants to find the truths behind all the Donner Party myths, including myths stated by party survivors. At times, Brown interrupts his narration to provide psychological analysis or explain customs from the 1840s; many readers may be put off by this, but I felt it added to the telling of the story. I walked away from this with so much more knowledge about the Donner Party and their circumstances and also a better understanding as to the reasons why they resorted to, as Brown puts it, a major human taboo. The book does have several very graphic descriptions, which are not for readers with weak stomachs. Readers who love to read American history should read this book, as it provides not only a glimpse into frontier travel, but also provides a new perspective to a tragic chapter in American history.

Reviewed by Jessica