Along the Trail LitLit Review
“…a beautifully rendered historical novel…”
If you enjoy historical fiction with rich character development, a coming-of-age journey, and a sense of rugged adventure, then Along the Trail by Kaci Curtis is a novel well worth reading. It is a deeply moving historical novel set in 1847, following teenage protagonist, Winnie Hayes, and her family as they journey from Missouri to the Oregon Territory in search of greener pastures. The story is told from Winnie’s viewpoint, with insight into the steady growth of her character and resolve as her family relocates, with some turmoil and adversity along the trail.
There is a touch of romance, and it is tastefully depicted, especially since it is a Young Adult novel. The endearing cowhand, Hal, and Winnie share a sweet connection, and their affections only grow as the journey goes on. This is just one of the many things that Winnie has to figure out as we go on the trail with her, seeing sites and situations through her eyes, described in a way that creates an almost immersive experience. But it’s not all smiles for the travellers. There are elements of loss along the way, adding to the emotional depth of the book.
One thing that stood out is how well-written this is. The words flow on the page and make it easy to picture the characters and scenery in your head.
Overall, Along the Trail is a beautifully rendered historical novel with strong character development and evocative storytelling. With enough drama, humour, and high stakes throughout the story, it is a great read to curl up with or even immerse yourself in during a long journey. A solid 4 Star read from our LitLit Team.
