Snowbound

by David Lavender Narrated by George Guidall

Overview

As the loaded wagons rumble down the streets of Springfield, Illinois, an air of foreboding sweeps over those who watch the procession. The prosperous Donner brothers and their friend, confident in their preparations, are leading their numerous children and grandchildren on a treacherous 2,500-mile trek to California. Trusting an overly optimistic guidebook, the Donner Party sets out for the Promised Land in May of 1846-unaware that they're following only rumor-fueled speculations. But after betting their lives on a bogus shortcut, the starving travelers soon struggle to survive the November snows of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Praying for a miraculous rescue, 48 of the original 88 escape certain death by living off the flesh of their dead comrades. Twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, acclaimed historian David Lavender has penned more than two dozen histories-many still considered the definitive works on their subjects. In this riveting saga of hardship, death, and survival, George Guidall's masterful narration holds listeners in rapt attention. "A precise, dispassionate, horrifying account of the Donner party's disastrous trek to California that will have readers counting their blessings.this book is the fullest treatment yet for younger readers."-Kirkus Reviews

Editorial Reviews

School Library Journal

Gr 5-7Except for the interest generated by the reports of cannibalism, it is unlikely that this tragic story would have gained or sustained much attention. Yet there was much more to it than the gruesome details, and the inherent drama carries readers along. Lavender avoids the sensational (as much as that is possible) and provides a clear and concise account in which cannibalism is just one more detail. Readers will come away with a much clearer understanding of the hardships and dangers of crossing the continent by wagon trainany wagon trainin the mid-19th century. The black-and-white photographs and prints used to illustrate the text are accompanied by informative captions. Neither of maps has a legend to explain the potentially confusing routes and short cuts discussed in the text. The author concentrates on the portion of the group who wintered by the lake; it was from these people that attempts to go for help originated. Less attention is given to the Donners themselves, who were trapped in the meadow camp along Alder Creek, but the basic facts are here. This is an excellent addition to existing materials on the westward movement, providing a solid treatment of an event not covered at length in other books for this age group.Elaine Fort Weischedel, Turner Free Library, Randolph, MA

Kirkus Reviews

A precise, dispassionate, horrifying account of the Donner party's disastrous trek to California that will have readers counting their blessings.

Inspired by a land speculator's highly misleading guidebook, the two large Donner families and several associates set out from Independence, Missouri, in May 1846, were trapped in the High Sierra by snowstorms in November, and after running out of food ate their dead (most of whom died of natural causes); only 48 of the 88 survived to cross the mountains. The episode has been thoroughly documented by contemporary reports and later research, but this book is the fullest treatment yet for younger readers. Written in a formal, just-the-facts tone, Lavender (Santa Fe Trail, 1995, not reviewed, etc.) lists names, dates, rough terrain and weather, mishaps, casualties, and decisions good and bad, making the ghoulish climax almost ordinary after the physical and psychological hardships of the journey. Sensation-seekers may be disappointed, but this book provides a vivid picture of the obstacles faced by the westward emigrants of the 19th century.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169303094
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	11/14/2008
Edition description:	Unabridged

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