Into the Wilderness

A Novel

By: Sara Donati

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 30 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

Weaving a vibrant tapestry of fact and fiction, Into the Wilderness sweeps us into another time and place...and into the heart of a forbidden, incandescent affair between a spinster Englishwoman and an American frontiersman. Here is an epic of romance and history that will captivate listeners from the start.

When Elizabeth Middleton, 29 years old and unmarried, leaves her Aunt Merriweather's comfortable English estate to join her father and brother in the remote mountain village of Paradise on the edge of the New York wilderness, she does so with a strong will and an unwavering purpose: to teach school.

It is December of 1792 when she arrives in a cold climate unlike any she has ever experienced. And she meets a man different from any she has ever encountered - a white man dressed like a Native American, tall and lean and unsettling in his blunt honesty. He is Nathaniel Bonner, also known to the Mohawk people as Between-Two-Lives.

Determined to provide schooling for all the children of the village - White, Black, and Native American - Elizabeth soon finds herself at odds with local slave owners. Much to her surprise, she clashes with her own father as well. Financially strapped, Judge Middleton has plans for his daughter - betrothal to local doctor Richard Todd. An alliance with Todd could extract her father from ruin but would call into question the ownership of Hidden Wolf, the mountain where Nathaniel, his father, and a small group of Native Americans live and hunt.

As Judge Middleton brings pressure to bear against his daughter, she is faced with a choice between compliance and deception, a flight into the forest, and a desire that will bend her hard will to compromise and transformation.

Elizabeth's ultimate destiny, here in the heart of the wilderness, lies in the odyssey to come: trials of faith and flesh, and passion born amid Nathaniel's own secrets and divided soul.

Interweaving the fate of the remnants of the Mohawk Nation with the destiny of two lovers, Sara Donati's compelling novel creates a complex, profound, passionate portrait of an emerging America.

©2009 Sara Donati (P)2009 Random House

Critic reviews

"My favorite kind of book is the sort you live in, rather than read. Into the Wilderness is one of those rare stories that let you breathe the air of another time, and leave your footprints on the snow of a wild, strange place. I can think of no better adventure than to explore the wilderness in the company of such engaging and independent lovers as Elizabeth and her Nathaniel." (Diana Gabaldon)
"Each time you open a book you hope to discover a story that will make your spirit of adventure and romance sing. This book delivers on that promise." (Amanda Quick)

great story

Very well written, are in characters. I just struggle with female narrators doing male voices.

As good as the Outlander series

I can't believe I found another series as good as Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. This book even makes mention of Claire, Jamie and Eann. There is no time travel, which I do miss, but the narrator is great, I like her just as good as Davina Porter. This writer brings her characters to life and leaves you wanting more. I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. It's packed with continuous drama and excitement and grabbed me from the beginning.

Early America, a place for strong women.

Sara Donati keeps the story interesting from beginning to end. Enjoyed Kate Reading's voice. All of the characters were redeeming and interesting. I found the story hard to put down. If you like this type of historical fiction then give it a try you won't be sorry.

Great book!

This is a good story. If you like outlander this runs along the same lines. Good narration as well.

Great read

Would you consider the audio edition of Into the Wilderness to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version but I love the audio version. Great story can't wait to listen to book 2

Who was your favorite character and why?

Elizabeth, because she overcomes many of her prejudices to enrich her own life and the lives of everyone around her

Which scene was your favorite?

I don't have a favorite. The whole story was excellent

If you could take any character from Into the Wilderness out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Runs with Bears. I would love to learn from him the ways of the native people

Any additional comments?

Don't hesitate to get this book. You will not regret it.

Narrator Talent

Narrator Kate Reading brings alive the Characters and kept me interested to hear their voice.

Wonderful book!

Sarah Donation is an amazing writer and the narrator is magnificent! A wonderful historical fiction and tender romance.

fantastic book with great action and romance.

the narrator is amazing! loved the suspense and romance! will recommend to all my friends

I was transported into the past...

I first read this book and couldn't put it down right from the first chapter. I'm a genealogist and a historian. Sarah Danotti has a way to let you see and feel the characters as they once were. I read this when it first came out years ago. I could hardly wait for each of the sequels were published. She weaves her stories live into your minds eye. I am glad I was able to get these books on tapes through Amazon Books.

Captivating read! Story full of endearing moments!

Characters are wonderful and story is so full of adventure and depth. A true escape into the wilderness!