Follow the River

By: James Alexander Thom

Narrated by: David Drummond

Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Mary Ingles was 23, happily married, and pregnant with her third child when Shawnee Indians invaded her peaceful Virginia settlement in 1755 and kidnapped her, leaving behind a bloody massacre. For months they held her captive. But nothing could imprison her spirit.

With the rushing Ohio River as her guide, Mary Ingles walked one thousand miles through an untamed wilderness no white woman had ever seen. Her story lives on - extraordinary testimony to the indomitable strength of one pioneer woman who risked her life to return to her own people.

©1981 James A. Thom (P)2010 Tantor

Quite a tale and based on facts!

I thought that the book was slow in a number of places. The author took a little bit too much time on repetitive details. I also felt strongly that this book should’ve been narrated by a woman.

Just one complaint

I liked the story and the narration, except when the narrator pretended to talk for Mary. He turned a 22year old woman into an elderly lady. I just could not picture a young woman when she “talked” and found that very irritating.

Great Book!

Can not put this book down!! Also was well put together. Do not miss out on this book!

Long but necessary. Great portrayal of suffering.

This book, at times, appears repetitive and uncomfortable. However, once you reach the end, it feels intentional. The journey faced by the main character could not have been adequately described by reducing the pages and simply saying "She repeated these activities for many more days". The author went into incredible detail to show the gradual progression of suffering and the eventual breakdown of the human psyche on multiple levels. At times, you are enthralled with her plight and questioning if you would have the courage to carry on.

An incredibly touching and inspiring story. A must read, even if you can only stomach to read it once.

I actually cried when it was over.

Where does Follow the River rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have listened to some amazing books but this story is the best ever.

What other book might you compare Follow the River to and why?

Unbroken, The Invention of Wings because of the amazing people and their incredible strength which serve as models to us all.

What about David Drummond’s performance did you like?

He took me on the journey with Mary and made me feel as if I were there every moment.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Mary's last obstacle to climb in the snow with no clothing or tools.

Any additional comments?

I kept researching the story while I was reading it. I must have looked at Mary's trail of escape a dozen times to try and picture where on the map she was. She must have been the bravest most courageous woman or man in history. I don't think anyone could succeed as she did with those insurmountable obstacles.

What an amazing story of strength and courage

What made the experience of listening to Follow the River the most enjoyable?

The story was amazing both for the courage Mary had , and the writer wonderful ability to bring his characters to life. I could not stop listening, wonderfully.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mary, for her stength of character and her will to live.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A story of the human spirit and will to live.

Any additional comments?

I would recomment this book to anyone who loves a really good story.

Exciting, Remarkable Story

What made the experience of listening to Follow the River the most enjoyable?

This story was an exciting read. To know that it is about a true life event made it even better.

Which character – as performed by David Drummond – was your favorite?

Of course Mary Draper was remarkable.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This is a long book, but not too long. I wouldn't listen to it in one sitting but when I did get to listen I hated turning it off.

Any additional comments?

David Drummond did an excellent job narrating this book. With his talented voice there was never any question who was talking.

Interesting and compelling

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have recommended it several times. I first read it many, many years ago, but the based-on-reality story is still compelling and inspiring.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Follow the River?

The heroine being able to survive the winter in West Virginia with very little food and virtually no cover.

Outstanding

Any additional comments?

This book is spectacular and even more so because at the end of the book, the author relates how he researched the facts surrounding the kidnapping of the main character. This book is a testament to the power of love, of determination, of spirit. This book is a must.

Captivating

My initial reaction to the descriptive events in the first few chapters left me feeling a bit twisted inside. However, I was unable to stop listening. I was so captivated by knowing that Mary made it home that I feverishly devoured this book to hear the details. Her grit and tenacity are remarkable character traits that one could only wish to embody.