When Winter Comes

By: V. A. Shannon

Narrated by: Susannah Jones

Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

In the voice of an unforgettable heroine, V. A. Shannon explores one of the most harrowing episodes in pioneer history - the ill-fated journey of the Donner Party - in a mesmerizing novel of resilience and survival.

Mrs. Jacob Klein has a husband, children, and a warm and comfortable home in California. No one - not even her family - knows how she came to be out West 13 years ago. Jacob, a kind and patient man, has promised not to ask. But if she were to tell her story, she would recount a tale of tragedy, mishaps, and unthinkable choices - yet also sacrifice, courage, and a powerful, unexpected love....

1846: On the outskirts of Cincinnati, wagons gather by the hundreds, readying to head west to California. Among the throng is a 15-year-old girl eager to escape her abusive family. With just a few stolen dollars to her name, she enlists as helpmate to a married couple with a young daughter. Their group stays optimistic in the face of the journey's hazards and delays. Then comes a decision that she is powerless to prevent: Instead of following the wagon train's established route, the Donner Party will take a shortcut over the Sierras, aiming to clear the mountains before the first snows descend.

In the years since that infamous winter, other survivors have sold their accounts for notoriety and money, lurid tales often filled with half-truths or blatant, gory lies. Now, Mrs. Klein must decide whether to keep those bitter memories secret, or risk destroying the life she has endured so much to build.

©2018 V. A. Shannon (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Historical fiction

A compelling fictional account of the disasterous Donner Party, personalized by a first person narrative. Although it is a harrowing story, the gruesome details are kept to a minimum. The story did get a bit bogged down with the number of names of members of the party and the disputes, some petty, some serious, that arose. I felt that the ending was a bit abrupt, as I had become invested in the unnamed narrators struggle to move past that terrible winter. The narrator was excellent.

Well written, but gruesome...

This was a good, well written historical novel. However I cannot say that I enjoyed it, as it was a gruesome and sad story. But, I knew that going in since it is about the Donner Party. Overall, I recommend this book, but with caution. Be prepared to hear gory details of the survival, and death of those in the Donner Party.

When winter comes

If I had understood what this story was really about, I doubt I would have picked it as a read. In addition, I did not like the way the story line swung from past to present because I thought it was being written in present tense, as if she was living through it instead of her past. Then once she introduced the present, I did not like the way the story line switched back and forth.

Great Read!!

I never write reviews but I really enjoyed this book!! Wry interesting historical context. Check it out.

Incredible account of what people have to endure.

I grew up near Donner pass even visited on field trips as a child. Had I red this book before my visit it would have felt much more realistic. She made me understand how this could have happened. Just a few miles from safety.

Great detail

I love historically accurate stories. I learned so much about how difficult it was for our ancestors to travel to California by wagon. Good writing and narration.

Great historical fiction

I have absolutely no qualms with this book. Narrator was excellent and pleasant to listen to, book wasn’t too long, learned lots of history and was not bored. Wonderful find in the free audible historical fiction category.

Good storytelling

The story was interesting. The narrator did an excellent job. Some of the details could be a little gruesome, but you should expect that given the subject. Just a precaution if you have a weak stomach.

Good storyline

Good story and reading. Not focused on the gore that usually follows this story but on a good story.

Interesting listen

Realistic without being too gruesome. Kept my intetest throughout. Now I want to research the tragedy myself!