Where the Lost Wander: Book Review
Sometimes, a book sits on your shelf for ages, patiently waiting for you to discover the treasured story within its pages. And sometimes, you kick yourself for waiting so long to read a book after realizing it's one of the best books you've ever read. That's exactly how I felt after finishing Amy Harmon's Where the Lost Wander. Why did I wait so long to read this masterpiece? Where the Lost Wander is easily one of the best books I've read all year, and it will be a trophy read that I'll refer back to time and again. Take it from me: this is one historical fiction book you do not want to miss!
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Quick Look
- wagon trail historical fiction
- family saga
- closed door romance
- timeless classic
Published April 28, 2020
Publisher's Synopsis
The Overland Trail, 1853: Naomi May never expected to be widowed at twenty. Eager to leave her grief behind, she sets off with her family for a life out West. On the trail, she forms an instant connection with John Lowry, a half-Pawnee man straddling two worlds and a stranger in both.
But life in a wagon train is fraught with hardship, fear, and death. Even as John and Naomi are drawn to each other, the trials of the journey and their disparate pasts work to keep them apart. John’s heritage gains them safe passage through hostile territory only to come between them as they seek to build a life together.
When a horrific tragedy strikes, decimating Naomi’s family and separating her from John, the promises they made are all they have left. Ripped apart, they can’t turn back, they can’t go on, and they can’t let go. Both will have to make terrible sacrifices to find each other, save each other, and eventually…make peace with who they are.
My Review
Wow, y'all! I left my heart somewhere on the trail with Naomi and John, forever lost to the beauty of Where the Lost Wander. What an incredible adventure! This book had my full attention from the first page to the last. I was fully immersed in the saga, captivated by the character stories Harmon masterfully crafts.
When we first meet Naomi, it's clear she's strong-willed and headstrong. Widowed early, she's frustrated but resigned to make the best of her situation. As she first lays eyes on John, you can feel her pulse quicken, signaling early that this romance will be one for the ages. The perspective quickly changes, giving us a glimpse of Naomi through John's eyes, and it's instantly clear this will be a tug-and-pull love story designed to keep us all on our toes. I personally loved the romance in Where the Lost Wander. It felt tender and genuinely loving, with moments of tension and passion that were rewarding for those who enjoy a romance subplot.
Romance aside, the rest of the story is just as tense, with hardships and danger around every corner. Desentary, injury, animal theft, and hostilities with local tribes threaten the journey. When tragedy strikes, the characters are forced into unbelievable circumstances that likely could have occurred during this time. Harmon does an incredible job conjuring the reality of daily life on the months-long wagon trail. The novel feels gritty and lived-in, filled with as many quiet moments as loud ones.
One topic that must be discussed is the portrayal of Native tribes and culture. Initially, Natives appear to be depicted only in a negative light. While there are some violent encounters with Natives, there are many moments when Natives are depicted as helpful, kind, and loving. Harmon draws the reader into John's biracial experience through flashbacks and internal struggle. While the author tries to tread a careful line, I am not convinced everyone will appreciate her portrayal of Indigenous people. Harmon is not of Native descent, so this is not an own-voice story, so I think some may find aspects of her portrayal of Indigenous people hurtful. I tried to look at this through the lens of fiction, recognizing that the complexities of life during this period are challenging to portray and appreciating her efforts to show both sides of life on the trail.
My Rating
Where the Lost Wander literally blew me away. I doubt I will ever stop thinking about this beautiful book. It's a part adventure story, family drama, and romance, impeccably woven into an unforgettable tale. If all Amy Harmon's books are this good, we are all in for a treat! Anyone curious about Harmon's work or eager for a Western adventure should not think twice about picking up this book.
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