The Indifferent Stars Above cover art

The Indifferent Stars Above

The Harrowing Saga of the Donner Party

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The Indifferent Stars Above

By: Daniel James Brown
Narrated by: Michael Prichard
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About this listen

From the #1 bestselling author of The Boys in the Boat and Facing the Mountain comes an unforgettable epic of family, tragedy, and survival on the American frontier

“An ideal pairing of talent and material.… Engrossing.… A deft and ambitious storyteller.” — Mary Roach, New York Times Book Review

In April of 1846, twenty-one-year-old Sarah Graves, intent on a better future, set out west from Illinois with her new husband, her parents, and eight siblings. Seven months later, after joining a party of pioneers led by George Donner, they reached the Sierra Nevada Mountains as the first heavy snows of the season closed the pass ahead of them. In early December, starving and desperate, Sarah and fourteen others set out for California on snowshoes, and, over the next thirty-two days, endured almost unfathomable hardships and horrors.

In this gripping narrative, New York Times bestselling author Daniel James Brown sheds new light on one of the most legendary events in American history. Following every painful footstep of Sarah’s journey with the Donner Party, Brown produces a tale both spellbinding and richly informative.

 Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Americas Historical North America State & Local United States Women Old West Wild West Illinois
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this becomes one of those things you look forward to, and miss once you've finished.

Attempts and succeeds at something that many histories try and few accomplish. putting the reader squarely, and at times, deeply uncomfortably in the shoes of the people to whom these terrible events occurred.

wasn't sure about Mr. Prichard's narration at first but quickly came to enjoy it and by the finish was certain no one else could have done it so well.

this is one that will stay with me I think.

one that stays with you

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A well researched look into the story of the Donner-Reed Party seen through the lens of Sarah Graves for the most part. I can't recommend this highly enough.

Outstanding!

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An incredible story! A harrowing but equally fascinating story about Sarah Graves and her family's time passing over the Sierra Nevada's toward California. Beautifully written and lovely narration.

Would highly recommend to anyone!

Excellent!

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Well told story of a tragic event in American History. The reader made you appreciate the hardships these people went through.

Tragic story you won’t forget

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Fascinating - I just wanted to leave that word as it really encompasses it but audible says I need 15 words.

Fascinating

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