The Daughter's Walk: A Novel (Large Print) [B0792]

2011 HCDJ large print edition in nice clean condition. A mother's tragedy, a daughter's desire, and the 7,000 mile journey that changed their lives. In 1896 Norwegian American Helga Estby accepted a wager from the fashion industry to walk from Spokane, Washington to New York City within seven months in an effort to earn ten thousand dollars and save the family farm. She brought along her nineteen-year-old daughter, Clara, and the two made their way on the 3,500-mile trek by following the railroad tracks. After returning home to the Estby farm more than a year later, Clara chose to walk on alone - to pursue her dreams of becoming a businesswoman - leaving the family and changing her name. Her decisions initiated a more than twenty-year separation from the only life she had known.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "I'm so glad I was able to learn of the story of Helga and Clara Estby and I also really appreciate the depth of research embedded in this historical fiction rendition of their story. So many small details bring the time period to life. It is a Christian novel, and faith plays a role, especially for Helga and also Clara's friends, and Clara, towards the end. Several main messages emerge: the lasting effects of bitterness; the courage of women; and the cultural experiences of immigrants forging a new life in America in the Victorian era."; "I enjoy historical fiction, especially when some of the basis is factual. It is not a happy story but probably closely relates to women of those times, especially independent ones. I liked the story itself but struggled thru the lengthy details of fur trapping."; "I totally enjoyed this wonderful story of a family struggling to maintain their lives on a family farm in Washington state in the early 1900's. The story moves through the years into the 1930's. It may be depressing to some but in actuality it is a good representation of the many ups and downs of navigating life. Jane Kirkpatrick is becoming a favorite author!"