50 pages • 1 hour read
Follow the River
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Book Brief
406
Novel • Fiction
American Frontier • 1750s
1981
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Follow the River by James Alexander Thom narrates the harrowing journey of Mary Draper Ingles, an ordinary woman who is kidnapped by Shawnee warriors in 1755, but escapes and treks hundreds of miles through perilous wilderness to reunite with her husband, Will. The story emphasizes Human Fragility in the Wilderness, Relationships Between Settlers and Indigenous Americans, and Love and Faith as a Source of Strength. This story contains discussions of racism, suicidal ideation, torture, potential sexual assault, wartime atrocities, and physical and psychological suffering.
Adventurous
Gritty
Suspenseful
Challenging
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
27,524 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
James Alexander Thom's Follow the River captivates readers with its vivid historical accuracy and gripping narrative about survival and resilience. Positive reviews highlight Thom's detailed research and compelling storytelling. However, some readers found the pacing uneven and the depictions occasionally grueling. Despite this, the novel remains a powerful read.
Who Should Read Follow the River?
Readers who relish tales of survival, Native American history, and rich historical detail will appreciate Follow the River by James Alexander Thom. Fans of books like Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand and The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper will find it particularly compelling.
27,524 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
406
Novel • Fiction
American Frontier • 1750s
1981
Adult
18+ years
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