Just kinda boring? The way the protagonist reacts to events is really understated and that just didn't work for me. There was so little emotional impact for all the things that happened and so I just didn't care that much either. I've enjoyed other books by this author so I'm not sure if this book is a different style or if my tastes have just changed.

Nitpicky note; protagonist describes making 3 bushels of acorns into flour in 2 days...I have made acorn flour and there is no way that is physically possible. ( )

Still Scott O’Dell, still the author behind “Island of the Blue Dolphins” but too much pointless wandering and plot swells that land nowhere. He’s done better work than this. ( )

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A disappointing read by a well-known author, based upon a true story from the Revolutionary War of the late 1700s. As this was published about the time of Scott O'Dell's death, I can't help but wonder if someone "finished" the book for him. Not recommended. ( )

What ages would I recommend it too? – Fifteen and up.

Length? – Most of a day’s read.

Characters? – Memorable, several characters.

Setting? – New England during the Revolutionary War.

Written approximately? – 1980.

Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? – Nightmares. Almost rape of the main character and unnecessary violence that doesn't lend to the plot.

Any issues the author (or a more recent publisher) should cover? A few notes about the war, time frame and witch hunts. Finish the story.

Short storyline: Sarah's father is murdered because he supports the King of England. Her brother is murdered on a prison ship because he doesn't. She escapes from the men holding the prison ship and flees for her life.

Notes for the reader: The novel just ends and doesn't tie up loose ends.

Her character is unbelievable and becomes more so as the story progresses. While she might have taken the trap off her the man's leg, she wouldn't have taken him to her cave, since he had previously tried to rape her. Nor would she have not spoken up during the "trial" held against her for witchcraft.

While this story is supposed to be based on a areal story, it makes you wonder what the real story really was. ( )